1

Boat Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Designing best-in-class interfaces for recreational boat control, commercial vessel subsystems, and customer service experiences, spanning both Arc Sport (consumer) and Tug/Ferry (commercial)

UX UI Designer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$160K/yr

Designing best-in-class interfaces for recreational boat control, commercial vessel subsystems, and customer service experiences, spanning both Arc Sport (consumer) and Tug/Ferry (commercial)

Waterborne Security Boat Instructor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Deliver high-risk, group-paced instruction on security boat tactics, techniques, and procedures in ... We provide a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, designed to support health ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Boat Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do boat designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat designer in California is $82,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a boat designer?

A Boat Designer is responsible for creating the structural and aesthetic design of boats, ships, and other marine vessels. They use engineering principles, creativity, and specialized software to develop functional and visually appealing designs. Boat Designers consider factors such as materials, hydrodynamics, stability, and safety regulations to ensure optimal performance. They often collaborate with naval architects, engineers, and manufacturers throughout the design and production process.

What does a boat designer do?

A typical day for a Boat Designer involves developing and refining design concepts, creating detailed technical drawings, and conducting design reviews or simulations. You’ll work closely with naval architects, engineers, and production teams to ensure designs meet structural, performance, and safety standards. Collaboration with clients and stakeholders is also common, often to clarify requirements or present new design ideas. This role can involve both desk-based CAD work and hands-on visits to shipyards or manufacturing sites to oversee prototypes and production.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a boat designer?

To thrive as a Boat Designer, you need a strong background in naval architecture, mechanical design, and a solid understanding of hydrodynamics and materials, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software such as Rhino, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks, as well as familiarity with industry standards and safety regulations, is essential. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and creativity are vital for collaborating with clients and project teams. These skills ensure designs are both innovative and functional, meeting client expectations and safety requirements in a highly technical field.

How do you become a boat designer?

To become a boat designer, typically a person needs a bachelor's degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or apprenticeships and developing skills in CAD software and hydrodynamics are also important steps in the career path.

What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Boat Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Boat Designer jobs in California?

For Boat Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boat Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Designer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Boat Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Small Boat Captain

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$30 - $42/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Relocation: No relocation offered for this position
Worksite: NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
Status: Part-Time
Classification: Non-Exempt
Travel: Yes
Pay: $30-$42/hr, depending on license, qualifications, and experience
Job Summary
Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking an experienced and well-qualified captain to provide vessel support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) in Santa Barbara, CA. CINMS operates and maintains the 62' research vessel Shearwater , the 28' research vessel Minke , and occasionally other NOAA-owned vessels on the West Coast to conduct scientific research, monitoring, exploration, and education/outreach missions, while preserving submerged resources and increasing awareness of maritime heritage.
CPC is looking for a captain who is passionate about missions in the field of marine sciences (oceanographic missions, hydrographic missions, general research missions, etc.). Our ideal candidate will not only be a capable boat handler but also well versed in maintenance of small boats. and the vessels require regular maintenance and periodic troubleshooting.
Tasks
• Ensure the safe navigation and mechanical operation of the vessels at all times, in accordance with all NOAA policy guidelines, vessel operations manuals, vessel standing orders, and specifically NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual (NSBSPM), NOA 209-125, MARPOL, and COLREGS.
• Exercise prudent judgment at all times. Be willing, able, and capable of responding to shipboard emergencies and actively participate in drills.
• Ensure vessels are maintained in accordance with the NOAA Small Boat Program requirements. Conduct an Operational Risk Assessment with crew members prior to getting underway. This includes assessing weather and sea-state forecasts for the mission area.
• Coordinate and support emergent repairs to CINMS small boat assets as required. Provide oversight during shipyard and repair periods. Help coordinate engineering work requiring certified technician assistance from engineering contractors, naval architects, electricians, and marine surveyors if required.
• Verify cruise and float plans and communicate with the shore-side point of contact frequently when underway.
• Conduct the vessel pre-departure checklist, hold a safety briefing for all embarked personnel at the start of every cruise day, and ensure that all safety procedures are understood and adhered to while underway.
• Operate deck equipment including A-frame, scientific winch, capstan, boat crane, Nitrox dive air compressor and small skiff.
• Document all vessel-related activities in the ship's log.
• Be ready and available for emergency responses.
Requirements
Required certifications and experience
• Possess an active USCG license (100 tons or above).
• Current First Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
• At least 2 years of experience working on NOAA vessels, or similar research or law enforcement vessels.
• Ability to work collegially with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
• Experience operating overhead load handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A-Frames, and small cranes.
• Experience with deployment and recovery of scientific equipment, divers, and vessel skiff using A frame, oceanographic winch, capstan and boat crane.
• Experience performing maintenance tasks on marine engines and systems; engineering/mechanical background and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of current U.S. Coast Guard inland and International navigation rules.
• Working knowledge of FCC marine radio licensing requirements and operations procedures, including marine distress communications.
• Physically able to lift and carry 75 pounds to assist with mission mobilization and maintenance.
• Physically able to work in confined machinery spaces and in remote and rugged offshore environments.
Highly desired skills and experience
• Knowledge and experience with California coastline, especially around the Channel Islands.
• Experience driving/following transect lines at low speed.
• Experience with Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) tracking.
• Experience with vessel operations for SCUBA diving operations at anchor and live boating.
AAP/EEO Statement
CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary Description
$30-$42/hr, DOE