Senior Naval Architect (Contingent)

Zel Technologies • Virginia Beach, VA

2d

About The Position

ZelTech is seeking a Naval Architect to lead the design, analysis, and integration of surface and subsurface unmanned systems (UxS) in support of a government customer. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in naval architecture, hydrodynamics, and structural design, as well as experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and modeling and simulation (M&S) tools to support engineering analysis, system integration, and lifecycle development.

Requirements

• Must be a US citizen.
• Must have an active SECRET clearance.
• MA, in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• At least 7 years of professional engineering experience, including experience in naval platform design, unmanned maritime systems, or DoD ship design and integration programs.
• Proficiency in hull and structural design software: Orca3D, Rhino, GHS, NAPA.
• Experience with CAD tools (Ship Constructor, AutoCAD), CFD tools (Star-CCM+, OpenFOAM), and structural analysis tools (FEMAP, NASTRAN).
• Demonstrated experience applying MBSE tools and methodologies such as SysML and Cameo.
• Familiarity with Navy, USCG, and classification society standards (e.g., ABS, DNV).
• Excellent technical writing, reporting, and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of hydrodynamics, hydrostatics, weight estimation, stability analysis, and structural design methods relevant to manned and unmanned maritime platforms.
• Proficiency in interpreting and generating technical drawings, design specifications, and simulation outputs.
• Successful background and drug screening check.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in naval or marine engineering.
• Experience supporting DoD maritime R&D and acquisition programs.
• Familiarity with open architecture design, modular payload integration, and vehicle control systems.
• Experience integrating unmanned or autonomous maritime systems.
• Knowledge of digital engineering, simulation-based design, and survivability modeling best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept development, hull form design, and systems integration for manned and unmanned marine platforms.
• Conduct hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, seakeeping, and stability assessments, including intact and damaged conditions.
• Perform structural survivability evaluations to assess compliance with mission performance, strength, and environmental load requirements.
• Support and interpret model testing, tank trials, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations.
• Ensure design compliance with applicable standards including ABS, USCG, and NAVSEA specifications.
• Apply MBSE methodologies (e.g., SysML/Cameo) to integrate system models with naval architecture design and requirements management.
• Develop and deliver technical data packages, including hull drawings, stability reports, weight estimates, CFD validation summaries, and compliance documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams (systems, mechanical, electrical, and software) throughout the development lifecycle.
• Participate in technical reviews, Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), and stakeholder meetings.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k immediate vesting with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account with company contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bonuses for performance
• Voluntary life/accidental death & dismemberment
• Educational assistance and special training programs
• Voluntary benefits (accidental, critical illness, whole life)
• Group life insurance (Company paid)
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance (Company paid)
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Leave, Jury Duty, and Military Leave
• Health and fitness reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Employee discounts on various services and products

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees