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Naval architect

Naval architects work as part of a team of technical staff responsible for designing, producing and repairing safe, sea-worthy surface or underwater vessels.

Within the UK there are more than 1,500 pleasure and small boat-building companies, some of whom have as many as 50 employees

Naval architect job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Responsibilities of the job typically include:

assessing project requirements and researching feasibility
agreeing/negotiating project budgets, timescales and specifications with clients
developing and utilising test procedures including computer modelling and scale models
interpreting and analysing test results/data
producing designs and detailed drawings
writing reports and documentation
giving presentations
problem solving
undertaking relevant research
sourcing and purchasing components, equipment and materials
ensuring adherence to appropriate health and safety legislation/standards
supervising junior staff
providing technical advice
answering queries from clients.

Typical employers of naval architects

government departments (particularly the Ministry of Defence)
boat and ship builders/repairers
companies that construct/repair smaller craft
design consultants
offshore constructors
ship survey/regulatory societies
companies that maintain/repair naval submarines and ships.

Jobs are advertised online, by careers services and specialist recruitment agencies, in newspapers and in relevant publications including Offshore Engineer, Marine Engineers Review, The Engineer, Engineering, Professional Engineering, and Engineering News.

Applications (particularly those to larger employers) should be made early in the academic year – directories such as Lloyd’s Maritime Directory may be helpful for speculative applications.

Qualifications and training required

A degree or HND in a relevant subject such as marine or mechanical engineering, engineering design or civil or structural engineering is essential. Relevant shipyard/design office work experience is desirable – final year project work, sponsorship, vacation work and 'year out' placements can provide a useful insight into the profession.

Specialist positions may require postgraduate qualifications. Currently, chartered naval architects must hold an accredited engineering or technology honours degree (2.1). They must also be registered with the Engineering Council UK and be members of The Royal Institution of Naval Architects.