Newbuild Naval Architect Manager

GROW YOUR CAREER WITH US
At Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), we know our future success depends on our ability to attract and retain the very best talent. Our brands deliver vacations of a lifetime with innovative product offerings, a high level of service and unique guest experiences aboard each vessel and we’re continually seeking applicants who are passionate about hospitality and committed to being their personal best. As you learn more about our company, we think you will agree that there is no better time than now to become a member of the NCLH family!

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JOB SUMMARY

Act as a technical resource within the Newbuild organization, supporting the design, development, review, and execution of new cruise ship construction projects. While primarily focused on the company’s newbuild projects, the position may also provide support for revitalizations, dry docks, and ancillary capital projects where naval architecture expertise, project coordination, and technical review are required. Using a philosophy of data-driven decision making, the position supports technically sound decisions throughout the newbuild process, including design reviews, technical evaluations, change management, construction follow-up, trials, delivery, and post-delivery activities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the development, review, and execution of naval architecture scope for newbuild, revitalization, dry dock, and other capital programs.
• Review and comment on shipyard drawings, technical specifications, general arrangements, structural plans, calculations, stability documents, and related project deliverables to ensure alignment with company requirements, contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and operational expectations.
• Coordinate with shipyards, classification societies, flag administrations, designers, consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders to resolve technical issues related to hull design, stability, weight control, general arrangement, structure, outfitting, lifesaving arrangements, and other naval architecture disciplines.
• Support the development and implementation of newbuild design schedules, drawing review plans, technical decision logs, and critical milestone tracking.
• Participate in design reviews, technical workshops, model reviews, plan approval meetings, and project coordination meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyze proposed design changes, technical alternatives, and shipyard submissions to assess impact on safety, operations, cost, schedule, weight, stability, maintainability, and guest and crew experience.
• Support the review and management of vessel weight reports, stability documentation, inclining experiment preparation, deadweight surveys, lightship estimates, and related naval architecture deliverables.
• Assist with the development, review, and maintenance of owner’s requirements, technical standards, lessons learned, and newbuild specifications related to naval architecture and ship design.
• Investigate and assess existing and innovative technologies, design solutions, materials, and construction methods to improve safety, efficiency, sustainability, maintainability, and lifecycle performance across newbuild projects.
• Support construction follow-up activities at shipyards, including inspection of work in progress, review of technical deviations, participation in onboard surveys, and coordination of issue resolution.
• Work with operational teams, including marine, hotel, deck, engine, safety, and technical operations, to ensure new vessel designs support efficient shipboard operations and comply with brand and company standards.
• Assist in the identification, documentation, and resolution of technical risks, project issues, owner’s comments, non-conformities, and lessons learned.
• Facilitate communication between internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely review, alignment, and resolution of technical matters.
• Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

DEGREE TYPE: Bachelor's Degree

FIELD(S) OF STUDY: Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Marine Technology, Ship Design, or related engineering field. Master’s Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• 5-8 years’ experience within a similar role.

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS

• Strong technical knowledge of naval architecture principles, including vessel stability, hull form, structural design, weight control, general arrangements, safety arrangements, and ship construction practices.
• Knowledge of applicable maritime rules, regulations, class requirements, flag requirements, SOLAS, IMO requirements, and passenger ship safety standards.
• Ability to read, interpret, and comment on technical drawings, design specifications, calculations, shipyard documentation, and regulatory submissions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate technical options and recommend practical solutions that balance safety, cost, schedule, operations, and lifecycle performance.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, especially in multicultural and international project environments.
• Strong planning abilities to prioritize technical reviews, project activities, owner’s comments, and deliverables to ensure timely support of business needs.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, documentation, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively in cross-functional project teams.
• Creative and practical thinker with a focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and lessons learned.
• Solid understanding of shipboard operations and the impact of design decisions on vessel operation, maintenance, safety, and guest service.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, AutoCAD, Rhino, or other relevant design review and project management software.
• Familiarity with naval architecture software, stability software, 3D model review tools, document control systems, and project management platforms preferred.
• Excellent organization skills.
• Willingness to travel to ships, shipyards, design offices, vendor facilities, and project sites as required.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Tableau, MS Azure, Visio, Data Science developments, and Project management software.
• Solid understanding of accounting rules for expense and capital activities.
• Excellent organization and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel to ships, shipyards, and vendor facilities (up to 30%).

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

Add certifications/licenses (if any) here.

• PMP or project management certification preferred.
• Membership or affiliation with SNAME, RINA, IMarEST, or similar professional maritime organization preferred.
• Relevant shipyard safety, maritime safety, or regulatory training preferred.

ABOUT NCLH
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line®, Oceania Cruises® and Regent Seven Seas Cruises® brands. The combined brands currently operate 32 ships, employ over 35,000 shipboard crew from more than 110 different countries and visit approximately 700 different port destination each year.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMPANY:At a GlanceBrand OverviewNorwegian Cruise LineOceania CruisesRegent Seven Seas Cruises

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It is Norwegian Cruise Line Holding’s policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and marital or veteran status.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.