Naval Architect

Chesapeake Shipbuilding is seeking Entry-Level and Experienced Naval Architects to join our Engineering Department in Salisbury, Maryland. Whether you're a recent graduate looking to launch your career or an experienced professional ready to take on challenging commercial vessel designs, you'll play a key role in designing and supporting the construction of U.S.-built passenger vessels from concept through delivery.

This is a full-time, salary exempt, on-site position

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive Pay:  $70,000 (Entry Level) - $125,000 based on experience.
• Relocation Assistance
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available for employees and their families. Full-time employees are eligible beginning the first day of the month following their start date. 
• Company-Paid Insurance: $20,000 AD&D life insurance and short-term disability coverage provided at no cost to full-time employees. 
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available for eligible employees.  
• 401(k) with 5% Company Match: Available for full-time and part-time employees. 
• Paid Holidays: Six company-paid holidays each year. 
• Paid Sick and Vacation: 
  • 80 hours during your first year 
  • 96 hours after 1 year 
  • 144 hours after 5 years 
  • 168 hours after 10 years 
• Career Growth Opportunities: Advance within your department or explore opportunities across the shipyard while working with a supportive and empowered team. 

REPORTS TO: Director of Engineering, Vice President, President

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:  The Naval Architect is responsible for generating the designs of new-build commercial vessels. Using engineering principles, the code of federal regulations, and sound judgement, the naval architect must be able to produce comprehensive ship designs that yield a vessel that is compliant with applicable regulations in addition to being easy to build and maintain. General arrangements, hull shape, structural fire protection, egress, structures, machinery arrangements, weights & centers, and hydrostatics are the key areas of focus. Other duties include engineering support work of skilled trades, and other office duties (typical of a small office) as assigned. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TASKS: 

• Create drawings in AutoCAD for systems including HVAC, Structures, Stability, Electrical Distribution, Piping Systems, Main Propulsion, Navigation Systems, General Arrangements, etc. for compliance to 46 Code of Federal Regulations
• Apply ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels to design scantlings and welding schedule for new building vessels.
• Form a 3D hull shape using Rhino. Export surfaces to SolidWorks and create a detailed structural model of a vessel.
• Submit detailed plans and calculations to USCG Marine Safety Center for review and approval.
• Apply knowledge of first principles to structural calculations for beams and columns.
• Be primary point of contact for hired out naval architect services such as CFD and propeller design. Interpret results.
• Perform a weight estimate during the preliminary design phase and evaluate compliance with applicable regulations of 46CFR subchapter S. Adjust hull shape, arrangements and weights to ensure compliance.
• Perform deadweight surveys and inclinings during construction.
• Select propulsion systems and produce detailed drawings of machinery installations. Take lead on interfacing with propulsion & prime mover vendors.
• Generate detailed design drawings that include all views and dimensions necessary for manufacturing.
• Spend up-to 30% of time in the shipyard supporting the production, fabrication, installation, and erection of systems designed. 
• Understand and apply the standards in 46 CFR T, K, F, and J as well as ABS Marine Vessel Rules.
• Assist production crews on the lay-out and fit-up of steel and aluminum assemblies.
• Seek quotes for equipment and parts needed for production and fabrication.
• Other tasks as directed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Candidates must possess the following professional experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or Marine Engineering from accredited 4-year university.
• 5 years minimum experience in shipbuilding, design office, or salvage support is preferred.
• Must possess excellent communication and organizational skills: verbal and written English, mandatory.
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, GHS and Rhino.
• Must be able to take detailed verbal directions and deliver accurate drawings.
• Strong attention to quality, organization skills, computing, and presentation skills.
• Strong work ethic and dedication.
• Must work well in a team dynamic.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All types of physical movement are required for this position to successfully perform the essential functions
• Ability to use upper and lower extremities
• Ability to work outside in heat, inclement weather, and cold
• Ability to crawl, kneel, crouch, climb, and bend around and under equipment, on ladders up to 24' at heights up to 70', stairs, scaffolds, through small accesses, enter inside of tanks, and confined spaces, through hatches, and manholes throughout much of the work shift
• Ability to work over bodies of water
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain, including loose pack gravel
• Operate in isolation within the skeleton of ships, wearing heavy protective gear and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 lbs

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Normal level of visual acuity needed. Must be able to understand and follow directions. Normal hearing level needed. Hand-eye coordination required.

HAZARDS: Weather, fumes, high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, equipment, and vibration.

SHIFTS:

· Monday – Friday 

· Day Shift: 7:00am – 3:30pm 

· Overtime and Weekend required based on business needs