Assistant Ship Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Position Description & Qualifications
If you love high profile and challenging projects supporting the US Navy and Commercial Customers - we have a great opportunity for you!
Serco is seeking an experienced Naval Architect with specialized expertise in hydrodynamics and ship design to be part of our dynamic Maritime Engineering Operation (MEO) as a Senior Naval Architect. This role is critical for providing advanced technical guidance on ship design, performance analysis, and optimization, particularly focusing on hydrodynamic principles and their integration into the ship design process.
This position is contingent upon your ability to obtain/maintain/transfer an active DoD Secret security clearance.
The ideal candidate will have substantial experience working with Navy projects, offering expert-level support to ensure vessels are designed for optimal performance, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This senior-level position works on high-visibility or mission-critical aspects of programs or projects and performs tasks and duties independently.
In this role you will:

• Provide expert-level guidance and support on hydrodynamics, vessel performance, and ship design, ensuring adherence to applicable standards.
• Offer expert support, analysis, research, and advice on exceptionally intricate problems, and processes.
• Execute highly specialized and technical tasks associated with the most current and cutting-edge technologies.
• Conduct detailed hydrodynamic analyses, including resistance, propulsion, seakeeping, and maneuvering assessments, to optimize ship design.
• Review and provide technical feedback on design concepts, performance predictions, and CFD analyses.
• Perform hydrodynamic simulations and work with analysis tools, such as CFD software and hydrodynamic performance modeling.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate hydrodynamic principles into the overall ship design process, ensuring all disciplines (structures, systems, propulsion, etc.) work seamlessly together.
• Provide recommendations on the optimization of ship hull forms, propulsion systems, and other design elements to maximize vessel performance, fuel efficiency, and operational availability.
• Conduct technical reviews of design documentation, calculations, and reports to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Interface directly with Navy and commercial customers to provide expert-level insights and address complex hydrodynamic and design challenges.
• Assist in the development of new technologies and methods for hydrodynamic optimization, contributing to innovative approaches in ship design.
• Provide support in risk assessments and troubleshooting technical issues related to hydrodynamics during the design, production, and operational phases of projects.
• Stay current with advancements in hydrodynamics, ship design technologies, and industry best practices, sharing insights with the team and ensuring continuous improvement in design processes.
• Mentor and/or supervise more junior-level engineers and potentially lead large teams in technical task completion.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A current DoD Secret security Clearance or the ability to quickly obtain a Secret Security Clearance.
• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Naval Architecture. May consider Marine Engineering or related field depending on experience.
• 10+ years of professional experience in naval architecture. Lead/SME position considered for 15+ years or if highly recognized in the U.S. Navy community or possesses PhD in a related field.
• An advanced expertise in hydrodynamics, including vessel resistance, propulsion, seakeeping, and maneuvering analysis.
• Experience using CFD tools and other hydrodynamic modeling software.
• An in-depth knowledge of Navy ship design.
• A strong background in ship design, hull form optimization, and the integration of hydrodynamic principles into the overall vessel design process.
• The ability to solve complex engineering problems and provide technical recommendations on ship design and performance.
• A strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• The ability to travel 10%.

Additional desired experience and skills:

• Proficiency in naval architecture design tools such as Rhino, Orca3D, ShipConstructor, and MATLAB.
• Experience with autonomous vessels, digital twins, or advanced naval technologies.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations, sustainability practices, and energy-efficient ship designs.

If you believe you have the expertise we're looking for, we encourage you to submit your application now for immediate consideration. It only takes a few minutes and could be the perfect next step in your career!
Serco Inc. is using this posting for the purpose of building a talent pipeline of qualified candidatesfor future anticipated growth. This position is not a funded/active opening. Should the position become funded/active, qualified candidates will be invited to re-apply to the updated posting.
Company Overview
Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco's 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.
To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: careers@serco-na.com or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.
Candidates may be asked to present proof of identity during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.
Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email Agencies@serco-na.com.
Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Pay Transparency
Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance-so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities.Benefits - Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role):

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
• 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Plan

To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.
Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco's external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: careers@serco-na.com.