Principal Naval Architect

Overview

As Principal Naval Architect you will shape the safety, availability and technical integrity of Royal Navy submarines, guiding critical decisions in a demanding defence environment. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams and external Design Authorities to ensure design intent is preserved from planning through testing. You will lead technical investigations and audits, contributing to engineering change and continuous improvement. This role offers high‑impact work on complex platforms and a path to Chartered Engineer status, with on‑site collaboration at HMNB Clyde Faslane. You will thrive in a mission‑driven, security‑conscious culture that values robust engineering and cross‑dis

Pay / Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched pension scheme with life assurance
• Aviva DigiCare+ health services
• Employee share scheme
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Be Kind Day volunteering leave

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight on behalf of the Principal Naval Architect during deep maintenance periods
• Deliver engineering guidance from work package creation through testing and acceptance
• Interface with internal project teams and external Design Authorities to ensure performance, safety and quality
• Lead technical investigations, audits and structured reviews across submarine platform systems
• Contribute to engineering change processes, working groups and continuous improvement initiatives

Key requirements

• Proven experience in marine structures, naval architecture engineering or marine surveying, including exposure to classification requirements
• Strong understanding of marine structural principles and surveying practices
• Hands-on experience conducting technical audits and navigating related processes
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders
• Demonstrated capability in identifying, managing and prioritising technical risks and developing mitigation strategies

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• ability to influence across diverse teams
• risk awareness and proactive problem solving
• Marine structures
• Naval architecture
• Surveying practices

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