Naval Architect

HavocAI • Rumford, RI

8h • Hybrid

About The Position

Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within. About the Role: We are seeking an experienced Naval Architect to join our Hardware Engineering team. This role requires deep expertise in the design, analysis, and development of maritime vessels across diverse operating environments. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in classical and historic vessel design principles—combined with modern computational and analytical tools—to evaluate and optimize hydrodynamics, intact and damaged stability, seakeeping, controllability, structural integration, and overall vessel performance. This individual will play a central role in shaping hull forms, vessel architecture, and system integration from early concept development through detailed design, testing, and production.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in naval architecture and vessel design.
• Demonstrated experience designing various classes of maritime vessels (e.g., displacement craft, planing hulls, multihulls, foiling vehicles, submersibles and semisubmersibles).
• Strong understanding of hydrodynamics, hydrostatics, intact and damaged stability, and vessel controllability.
• Proficiency with modern naval architecture and analysis tools (e.g., Rhino/Orca3D, GHS, NAPA, Maxsurf, STAR-CCM+, ANSYS, OpenFOAM, or equivalent).
• Experience using CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks or similar) for structural and system integration.
• Solid understanding of marine structural design principles and load cases.
• Experience supporting sea trials and correlating analytical models to operational data.
• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or a closely related field.
• U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Secret Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with uncrewed or autonomous maritime systems.
• Familiarity with historic vessel design approaches and their application to modern performance optimization.
• Experience with high-speed craft, hybrid hull forms, or novel propulsion concepts.
• Knowledge of classification society rules (ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s Register, etc.) and regulatory compliance pathways.
• Experience with weight control programs and configuration management.
• Strong troubleshooting and field-support mindset.
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of vessel architectures from initial requirements through detailed design as well as modification to existing platforms
• Define hull form characteristics, general arrangements, weight estimates, stability strategy, and performance targets based on mission needs and operational environments.
• Leverage knowledge of historic and contemporary vessel designs to inform efficient, seaworthy, and manufacturable solutions.
• Conduct hydrodynamic analyses to assess resistance, propulsion efficiency, seakeeping behavior, maneuverability, and controllability across operational profiles.
• Collaborate with structural and mechanical engineers to integrate hull structures, bulkheads, decks, mounting foundations, and payload interfaces into the overall vessel architecture.
• Perform intact and damaged stability analyses in accordance with applicable regulatory frameworks and mission requirements.
• Evaluate trim, heel, righting moments, load cases, and weight distribution to ensure safe and robust vessel operation in varying maritime environments.
• Assess vessel maneuvering characteristics, including turning performance, course-keeping, low-speed handling, and dynamic stability.
• Work with controls and propulsion engineers to refine rudder, foil, thruster, and appendage configurations to meet controllability objectives.
• Support prototype builds, vessel trials, and performance validation activities.
• Participate in dock trials, sea trials, and post-test analysis to validate hydrodynamic predictions, stability performance, and controllability models.

Benefits

• 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families
• Life Insurance (Employer Paid)
• Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)
• Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum
• Equity Package
• Work / Home Office Stipend
• Global Entry
• 16 Week Paid Parental Leave
• Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level