Naval architect

Naval architects design, construct, refit and repair marine vessels and offshore structures.


Typical Salary

£25,000 – £65,000

per year

Working Hours

39–41

hours per week

Career Area

Mechanical engineers

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • 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

Skills needed

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of physics
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to read English
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

Career progression

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.