Naval Architect
About The Position
We are hiring a Mid to Senior Level Naval Architect to take complete ownership of the naval architecture for 15-ft and 35-ft prototype vessels. The work includes clean-sheet hull hydrodynamics, structural design, stability, and weight management, from initial concept through fabrication, testing, and deployment. The role is structured around a critical build sprint and begins ASAP. It reports directly to the CTO, described as a former NASA Chief Engineer. The position involves designing high-speed vessels for demanding maritime environments, developing engineering models and manufacturing drawings, guiding prototype construction, and collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and autonomy teams. The work is hybrid and largely remote around the Bay Area, California, with on-site work expected during critical build phases. The build sprint runs through November. Candidates must be able to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements, which may include qualifying as a U.S. person.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- At least 8 years of relevant naval architecture or marine engineering experience; catamaran design experience is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in hull design, hydrodynamics, stability analysis, and marine structural engineering.
- Proficiency in Rhino, Maxsurf, NAPA, SolidWorks, or comparable naval architecture and design software.
- Working knowledge of FRP composites, marine-grade aluminum, structural design, and weight management.
- Ability to independently lead engineering projects, manage competing priorities, and deliver designs from concept through fabrication and testing.
- Willingness to work in a fast-paced, hands-on prototype development environment.
- Ability to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements, which may include qualifying as a U.S. person.
Nice To Haves
- Direct experience designing high-speed planing hulls, catamarans, or autonomous surface vessels (ASVs/USVs).
- Experience taking marine vessels from clean-sheet design through fabrication, testing, and deployment.
- Hands-on experience with early-stage marine hardware development and prototype construction.
- Experience participating in offshore operations, vessel deployments, and sea trials.
- Familiarity with applicable maritime standards and regulations, including USCG and ABS requirements.
Responsibilities
- Lead design and development of hull forms, structural layouts, and overall naval architecture for 15-ft and 35-ft prototype vessels, from concept through deployment.
- Conduct resistance and powering calculations, stability assessments, and seakeeping analysis for high-speed vessels.
- Develop detailed 2D and 3D models and manufacturing drawings using Rhino, Maxsurf, SolidWorks, and other relevant engineering tools.
- Refine designs based on structural analysis and real-world sea-trial results.
- Guide and oversee vessel construction, including FRP composite fabrication, marine aluminum structures, and integration of structural components.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and autonomy teams to support vessel integration and troubleshoot technical issues.
- Participate in ocean testing and sea trials.
- Independently lead engineering projects, manage competing priorities, and deliver designs from concept through fabrication and testing.
Benefits
- Early-stage stock options.
- Employer-sponsored health coverage.
- Employer-sponsored dental coverage.
- Employer-sponsored vision coverage.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
