Principal Naval Architect

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Full Time Rhode Island, Maine or Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, US

30+ days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

Pac Mar Technologies LLC, a privately-owned maritime engineering company, is seeking a Principal Naval Architect to join a group of talented Engineers, Scientists, and Innovators who have been Changing the Shape of Ships to Come for over 45 years. Remote work may be considered, though a preference will be given to candidates able to report to one of our established offices in Hawaii, Rhode Island or Maine.

The Principal Naval Architect will lead the design, analysis, and integration of marine vessels and offshore structures. This role involves overseeing complex technical projects, providing mentorship to junior engineers, and ensuring designs meet regulatory, performance, and client requirements. The ideal candidate is a licensed professional with deep expertise in hydrodynamics, structural design, stability analysis, and ship design standards.

• Lead and execute concept, preliminary, and detailed designs of ships and marine structures
• Perform hydrostatic, hydrodynamic, and structural analyses using industry-standard tools (e.g., GHS, Rhino, Maxsurf, ANSYS, AutoCAD)
• Ensure compliance with applicable classification society rules, flag state regulations, and customer specifications (e.g., ABS, DNV, USCG, NAVSEA)
• Conduct and review stability analyses, weight estimates, and structural calculations
• Prepare technical documentation including design reports, drawing packages, specifications, and test procedures
• Serve as technical lead on major projects, coordinating with other engineering disciplines and managing scope, schedule, and budget
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior naval architects and engineers
• Participate in design reviews, client meetings, and interface with shipyards and subcontractors
• Support sea trials, inspections, and on-site engineering efforts as needed.
• Complete other duties and projects assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 8–10 years of relevant experience in vessel design and analysis
• Proficiency in naval architecture software (e.g., Rhino, GHS, Maxsurf, Solid Works, AutoCAD)
• Strong understanding of ship design principles, stability standards, and structural design methods
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

• Master’s degree in Naval Architecture or related discipline
• Experience with military or government vessel programs (e.g., NAVSEA, USCG)
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification (or ability to obtain within one year from hire)
• Knowledge of composite or advanced materials
• Familiarity with program management, proposal writing, or client development

• Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee background check and post-offer drug screen
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent Resident of the U.S. due to Export Control purposes
• Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance if required by contract