Naval Architect - Submarine Propulsion & Stability

Rate: Up to £760/day

IR35 status: Inside IR35

Location: Hybrid, circa 3 days weekly in office (Office Address - Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH)

Closing Date: 23/03/26 at 11:00

Contract dates: 01/04/2026 to 30/06/2026

Overview

Our customer, a large defence organisation, is seeking an experienced Naval Architect to join a specialist team responsible for submarine naval architecture assurance, certification, and technical guidance.

Team Context

• Small team responsible for certifying and producing rules and guidance for submarine naval architecture.
• Covers certification for Key Hazard Areas (KHA) including manoeuvring & control (M&C) and stability.
• Technical lead for MSCA areas of M&C and propulsion.
• Generates, and undertakes technical investigations to support, DefStans, MAPs and DSA rules in these areas.

Key Tasks & Deliverables

Management of MSCA PROP capability area:

• TCG / QTR summary presentations
• CASP and TAF documents
• PROP milestone

Act as NARO (or support towards delegation) for KHA Submarine Stability:

• Provide NARO review documentation and NAF documents in response to certification tasks

Further Responsibilities

• Develop technical proficiency in submarine stability and propulsor.
• Act as Propulsor TCG Lead and manage the long-term strategy for propulsor R&D supporting design and development.
• Chair the Propulsor Working Group, develop Propulsor SQEP and provide SME guidance to project teams.
• Conduct second party assurance reviews into Stability Key Hazard as a Naval Authority Reviewing Officer.
• Support R&D activities into submarine hydromechanics to ensure vessel safety and capability.
• Develop and maintain technical guidance and defence standards.
• Lead and manage graduate Naval Architects undertaking placements within the team.
• Manage international taskings and projects, with expectation to travel in support.
• Support business management activities such as project management, commercial and financial duties.

Essential Skills

• Naval Architect qualified (Masters level or equivalent experience).
• Experience of submarine hydrodynamics.
• Experience of ship or submarine propulsion, including V&V techniques.

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of acoustic theory and measurement techniques.
• CEng and/or MRINA.

Additional Information

• Hybrid and flexible working can be considered, but regular workplace attendance is required to access SECRET information.
• Must be eligible for access to SUKEO data.
• DV clearance is highly desirable.