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- Design and construct structures at sea and vessels
- An exciting and challenging architectural and engineering role
- Progress into senior positions or work for yourself as a consultant
As a naval architect, you could specialise in design, construction and repair, research and development, or consultancy for marine vessels and offshore structures.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Coordinate the work of engineering design teams
- Make sure that designs are safe, seaworthy and cost-effective
- Prepare design plans using computer software
- Check and test specifications using computer simulations and 3D models
- Make sure that designs meet operational requirements
- Coordinate manufacturing or repair work
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work in an office, at a shipyard, on a rig, on a ship or in a laboratory. Your working environment may be at height and outdoors at times.
You'll need
For this role, you'll need knowledge of maths, physics and engineering science and technology, design skills, the ability to read English, analytical thinking skills, and knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software.
Most naval architects usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification that is recognised by The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), such as naval architecture; ocean, offshore, or marine engineering; or ship science. You could get onto a degree course if you've got qualifications from working as an engineering technician.
A fully qualified naval architect is a member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, who is registered with the UK Engineering Council as a Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer or Engineering Technician.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could progress to senior positions. You could become a consultant, providing technical and commercial guidance, support and project management for research, design, construction, refits or conversions. You could also move into other areas like procurement, sales and marketing.