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Graduate Naval Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Naval Architect

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

Whether you're a recent graduate looking to launch your career or an experienced professional ready ... The Naval Architect is responsible for generating the designs of new-build commercial vessels.

New

Naval Architect

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

Whether you're a recent graduate looking to launch your career or an experienced professional ready ... The Naval Architect is responsible for generating the designs of new-build commercial vessels.

New

Providing supervision of team of 20+ staff, including Naval Architect, ship crew, and program admin ... Education/Certifications: Maritime Academy graduate OR 5 years Master/Chief Mate experience.

Education Maritime academy graduate or degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or related maritime discipline. USCG Senior engineering license. Duties and Responsibilities: Duties and ...

Education Maritime academy graduate or degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or related maritime discipline. USCG Senior engineering license. Duties and Responsibilities: Duties and ...

Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of nine years of relevant experience; or a Graduate Degree with a ... Experience collaborating with shipyards, naval architects, platform integrators, prime contractors ...

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Graduate Naval Architect information

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$19.5K

$94.3K

$143K

How much do graduate naval architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate naval architect in the United States is $94,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Graduate Naval Architect job?

A Graduate Naval Architect is an entry-level role for recent graduates in naval architecture or related fields. They assist in designing, analyzing, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of ships, boats, and marine structures. Responsibilities may include computational modeling, stability analysis, structural assessments, and collaboration with engineers and shipbuilders. This role provides hands-on experience and professional development opportunities, often leading to chartered status in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Naval Architect position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Naval Architect, you need a strong grasp of engineering principles, hydrodynamics, and ship design, typically with a degree in naval architecture or marine engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis tools, and regulatory standards such as SOLAS and IMO conventions is often required. Excellent problem-solving skills, effective teamwork, and strong communication abilities set standout candidates apart. These competencies are vital for successfully designing safe, efficient vessels and contributing effectively to multi-disciplinary maritime projects.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for a Graduate Naval Architect?

As a Graduate Naval Architect, your days will often involve supporting senior engineers with vessel design calculations, preparing technical drawings, and conducting stability analyses. You’ll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including structural engineers, marine engineers, and project managers to ensure that designs meet client specifications and regulatory requirements. You may also participate in site visits, model testing, and regular project meetings to track progress and address emerging technical challenges. This hands-on exposure helps you quickly develop practical skills and a deep understanding of the shipbuilding process while working in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Naval Architect jobs? The most popular types of Graduate Naval Architect jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Naval Architect jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Naval Architect jobs are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Naval Architect job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,251 per year, or $45.3 per hour.
Naval Architect

$70K - $125K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

New


Job description

Description

Chesapeake Shipbuilding is seeking Entry-Level and Experienced Naval Architects to join our Engineering Department in Salisbury, Maryland. Whether you're a recent graduate looking to launch your career or an experienced professional ready to take on challenging commercial vessel designs, you'll play a key role in designing and supporting the construction of U.S.-built passenger vessels from concept through delivery.


This is a full-time, salary exempt, on-site position

Why Should You Apply?

  • Competitive Pay:  $70,000 (Entry Level) - $125,000 based on experience.
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available for employees and their families. Full-time employees are eligible beginning the first day of the month following their start date. 
  • Company-Paid Insurance: $20,000 AD&D life insurance and short-term disability coverage provided at no cost to full-time employees. 
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Available for eligible employees.  
  • 401(k) with 5% Company Match: Available for full-time and part-time employees. 
  • Paid Holidays: Six company-paid holidays each year. 
  • Paid Sick and Vacation: 
    • 80 hours during your first year 
    • 96 hours after 1 year 
    • 144 hours after 5 years 
    • 168 hours after 10 years 
  • Career Growth Opportunities: Advance within your department or explore opportunities across the shipyard while working with a supportive and empowered team. 

REPORTS TO: Director of Engineering, Vice President, President


MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:  The Naval Architect is responsible for generating the designs of new-build commercial vessels. Using engineering principles, the code of federal regulations, and sound judgement, the naval architect must be able to produce comprehensive ship designs that yield a vessel that is compliant with applicable regulations in addition to being easy to build and maintain. General arrangements, hull shape, structural fire protection, egress, structures, machinery arrangements, weights & centers, and hydrostatics are the key areas of focus. Other duties include engineering support work of skilled trades, and other office duties (typical of a small office) as assigned. 


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TASKS: 

  • Create drawings in AutoCAD for systems including HVAC, Structures, Stability, Electrical Distribution, Piping Systems, Main Propulsion, Navigation Systems, General Arrangements, etc. for compliance to 46 Code of Federal Regulations
  • Apply ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels to design scantlings and welding schedule for new building vessels.
  • Form a 3D hull shape using Rhino. Export surfaces to SolidWorks and create a detailed structural model of a vessel.
  • Submit detailed plans and calculations to USCG Marine Safety Center for review and approval.
  • Apply knowledge of first principles to structural calculations for beams and columns.
  • Be primary point of contact for hired out naval architect services such as CFD and propeller design. Interpret results.
  • Perform a weight estimate during the preliminary design phase and evaluate compliance with applicable regulations of 46CFR subchapter S. Adjust hull shape, arrangements and weights to ensure compliance.
  • Perform deadweight surveys and inclinings during construction.
  • Select propulsion systems and produce detailed drawings of machinery installations. Take lead on interfacing with propulsion & prime mover vendors.
  • Generate detailed design drawings that include all views and dimensions necessary for manufacturing.
  • Spend up-to 30% of time in the shipyard supporting the production, fabrication, installation, and erection of systems designed. 
  • Understand and apply the standards in 46 CFR T, K, F, and J as well as ABS Marine Vessel Rules.
  • Assist production crews on the lay-out and fit-up of steel and aluminum assemblies.
  • Seek quotes for equipment and parts needed for production and fabrication.
  • Other tasks as directed.

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Candidates must possess the following professional experience and qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or Marine Engineering from accredited 4-year university.
  • 5 years minimum experience in shipbuilding, design office, or salvage support is preferred.
  • Must possess excellent communication and organizational skills: verbal and written English, mandatory.
  • Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, GHS and Rhino.
  • Must be able to take detailed verbal directions and deliver accurate drawings.
  • Strong attention to quality, organization skills, computing, and presentation skills.
  • Strong work ethic and dedication.
  • Must work well in a team dynamic.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • All types of physical movement are required for this position to successfully perform the essential functions
  • Ability to use upper and lower extremities
  • Ability to work outside in heat, inclement weather, and cold
  • Ability to crawl, kneel, crouch, climb, and bend around and under equipment, on ladders up to 24' at heights up to 70', stairs, scaffolds, through small accesses, enter inside of tanks, and confined spaces, through hatches, and manholes throughout much of the work shift
  • Ability to work over bodies of water
  • Ability to traverse uneven terrain, including loose pack gravel
  • Operate in isolation within the skeleton of ships, wearing heavy protective gear and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 lbs

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Normal level of visual acuity needed. Must be able to understand and follow directions. Normal hearing level needed. Hand-eye coordination required.


HAZARDS: Weather, fumes, high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, equipment, and vibration.


SHIFTS:

Monday - Friday 

Day Shift: 7:00am - 3:30pm 

Overtime and Weekend required based on business needs