Naval architect Jobs in Virginia Beach, VA

Requisition Number: 28243

Required Travel: 11 - 25%

Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt

Anticipated Salary Range: $86,522.00 - $123,604.00

Security Clearance: Secret

Level of Experience: Mid

This opportunity resides with Uncrewed Systems (UxS), a business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division. Uncrewed Systems comprises unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and autonomy software.

HII creates advanced unmanned solutions for defense, marine research and commercial applications. Serving customers in more than 30 countries, HII provides design, autonomy, manufacturing, testing, operations and sustainment of unmanned systems, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs).

Leadership Mindset at HII – Mission Technologies

Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every team member contributes to our mission and culture:

• Know & Grow Your People – Commit to learning and supporting team success.
• Build Relationships – Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
• Take Ownership – Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
• Customer First – Focus on the mission and those we serve.
• Shape the Future – Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• Act with Urgency – Take initiative and follow through with purpose.
  
  

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.

Come join HII!! Where Hard Stuff is done right!!

This opportunity resides within Uncrewed Systems (UxS), supporting advanced naval unmanned surface vessel (USV/MUSV) development, autonomy integration, and prototype test execution. We design, build, integrate, and test state‑of‑the‑art unmanned maritime systems for national defense and commercial partners.

Our team takes a comprehensive "cradle-to-grave" approach to every program—we don't just design; we develop, integrate, build, test, and deploy. Working within our collaborative, cross-functional environment, team members have unique opportunities to expand their expertise across multiple disciplines. We embrace a culture of shared ownership where everyone contributes beyond traditional boundaries, making this an ideal role for those who thrive on variety and continuous learning.

What you will be doing...

Performs routine naval architecture work requiring application of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria in carrying out a sequence of design and/or analyses of ship hull, foundation, superstructure, arrangements and hull form characteristics tasks. As directed, applies selected techniques and procedures to assignments involving ship design and ship performance analyses. Assists in the solution of difficult problems involved in areas of assignment. Uses prescribed methods to perform specific and limited portions of broader systems design, performance analyse, or hull form characteristic assignments of more experienced naval architects. The duties described herein cover major duties as required. However, this does not exclude the requirement of performing related duties under normal conditions, and other duties directed by supervision.

As a Naval Architect / Marine Engineer, you will provide engineering leadership and shipyard‑focused expertise across the design, construction, integration, and test phases of a Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) prototype program. Responsibilities include:

• Develop and/or review structural, weight, stability, hydrodynamic, maneuvering and seakeeping characteristics to ensure MUSV designs meet threshold performance requirements.

• Understanding of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) standards and/or Navy Ship Design standards and/or USCG Rules. Applying rulesets to autonomous vessels.

• Translate MUSV SOW requirements into engineering products including specifications, interface documentation, design drawing reviews, and configuration baselines.

• Provide engineering oversight during shipyard construction or conversion activities—monitor progress, verify construction quality, and ensure alignment with approved design standards.

• Collaborate closely with autonomy, C2, electrical, and mechanical systems teams to ensure vessel design supports integrated unmanned operation requirements.

• Support development of test vessel descriptions, test plans, and engineering procedures required for MUSV prototype demonstrations.

• Participate in major milestone events including Post‑Award Conference, pre‑test inspections, and government witness events as required by the MUSV test plan.

• Support risk identification and mitigation related to design maturity, manufacturability, and shipyard workflow.

• Travel to shipyards, subcontractor facilities, government test sites, and partner locations as needed.

What we are looking for...

• 5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field; or 0 years experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field.

• 5+ years experience in shipyard construction, vessel design, or marine engineering; experience with commercial or naval craft strongly preferred.

• Working knowledge of ABS rules, ISO standards, and naval/marine classification requirements applicable to MUSV construction.

• Ability to interpret and develop engineering drawings, 3D models, test procedures, and technical data packages.

• Experience supporting or executing work inside active shipyards, including oversight of electrical, outfitting, configuration and mechanical installations.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including autonomy, controls, software, test engineering, and supply chain.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

• Willingness to travel (20–40%), including periodic shipyard and waterfront support. #LI-MH1

Bonus Points for...

• Experience with unmanned surface vessels, autonomy integration, or advanced marine control systems.

• ABS class approval processes for novel or autonomous vessel designs.

• Experience performing or reviewing stability analyses, weight reporting, structural design, and hydrodynamic modeling.

• Familiarity with STANAG seakeeping environments, COLREGs-compliant autonomous vessel considerations, or unmanned system integration preferred.

• Experience with hull conversions, re‑powering, or refit programs applicable to MUSV conversion options.

• Familiarity with cyber‑resilient system design, technical data management, or RMF/SSP considerations for unmanned vessels.

• Prior participation in prototype testing, sea trials, or government‑observed evaluations.

Physical Requirements

May require working in an office, industrial or shipboard environment. Able to climb ladders and tolerate confined spaces and extreme temperature variances. May require the lifting and moving of materials not to exceed the guidelines set for one man lift. Office environment normally encountered, with industrial/shipboard exposure to be expected on occasion. May involve work in office, shipyard, waterfront, industrial environments, and work on boat at-sea. Ability to tolerate variable weather and sea conditions as required.

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.

Meet HII’s Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense – the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.

To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video:

HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.

Why HII
We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.

Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.