Naval Architect

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.

As a Naval Architect, you will be a critical contributor to the design and delivery of the Node’s hull - performing stability, weights, and seakeeping analyses; developing structural and mechanical designs; and driving drawing releases that keep fabrication on track. Your work will ensure our ocean-deployed systems are seaworthy, fabrication-ready, and high-performing in the harshest marine conditions. You will apply the lens of naval architecture across the Node program, driving requirements for stability, seakeeping, and marine operations. You will also contribute to hydrodynamic analyses and lead multidisciplinary investigations into hydrodynamic loads. We expect you to be especially strong in analysis and to gravitate toward first-principles, fundamental-physics approaches to problem-solving.

Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment in which the best ideas change the company’s direction on a regular basis. You will own your designs cradle-to-grave, from first concept through fabrication and deployment at sea. If you are an excellent engineer, regardless of your background, we want you to apply.

Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or similar field

2+ 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

Ability to provide guidance and technical material to engineers, designers, technicians, and suppliers, adeptly receiving and incorporating their guidance and technical information into your approach

Confidence working independently to drive a project forward

Experience working with regulatory and class on novel projects

Experience with RANS theory and tools (Star-CCM+, OpenFoam)

Shipyard manufacturing or repair experience

Experience using high-end hydrodynamics analysis software to estimate vessel motions (e.g. Ansys AQWA, Maxsurf Motion, WAMIT)

Proficiency with Orcaflex

2+ 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

Prior experience working in a marine environment and/or with marine vessels

Proficient and frequent user of hand calculations

Ability 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

Travel to vendors and test sites as needed.

Intermittently able to work longer hours and weekends to support critical needs. While we expect a lot of each other, we also offer a high degree of autonomy and work-life balance.

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:

Cash compensation of $160,000 - $200,000.

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:

Flexible paid time off

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).