Naval Architect

The Role

We are hiring a Mid to Senior Level Naval Architect to take complete ownership over our vessels' naval architecture — including clean-sheet hull hydrodynamics, structural design, stability, and weight management — for our next 15ft and 35ft prototypes. This role begins ASAP and is structured around a critical, high-stakes build sprint. You will report directly to our CTO (former NASA Chief Engineer).

Key Responsibilities

• Naval Architecture & Hull Design: Lead the design and development of hull forms, structural layouts, and overall naval architecture for 15-ft and 35-ft prototype vessels, from initial concept through deployment.

• Hydrodynamics & Stability: Conduct resistance and powering calculations, stability assessments, and seakeeping analysis for high-speed vessels operating in demanding maritime environments.

• Design & Engineering: Develop detailed 2D/3D models and manufacturing drawings using Rhino, Maxsurf, SolidWorks, and other relevant engineering tools. Refine designs based on structural analysis and real-world sea-trial results.

• Prototype Manufacturing: Guide and oversee vessel construction, including FRP composite fabrication, marine aluminum structures, and integration of structural components.

• Testing & Deployment: Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and autonomy teams to support vessel integration, troubleshoot technical issues, and participate in ocean testing and sea trials.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• 8+ years of relevant naval architecture or marine engineering experience, with a strong preference for catamaran design.

• Demonstrated experience in hull design, hydrodynamics, stability analysis, and marine structural engineering.

• Proficiency in Rhino, Maxsurf, NAPA, SolidWorks, or comparable naval architecture and design software.

• Working knowledge of FRP composites, marine-grade aluminum, structural design, and weight management.

• Ability to independently lead engineering projects, manage competing priorities, and deliver designs from concept through fabrication and testing.

• Willingness to work in a fast-paced, hands-on prototype development environment.

• PE license is not required.

Preferred / Nice to Have

• Direct experience designing high-speed planing hulls, catamarans, or autonomous surface vessels (ASVs/USVs).

• Experience taking marine vessels from clean-sheet design through fabrication, testing, and deployment.

• Hands-on experience with early-stage marine hardware development and prototype construction.

• Experience participating in offshore operations, vessel deployments, and sea trials.

• Familiarity with applicable maritime standards and regulations, including USCG and ABS requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base pay: $105,000 – $165,000 per year, depending on experience.

• Equity: early-stage stock options.

• Benefits: employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision coverage.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Designs elegantly and with speed, owning the work from initial hull lines to the final vessel hitting the water.

• Deep, proven passion for marine engineering and complex, high-performance maritime systems.

• Translates ambiguous, high-level ideas into robust, functional vessels using first-principles thinking.

• Thrives in the high-velocity, high-stakes environment of an early-stage defense startup.

Location & Eligibility

Hybrid and largely remote, based around the Bay Area, CA — but expect to be called on-site during critical build phases; the build sprint runs through November. Reports directly to the CTO. This role may involve access to technology and technical data controlled under U.S. export-control laws (ITAR/EAR). Candidates must be able to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements, which may include qualifying as a “U.S. person” (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual).