Senior Naval Architect

Panthalassa • Portland, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are developing a core technology that will operate in the worst conditions the world’s oceans have to offer for years at a time without human maintenance or intervention. As a Senior Naval Architect, you will be a critical contributor to the design and delivery of our hull systems — performing stability and weights analyses, developing structural and mechanical designs, and driving drawing releases that keep fabrication on track. Your work will ensure our ocean-deployed systems are seaworthy, fabrication-ready, and high-performing in the harshest marine conditions. You will apply the lens of naval architecture across the Node program, driving requirements for stability, seakeeping, and marine operations. You will also contribute to hydrodynamic analyses and lead multidisciplinary investigations into hydrodynamic loads. We expect you to be especially strong in analysis and to gravitate toward first-principles, fundamental-physics approaches to problem-solving. Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment in which the best ideas change the company’s direction on a regular basis. If you are an excellent engineer, regardless of your background, we want you to apply. Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Stoke, Boeing, Virgin Orbit, Virgin Galactic, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries. We are organized as a public benefit corporation and are backed by leading venture capital firms, private investors, philanthropic investors, and endowments. We strive to be the best engineering team on the planet and we compensate our engineers accordingly.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or similar field.
• 5+ years of professional experience performing stability, seakeeping, and weights/balances analyses in a Naval Architecture role.
• Professional experience using GHS or equivalent vessel stability software (e.g. Maxsurf, Orca3D).
• Professional experience using a parametric CAD package (e.g. NX, Solidworks) to model parts, assemblies, and generate fabrication drawings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to provide guidance and technical material to engineers, designers, technicians, and suppliers, adeptly receiving and incorporating their guidance and technical information into your approach.
• Confidence working independently to drive a project forward.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with RANS theory and tools (Star-CCM+, OpenFoam)
• Experience using high-end hydrodynamics analysis software to estimate vessel motions (e.g. Ansys AQWA, Maxsurf Motion, WAMIT).
• Proficiency with Orcaflex.
• 5+ years of 3D CAD modeling experience.
• Experience with NX/Teamcenter.
• Experience with Rhino3D CAD software.
• Experience with finite element analysis (NX NASTRAN, FEMAP) software packages.
• Experience using Python, Julia, MATLAB, or a similar programming language for data review and analysis.
• Experience using AI tools (e.g. Cursor, Claude, Copilot) for programming and analysis workflows.
• Experience working with regulatory and class on novel projects.
• Prior experience working in a marine environment and/or with marine vessels.
• Proficient and frequent user of hand calculations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, self-starting, and demanding atmosphere.
• A curiosity to learn and a passion for continuous improvement.
• Solid understanding of technical projects from the details to the big picture.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform and maintain stability and weights & balances analyses using GHS and other internal tools.
• Develop and release Node structure drawings, driving drawing releases to keep fabrication ungated.
• Perform detailed design of mechanical, structural, and support subsystems (e.g. human access, shoreside support).
• Determine requirements for the Node program relating to stability, seakeeping, mooring, structures, and marine operations.
• Drive hydrodynamic loads investigations involving multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to Orcaflex analyses and hydrodynamic studies.
• Drive Node program strategies for corrosion mitigation and biofouling prevention.
• Work closely with the Marine Operations Engineering team to develop concepts of operations and ensure Nodes can be safely and reliably deployed and recovered at sea.
• Serve as a naval architecture focal for external communications with regulators, insurance partners, and marine surveyors.
• Lead and participate in design reviews with the internal team and interface with external fabricators and vendors.

Benefits

• Flexible paid time off
• Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold level PPO plan for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
• Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees, their partners and dependents)
• Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees, their partners and dependents)
• Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long term financial support if you become disabled)
• Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA.
• Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).
• Cash compensation of $185,000 - $235,000
• Equity in the company

What This Job Offers

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