Senior Naval Architect

About the job

We are developing a core technology, the “Node”, that will operate in the worst conditions the world’s oceans have to offer for years at a time without human maintenance or intervention.

Responsibilities

• Perform and maintain stability and weights & balances analyses using GHS and other internal tools.
• Develop and release Node structure drawings, driving drawing releases to keep fabrication ungated.
• Perform detailed design of mechanical, structural, and support subsystems (e.g. human access, shoreside support).
• Determine requirements for the Node program relating to stability, seakeeping, mooring, structures, and marine operations.
• Drive hydrodynamic loads investigations involving multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to Orcaflex analyses and hydrodynamic studies.
• Drive Node program strategies for corrosion mitigation and biofouling prevention.
• Work closely with the Marine Operations Engineering team to develop concepts of operations and ensure Nodes can be safely and reliably deployed and recovered at sea.
• Serve as a naval architecture focal for external communications with regulators, insurance partners, and marine surveyors.
• Lead and participate in design reviews with the internal team and interface with external fabricators and vendors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or similar field.
• 5+ years of professional experience performing stability, seakeeping, and weights/balances analyses in a Naval Architecture role.
• Professional experience using GHS or equivalent vessel stability software (e.g. Maxsurf, Orca3D).
• Professional experience using a parametric CAD package (e.g. NX, Solidworks) to model parts, assemblies, and generate fabrication drawings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to provide guidance and technical material to engineers, designers, technicians, and suppliers, adeptly receiving and incorporating their guidance and technical information into your approach.
• Able to work independently to drive a project forward.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with RANS theory and tools (Star-CCM+, OpenFoam)
• Experience using high-end hydrodynamics analysis software to estimate vessel motions (e.g. Ansys AQWA, Maxsurf Motion, WAMIT).
• Proficiency with Orcaflex.
• 5+ years of 3D CAD modeling experience.
• Experience with NX/Teamcenter.
• Experience with Rhino3D CAD software.
• Experience with finite element analysis (NX NASTRAN, FEMAP) software packages.
• Experience using Python, Julia, MATLAB, or a similar programming language for data review and analysis.
• Experience using AI tools (e.g. Cursor, Claude, Copilot) for programming and analysis workflows.
• Experience working with regulatory and class on novel projects.
• Prior experience working in a marine environment and/or with marine vessels.
• Proficient and frequent user of hand calculations.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, self-starting, and demanding atmosphere.
• A curiosity to learn and a passion for continuous improvement.
• Solid understanding of technical projects from the details to the big picture.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills.

Additional Requirements

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Compensation and Benefits

• Cash compensation of $185,000 - $235,000.
• Equity in the company. We’re all owners and if we’re successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
• A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
• Unlimited, flexible paid time off and flexible working hours
• Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold level PPO plan for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents).
• Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents).
• Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents).
• Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long term financial support if you become disabled).
• Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA.
• Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).

Location

This position is full-time and on-site at our office in Portland, Oregon.