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Ship Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$124K - $153K/yr

DEPUTY SHIP DESIGN MANAGER, CARRIERS (ENGINEER 4) Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Jul 18, 2026 Req ID: 48300 Team: E49 CVN 21 PRD MDL MGT Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding US ...

$124K - $153K/yr

DEPUTY SHIP DESIGN MANAGER, CARRIERS (ENGINEER 4) Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Jul 18, 2026 Req ID: 48300 Team: E49 CVN 21 PRD MDL MGT Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding US ...

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Ship Design information

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How much do ship design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 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 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.

What is a Ship Design job?

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.

How much does a ship designer make?

Ship designers typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers or those working on large vessels can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and bonuses.

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.

How do you become a ship designer?

To become a ship designer, typically a bachelor's degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in CAD software, and obtaining professional certification can enhance career prospects in ship design.

What is the highest paid design job?

In ship design, senior roles such as Lead Ship Designer or Naval Architect with extensive experience and advanced certifications tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require expertise in CAD software, engineering principles, and project management, and they can earn significantly more than entry-level roles.

What job designs ships?

A ship designer is responsible for creating the plans and specifications for ships, including hull form, structure, and systems. They use CAD software and naval architecture principles to develop safe, efficient vessels that meet client and regulatory requirements. Ship designers often work closely with engineers and shipbuilders throughout the design and construction process.
More about Ship Design jobs
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,697 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
DEPUTY SHIP DESIGN MANAGER, CARRIERS (ENGINEER 4)

DEPUTY SHIP DESIGN MANAGER, CARRIERS (ENGINEER 4)

HII

Newport News, VA • On-site

$124K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 74,355 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

DEPUTY SHIP DESIGN MANAGER, CARRIERS (ENGINEER 4)
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, United States
Date: Jul 18, 2026
Req ID: 48300
Team: E49 CVN 21 PRD MDL MGT
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: 1st
Relocation: Relocation assistance will be available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirements: No
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: $124,000.00 to $153,000.00
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range
Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding
With more than 25,000 employees - including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We're the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.
The Role
The Aircraft Carrier Engineering (ACE) Division is hiring a Deputy Ship Design Manager (dSDM) for New Construction Carriers.
Major job focus areas:
• Plan and ensure adherence to overall schedule with engineering products such as product model files, drawings, diagrams, Inspection Reports, scopes, liabilities, and other support products
• Coordinate processing and tracking of Deviations from Specification, contract data deliverables, and evaluations of proposed changes
• Oversee solutions to resolve issues and concerns within the contract that have engineering involvement; facilitate cross-department communications and problem resolution.
• Serve as an engineering representative for the division as needed, attending meetings such as Plan of the Week, construction/planning agendas, technical issues meetings, recurring project and quality reviews, Operations Control Center (OCC) reviews, and kickoffs for new work
• Directly interface with government customers at all phases of work, from initial tasking to managing change
• Review and coordinate implementation of all changes under the contract. This could include FMR/HMR changes, GFI updates, deliverables, key events, Schedule A & C, change orders, cost improvement initiatives, obsolescence, and trades requests
• Oversee development and implementation of new engineering processes under a contract. Review existing processes for update as needed. Drive continuous improvement for the engineering products and processes.
• Review and report on engineering progress on the contract with program office and other company leadership. Monitor departmental staffing, budget, and earned-value management system (EVMS) performance. Support any Program initiatives when requested.
• Lead and support reviews of technical specifications (Contract, letters, ships specifications) to ensure NNS processes and procedures meet the contract technical requirements.
We'll want to make you have the following:
• Familiarity with NNS New Construction processes, Ford-class Ship Specifications, and general US Navy ship construction, repair, and modernization specifications and processes
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with engineering products such as drawings, scopes, inspection reports, material procurement, departures from specification, work deferral requests, contract data requirements, and technical variance documents
• A willingness to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders in a professional capacity to achieve outcomes beneficial to NNS and our government customers
Must Have
Bachelor's Degree and 9 years of relevant exempt experience;
Master's Degree and 7 years of relevant professional experience;
Ph.D. and 4 years of experience.
Newport News Shipbuilding requires a Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
Nice to Have
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
  • Demonstrated project management skills and certifications such as PMP
  • Waterfront engineering experience
  • Previous experience interfacing with the Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SOS), NAVSEA05, and Program Executive Office for Carriers
  • Prior experience processing and implementing government change products such as Field Modification Requests (FMR's) and Headquarters Modification Requests (HMR's)
  • Prior experience scheduling drawing products and other engineering output

Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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