Naval Architect 3

Mission Technologies, a division of HII

Naval Architect providing engineering leadership for medium unmanned surface vessel prototype at HII. Involves design, construction, and test phases with a focus on unmanned maritime systems.

Posted 4/15/2026full-timeVirginia Beach • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $86,522 - $123,604 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Performs routine naval architecture work requiring application of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria in carrying out a sequence of design and/or analyses of ship hull, foundation, superstructure, arrangements and hull form characteristics tasks.
As directed, applies selected techniques and procedures to assignments involving ship design and ship performance analyses.
Assists in the solution of difficult problems involved in areas of assignment.
Uses prescribed methods to perform specific and limited portions of broader systems design, performance analysis, or hull form characteristic assignments of more experienced naval architects.
Provide engineering leadership and shipyard‑focused expertise across the design, construction, integration, and test phases of a Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) prototype program.
Develop and/or review structural, weight, stability, hydrodynamic, maneuvering and seakeeping characteristics to ensure MUSV designs meet threshold performance requirements.
Understanding of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) standards and/or Navy Ship Design standards and/or USCG Rules. Applying rulesets to autonomous vessels.
Translate MUSV SOW requirements into engineering products including specifications, interface documentation, design drawing reviews, and configuration baselines.
Provide engineering oversight during shipyard construction or conversion activities—monitor progress, verify construction quality, and ensure alignment with approved design standards.
Collaborate closely with autonomy, C2, electrical, and mechanical systems teams to ensure vessel design supports integrated unmanned operation requirements.
Support development of test vessel descriptions, test plans, and engineering procedures required for MUSV prototype demonstrations.
Participate in major milestone events including Post‑Award Conference, pre‑test inspections, and government witness events as required by the MUSV test plan.
Support risk identification and mitigation related to design maturity, manufacturability, and shipyard workflow.
Travel to shipyards, subcontractor facilities, government test sites, and partner locations as needed.

Requirements

What you’ll need

5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field; or 0 years experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field.
5+ years experience in shipyard construction, vessel design, or marine engineering; experience with commercial or naval craft strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of ABS rules, ISO standards, and naval/marine classification requirements applicable to MUSV construction.
Ability to interpret and develop engineering drawings, 3D models, test procedures, and technical data packages.
Experience supporting or executing work inside active shipyards, including oversight of electrical, outfitting, configuration and mechanical installations.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including autonomy, controls, software, test engineering, and supply chain.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
Willingness to travel (20–40%), including periodic shipyard and waterfront support.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Flexible work hours
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
Employee discounts

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

naval architecturemarine engineeringocean engineeringship designperformance analysisengineering drawings3D modelstest procedurestechnical data packagesMUSV design

Soft Skills

engineering leadershipcollaborationcommunicationproblem-solvingrisk identificationmitigationoversightmultidisciplinary teamworkadaptabilityattention to detail

Certifications

DoD security clearance