Vacature
(Lead) Naval Architect - Shipbuilding and Repair

As a Naval Architect, your main responsibility is overseeing the theoretical and practical aspects of ship design, from the initial client discussions through to the vessel's delivery. You will work as part of a design team, ensuring the successful development of the ship's overall concept.

• Ship Design Development: Lead the creation and refinement of ship designs that meet client needs and technical requirements, guiding the process from the initial concept phase to delivery.

• Main Focus Areas:

  • General Design: Develop the ship’s layout, structure, and specifications, ensuring integration with technical and functional aspects in collaboration with other departments.
  • Stability: Ensure the ship meets stability standards by analyzing balance, buoyancy, and weight distribution, as well as performing static and dynamic stability assessments.
  • Hydromechanics (Resistance and Propulsion): Assess the ship’s hydrodynamic performance to optimize fuel efficiency and propulsion systems.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, maintaining communication to ensure designs meet their needs.4

• Coordinate with the internal design and engineering teams, overseeing project development and ensuring smooth workflow.

• Liaison with Regulatory Bodies: Maintain contact with inspection and certification authorities to ensure designs comply with safety and regulatory standards.

• Adopting New Technologies. Stay informed of the latest industry techniques and innovations, integrating them into ship designs for improved performance.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Naval Architecture or a related engineering field (e.g., Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering).

• Several years of experience in a similar role, preferably with a focus on theoretical ship design, stability, and hydromechanics. Experience with complete ship design cycle, from concept development to delivery.

• Technical Expertise:

  • Strong knowledge of hydrostatics, hydromechanics, and maritime regulations (SOLAS, IMO, and other classification standards).
  • Analytical mindset with a broad interest in various technical aspects of ship design.

• Software Proficiency:

  • Proficient in 3D CAD applications relevant to naval architecture, with a preference for NAPA (Naval Architectural software), CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) tools for hydrodynamic performance, and possibly FEA (Finite Element Analysis).
  • Ability to work with stability and performance simulation software.

• Fluent in both Dutch and English to communicate effectively with clients, teams, and certification bodies.

• Soft Skills:

  • Analytical thinking: Ability to solve complex problems using mathematical and engineering principles.
  • Broad technical interest: Open to adopting and implementing new technologies in ship design.
  • Communication skills: Competence in engaging with customers and stakeholders, as well as presenting designs clearly.

Additional Expectations:

• Ability to stay up to date with the latest advancements in naval architecture and marine technology.
• Collaborative spirit to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary design team.