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Senior Naval Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Overview We are seeking a talented and motivated Senior Naval Architect to support the design, analysis, and development of autonomous surface vessels. This role will provide hands-on experience ...

Senior Naval Architect

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Job Title Senior Naval Architect Location Bethesda, MD 20800 US (Primary) Category Research, Development, and Engineering Job Type Full-Time Career Level Staff Education Master's Degree Travel ...

As a Senior Naval Architect, you will be a critical contributor to the design and delivery of the Node's hull - performing stability, weights, and seakeeping analyses; developing structural and ...

Senior Naval Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

Job Overview We are seeking a talented and motivated Senior Naval Architect to support the design, analysis, and development of autonomous surface vessels. This role will provide hands‑on ...

As a Senior Naval Architect, you will be a critical contributor to the design and delivery of the Node's hull - performing stability, weights, and seakeeping analyses; developing structural and ...

As a Senior Naval Architect, you will be a critical contributor to the design and delivery of the Node's hull - performing stability, weights, and seakeeping analyses; developing structural and ...

Senior Naval Architect

Portland, OR · On-site

$185 - $235/hr

As a Senior Naval Architect, you will be a critical contributor to the design and delivery of our hull systems -- performing stability and weights analyses, developing structural and mechanical ...

$150 - $220/hr

TEAM MEMBERS AT VOLTARI ELECTRIC CANADA IN FRONT OF A PATROL 26 Voltari is seeking an exceptional Senior Naval Architect to lead the next chapter of our vessel design evolution. This is a unique ...

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Senior Naval Architect information

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$74K

$123.9K

$191.5K

How much do senior naval architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior naval architect in the United States is $123,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,500.00 and $141,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior naval architect do?

A Senior Naval Architect is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of ships, submarines, and other marine vessels and structures. They use advanced engineering principles to ensure that vessels are safe, efficient, and meet regulatory requirements. Their work often involves overseeing design teams, performing stability and hydrodynamics analyses, and coordinating with shipyards and clients to ensure successful project delivery. Senior Naval Architects play a key role in innovating solutions for both commercial and military maritime needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior naval architect?

To thrive as a Senior Naval Architect, you need advanced expertise in marine engineering, hydrodynamics, and structural design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and significant industry experience. Proficiency with CAD software, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, and regulatory standards like IMO and SOLAS is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure safe, innovative, and cost-effective vessel designs while facilitating effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

What are some typical challenges faced by senior naval architects when leading multidisciplinary teams on complex vessel projects?

Senior Naval Architects often coordinate with engineers, designers, and project managers to ensure vessel designs meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards. A common challenge is balancing technical requirements with client expectations and budget constraints, all while adhering to tight project timelines. Effective communication and strong leadership are essential in resolving conflicts and integrating feedback from different disciplines. Navigating regulatory approvals and managing design changes during the project lifecycle also require adaptability and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Senior Naval Architect vs Naval Engineer?

AspectSenior Naval ArchitectNaval Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering, professional certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Marine Engineering or Naval Architecture, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, shipyards, research facilitiesShipyards, manufacturing plants, design firms
Industry UsageDesigning ships, submarines, offshore structuresDeveloping ship systems, structural analysis, project implementation

While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, Senior Naval Architects focus on the overall design and conceptualization of vessels, whereas Naval Engineers are more involved in the technical implementation and systems integration. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and seniority level within the ship design and construction process.

More about Senior Naval Architect jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Naval Architect jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Naval Architect job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Naval Architect jobs?

The most popular types of Naval Architect jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Naval Architect jobs?

The top employers for Senior Naval Architect jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Naval Architect jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Naval Architect jobs include:

Infographic showing various Senior Naval Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $123,935 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Senior Naval Architect

Bollinger Shipyards

Metairie, LA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Bollinger Shipyards rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Title: Senior Naval Architect

Location: Metairie, La

Position Overview: A Senior Naval Architect develops designs of marine craft and floating structures, such as ships, barges, tugs, etc. and performs calculations necessary to assist in the design and fabrication of such vessels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluates designs and products for compliance with regulatory and contractual standards in terms of stability and performance. 

• Conducts structural analysis of all vessels’ primary structure and foundation designs. 

• Performs stability analysis and inclining experiments on vessels. 

• Evaluates and predicts the performance of vessels. 

• Performs load line calculation to support assignment of the load line certificates and general arrangements of vessels. 

• Studies design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, armament, cargo, displacement, draft, etc. 

• Assists in the layout of craft interior including cargo space, passenger components, ladder wells, etc. 

• Evaluates performance of craft during dock and sea trials to determine design changes and conformance with national and international standards.  

Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or Ocean Engineering. Minimum of Five (5) years of naval architecture experience in new vessel design development for marine crafts such as patrol vessels, windfarm support vessels, offshore supply vessels, tugs, and barges.

Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture from an accredited university. (Similar engineering degree may be accepted) 

• Demonstrates good communication skills, including written and oral communication. 

• Complete familiarity with ABS, CFR, USCG, NVIC, SOLAS, and other rules that may apply to projects.  To know how and when the rules and regulations should be implemented. 

• Ability to use computer assisted engineering software and equipment in performing tasks. 

• Ability to develop design calculations and produce deliverables with minimum supervision

Bollinger is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, females, veterans and disabled individuals, and without regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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