Job Description
Position: Naval Architect / Exterior Designer\n\nJob ID: 187/177\n\nLocation: Southampton, UK\n\nRate/Salary: Negotiable dependent on experience and skill level\n\nBenefits: 25 days annual leave per year, Employer Pension contribution, Death in Service cover, Cycle to Work scheme, TELUS Assistance Programme, Sick Pay Scheme\n\nType: Permanent\n\nHSB Technical Ltd is a specialist recruiter within the Power & Propulsion, Shipbuilding, Maritime Shipping, Energy, and Subsea sectors – visit (url removed) for a full list of our current vacancies. We work with multiple leading businesses across the UK and overseas to recruit for both permanent and contract roles.\n\nThe below job description outlines the position of: Naval Architect \n\nTypically, the successful candidate will be responsible for producing and delivering high-quality technical drawings and design documentation in line with design schedules and project timelines. They will play a key role in supporting design development, yard operations, and project teams by providing accurate and detailed technical data throughout the build and commissioning phases.\n\nHSB Technical’s client is an established and well-regarded business entity known for delivering quality and innovation within the marine industry.\n\nDuties and responsibilities of the Naval Architect \n\nCreate, maintain, and manage comprehensive technical documentation focused on Naval Architecture and exterior fit-out aspects of vessel construction and new model development.\n\t\nIssue design drawings and technical information, coordinating closely with external suppliers, fabricators, and production teams to ensure alignment and timely updates.\n\t\nWork collaboratively with production and fabrication teams to implement design corrections and updates, aiming to streamline build processes and minimise potential delays or complications.\n\t\nMaintain and update critical design information databases, including drawing issue registers, weight estimates, sail plans, deck plans, and general arrangements.\n\t\nProvide technical input into weight studies, cradle design, docking plans, rigging component design, and load calculations to support safe and efficient vessel construction.\n\t\nLead surface modelling and GRP tooling design efforts as required.\n\t\nSpecify and design deck fittings, including both standard parts and custom fabrications such as stainless steel components and exterior mechanical installations (e.g., pushpits, passerelles, biminis, deck hatches).\n\t\nAttend development and project meetings to stay current with design changes and incorporate production feedback effectively.\n\t\nConduct research into new technical specifications, systems, or component designs to support continuous improvement in design and manufacturing processes.\n\nQualifications and requirements for the Naval Architect \n\nDegree-level qualification in Naval Architecture, Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.\n\t\nPractical and theoretical knowledge of sailing yachts, with a strong understanding of Naval Architecture principles.\n\t\nSound knowledge of stainless steel, aluminium, and composite fabrication techniques, and experience specifying sailing systems such as hydraulic rams, furlers, and winches.\n\t\nSolid understanding of mechanical systems relevant to vessel design and construction.\n\t\nProficiency in 3D parametric modelling software (preferably NX) and 2D AutoCAD draughting \n\t\nCompetent user of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, to manage and analyse technical data.\n\t\nProven practical experience within the marine industry, ideally in a similar design or naval architecture role.\n\t\nExcellent communication skills with the ability to interpret and convey complex technical drawings and information clearly to production and project teams.\n\t\nSelf-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently while maintaining organisation and attention to detail.\n\t\nWillingness and ability to travel occasionally to other company or project sites as required.\n\nThis vacancy is being advertised by HSB Technical Ltd who have been appointed to act as a recruitment partner for this role