Senior Naval Architect; Contingent

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Full Time 58 JEBLITTLECRK, Virginia Beach, VA, US

30+ days ago Requisition

Zel Tech is seeking a Naval Architect to lead the design, analysis, and integration of surface and subsurface unmanned systems (UxS) in support of a government customer. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in naval architecture, hydrodynamics, and structural design, as well as experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and modeling and simulation (M&S) tools to support engineering analysis, system integration, and lifecycle development.

• Lead concept development, hull form design, and systems integration for manned and unmanned marine platforms.
• Conduct hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, seakeeping, and stability assessments, including intact and damaged conditions.
• Perform structural survivability evaluations to assess compliance with mission performance, strength, and environmental load requirements.
• Support and interpret model testing, tank trials, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations.
• Ensure design compliance with applicable standards including ABS, USCG, and NAVSEA specifications.
• Apply MBSE methodologies (e.g., SysML/Cameo) to integrate system models with naval architecture design and requirements management.
• Develop and deliver technical data packages, including hull drawings, stability reports, weight estimates, CFD validation summaries, and compliance documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams (systems, mechanical, electrical, and software) throughout the development lifecycle.
• Participate in technical reviews, Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), and stakeholder meetings.

• Must be a US citizen.
• Must have an active SECRET clearance.
• MA, in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• At least 7 years of professional engineering experience, including experience in naval platform design, unmanned maritime systems, or DoD ship design and integration programs.
• Proficiency in hull and structural design software:
  Orca3D, Rhino, GHS, NAPA.
• Experience with CAD tools (Ship Constructor, AutoCAD), CFD tools (Star-CCM+, OpenFOAM), and structural analysis tools (FEMAP, NASTRAN).
• Demonstrated experience applying MBSE tools and methodologies such as SysML and Cameo.
• Familiarity with Navy, USCG, and classification society standards (e.g., ABS, DNV).
• Excellent technical writing, reporting, and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of hydrodynamics, hydrostatics, weight estimation, stability analysis, and structural design methods relevant to manned and unmanned maritime platforms.
• Proficiency in interpreting and generating technical drawings, design specifications, and simulation outputs.
• Successful background and drug screening check.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in naval or marine engineering.
• Experience supporting DoD maritime R&D and acquisition programs.
• Familiarity with open architecture design, modular payload integration, and vehicle control systems.
• Experience integrating unmanned or autonomous maritime systems.
• Knowledge of digital engineering, simulation-based design, and survivability modeling best practices.

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance, vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

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