Lead Naval Architect

It's never been a more exciting time to be joining Navantia Australia, one of Australia's leading companies in the Maritime and Defence industry.

Navantia Australia has been awarded the Designer Support Contract to provide comprehensive design and engineering support to all Navantia-designed ships in service with the Royal Australian Navy. This landmark contract marks a significant milestone for Navantia Australia, as it is the company's first contract held directly with the Commonwealth of Australia (CoA), underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence in the maritime industry.

We have exciting opportunities for Lead Naval Architects to join the team out of its Garden Island and Darling Park, Sydney office. Operating under the Design Support Contractor (DSC) contract, you will be responsible for the delivery of engineering services for naval ships. Systems responsibility includes:

• Naval Architecture design activities, such as General Arrangement, Concept design, Weight Control, Stability, Seakeeping, Maneuvering and Ship Performance.
• Outfit design activities, such as compartment arrangements, structural closures, Fire Protection, deck arrangements and equipment, ladders/platforms, cargo handling systems and equipment, minor foundations, etc.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Work effectively within the broader Navantia Engineering Team by engaging and working with the different engineering disciplines.
• Provide high level of naval engineering technical competence based on relevant experience and knowledge.
• Provide experience and broad technical knowledge of functional and detailed design related to General Design and Outfit Integration of a naval ship.
• Provide leadership and line management to the General Design engineering discipline in the successful achievement of assigned projects and tasks, including:
• Complete systems design for naval ship systems, applying robust systems engineering process.
• Lead weekly design coordination meetings with the rest of the General Design Team members.
• Support the team in undertaking of ship General Design area documentation: technical investigations, root cause analysis and solution identification, impact assessment, analyses, drawings, designs, reports, Installation work packages, etc.
• Deliver technical reports and technical documentation in accordance with established Navantia and customer standards.
• Plan and coordinate assigned engineering projects from concept through to delivery, including the development of project plans, schedule, and engagement of internal and external stakeholders.
• Plan and administrate design coordination meetings with engineering project stakeholders and the Client, support then to Liaise with the customer or customer's representative, subcontractors & suppliers to ensure that all the relevant information is available, and deliverables are provided in a timely fashion.
• Liaise with the classification societies and national authority where appropriate. Ensuring that the classification and/or national standards named in the specification for an assigned project are met.
• Organise Design Review Meeting with the customer or customer´s representatives.
• Work effectively and collaboratively across the different engineering discipline and Engineering teams working on the Programs.

As the ideal candidate, you will have:

• Bachelor's degree – Engineering - Naval Architect
• Minimum 10 years' experience in an engineering function.
• Experience as in a technical and industrial Defence environment.
• Very strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead, motivate and manage an engineering team.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously using initiative, sound reasoning, listening and decision making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results in a high‑pressure environment.
• Ability to manage, prioritise and complete multiple tasks concurrently.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships at all levels of the business and clients.
• Proven ability to produce and review clear and well‑presented reports to a suitable quality and standard.
• 2D/3D CAD and other specialist software as required to review design information.
• MS Office to develop reports, spreadsheet data and presentation information.
• MS Project to monitor task and manage resources.
• Knowledge and experience of vessel outfit and the requirements for equipment integration, preferably Naval Ships and with direct shipyard experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of statutory regulations and Classification and Flag rule sets.
• Knowledge and experience of ship general design and its application to local structure and foundations.
• Knowledge and experience of ship systems design and its impact upon integration.

Navantia Australia plays a key part in the Australian government's Naval Shipbuilding Plan, we are committed to growing Australia's shipbuilding and sustainment capability and we want you to grow your career with us. We recognise that it's our people who are our greatest asset and are committed to giving all employees the opportunity to grow their skills, gain valuable experience, develop professionally, and work on exciting diverse projects. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer and embrace a culture of corporate diversity and workplace innovation.

• Company Paid Parental Leave (12 weeks Primary Carer / 2 weeks Secondary Carer)
• Navantia Australia Flexible Work Policy (Up to 2 days per week Work From Home)
• Company paid Defence Reservist Leave – 4 weeks
• Employee Discounts Portal offering discounts from major retailers
• Salary sacrifice for Superannuation
• Novated Lease
• Training opportunities
• Spanish language classes
• Quarterly Employee Achievement Award
• Company paid shuttle bus from Garden Island < > Kings Cross Station
• Weekly fruit boxes all sites
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Navantia Australia specialises in project management, engineering services and through life support in the naval shipbuilding domain. We provide the Royal Australian Navy (Navy) with cross platform solutions through our heritage and evolved capability as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and our platform integration expertise.