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Naval architect

Design, build and repair vessels such as ships and boats, and offshore structures such as drilling platforms.

About the job

Salary (before tax)

Weekly (average)

£930

Monthly (average)

£3,720

Yearly (average)

£48,360

Salary figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland.

Source:

LMI for All

What it's like

As a naval architect, you'll design, build and maintain vessels ranging from small boats to large ships and offshore structures. This rewarding role combines engineering principles with creative problem-solving to make sure watercraft are safe, efficient and fit for purpose.

You might find yourself developing plans for a new cruise liner, improving the fuel efficiency of cargo ships or making sure offshore drilling platforms can withstand extreme weather conditions. Your expertise helps create vessels that transport people and goods across the world's waterways.

Naval architects work in shipyards, design consultancies, classification societies and government agencies. You could specialise in areas like structural design, hydrodynamics (how liquids move), marine systems or offshore engineering.

Your tasks might include:

  • designing vessel structures and systems using specialised computer software

  • calculating stability, strength and performance characteristics of marine craft

  • managing engineering teams and coordinating with other marine professionals

  • testing designs through computer simulations and physical model experiments

  • overseeing construction and repair processes at shipyards

  • inspecting vessels to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards

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