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Ship Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Submarine Senior Ship Design Engineer

Groton, CT · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Serco-NA has an opening for and immediately hiring a Ship Design Principal Engineer (SDPE) supporting Naval Architecture & Engineering Department, Submarine Design and Engineering- System Integration ...

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation ... Ensure the ship designs & deliverables comply with Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV ...

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation ... Ensure the ship designs & deliverables comply with Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV ...

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation ... Ensure the ship designs & deliverables comply with Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV ...

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation ... Ensure the ship designs & deliverables comply with Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV ...

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation ... Ensure the ship designs & deliverables comply with Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV ...

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation ... Ensure the ship designs & deliverables comply with Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV ...

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation ... Ensure the ship designs & deliverables comply with Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV ...

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Ship Design information

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How much do ship design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship design in the United States is $25.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ship design?

A Ship Design job involves creating the blueprints and specifications for various types of vessels, including cargo ships, naval ships, and passenger boats. Ship designers work with naval architects and marine engineers to ensure vessels meet safety, efficiency, and regulatory standards. They use specialized software to develop hull structures, propulsion systems, and stability features. This role requires knowledge of hydrodynamics, materials science, and marine engineering principles. It is a crucial part of the shipbuilding process, ensuring functionality, performance, and durability at sea.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a ship design professional?

A Ship Design professional's day often involves developing detailed ship plans using CAD software, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including structural engineers and project managers, and reviewing design specifications to ensure compliance with industry standards. You may also participate in client meetings to discuss requirements, revise designs based on feedback, and assist with calculations related to vessel stability, strength, and performance. Managing documentation and working closely with shipyards during the construction phase is common. This role requires balancing creativity with rigorous technical analysis to produce innovative, seaworthy vessels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the ship design position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Ship Design, a strong background in naval architecture, marine engineering, and computer-aided design (CAD) is essential—typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with specialized software such as AutoCAD, Rhino, or ShipConstructor, and familiarity with classification society standards and regulatory requirements, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set standout candidates apart in this collaborative field. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and innovative vessel designs that meet client needs and regulatory guidelines.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Ship Design jobs?

The most popular types of Ship Design jobs are:

What states have the most Ship Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ship Design jobs include:

Infographic showing various Ship Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,697 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Submarine Senior Ship Design Engineer

Serco USA

Groton, CT • On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Description & Qualifications
If you seek a rewarding, high profile and challenging position supporting projects for the US Navy- Serco has a wonderful opportunity for you! This position will be on a dynamic team, supporting Team Submarine. Bring your expertise and collaborative skills to make an impact towards our military defense and safety of our sailors
Serco-NA is seeking a motivated individual to provide programmatic support to one of our NAVSEA customers. Serco-NA has an opening for and immediately hiring a Ship Design Principal Engineer (SDPE) supporting Naval Architecture & Engineering Department, Submarine Design and Engineering- System Integration Team (SIT) Team in PMS450, the VIRGINIA Class Submarine program office. This is an opportunity to join our growing team to contribute and influence the Navy's future, premier attack submarine.
The SDPE is a National-level senior technical expert in assigned areas of design systems engineering and naval architecture. The SDPE explains and advocates the application of these principles on assigned programs
Work Location: Vicinity of Groton/New London, CT
On-Site 5 days a week Mon-Fri
This position is contingent upon your ability to maintain and transfer your DoD Secret Clearance
Position Summary
The Ship Design Principal Engineer serves as a senior technical leader supporting submarine design and engineering programs of significant strategic importance. This position provides systems engineering leadership across submarine design, platform integration, engineering governance, technical risk management, and complex engineering decision support. The role partners closely with Government leadership, engineering teams, and industry stakeholders to resolve challenging technical issues and advance critical program objectives.
In this role, you will:
  • Provide senior-level systems engineering leadership supporting submarine and submersible design and engineering programs.
  • Guide systems engineering activities across ship design, naval architecture, platform integration, ship systems, structural integrity, hydrodynamics, and stability disciplines.
  • Lead evaluation and resolution of complex technical issues, engineering trade studies, and risk-informed design decisions.
  • Support development, interpretation, and implementation of engineering policies, technical standards, and program requirements.
  • Lead and facilitate Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), technical reviews, and cross-functional engineering working groups.
  • Provide technical oversight and recommendations regarding engineering risk, performance requirements, design integration, and lifecycle considerations.
  • Collaborate with senior Government personnel, program managers, engineering organizations, and industry partners to resolve technical, resource, and requirements-related challenges.
  • Support strategic systems integration efforts across multiple engineering disciplines and stakeholders.
  • Develop and present engineering recommendations, risk assessments, and technical briefings to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Support engineering activities through concept development, design, integration, testing, construction, and sustainment phases.

To be successful in this role, you will have:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Naval Architecture, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • 15+ years of experience supporting complex engineering, submarine design, naval architecture, systems engineering, shipbuilding, or defense acquisition programs.
  • Demonstrated experience leading large-scale engineering integration efforts and resolving complex technical challenges.
  • Experience supporting senior Government customers and working within multidisciplinary engineering environments.
  • Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles, risk management, engineering requirements development, and technical governance processes.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership, engineers, and program stakeholders.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret clearance
  • Ability to travel 10%

Additional desired skills and experience:
  • An active Secret clearance
  • Experience supporting Navy submarine design and engineering programs.
  • Knowledge of NAVSEA engineering processes, technical authority frameworks, and DoD acquisition programs.
  • Experience chairing or supporting engineering review boards and Integrated Product Teams.
  • Experience serving as a senior technical advisor on high-visibility engineering programs.

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 identify 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.