Are you a seasoned Naval Architect with a passion for high-speed craft and innovative surface vessel design? Do you thrive in collaborative environments and have experience shaping the future of littoral and defence maritime operations? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Our client, a leading defence organisation in the UK, is seeking an SC cleared High Speed Craft Naval Architect to help shape the next generation of littoral strike vessels and uncrewed surface craft. This role is based in Bristol, with flexible hybrid working arrangements — one day a week onsite, including Wednesdays. This contract offers a competitive day rate between £550 and £650 (inside IR35), for a duration from 20th May 2026 to 31st March 2027 for 85 days of effort, with the possibility of extension depending on project needs.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading technical design studies related to high-speed craft, focusing on concept feasibility and capability assessments for Surface Manoeuvre (SurfM) craft.
- Establishing prioritisation and strategy for the SurfM portfolio, including critical vessel requirements and performance criteria like seakeeping, survivability, and payload capabilities.
- Analysing vessel performance against operational needs, supporting wargaming and future force projection planning.
- Reviewing existing seakeeping data and conducting options assessments for vessel sizing and speed characteristics, in line with the CONEMP’s constraints.
- Assessing the potential benefits of a common USV platform tailored for various mission roles, helping optimise costs and operational efficiency.
What we’re looking for:
- A degree in Naval Architecture or a related engineering discipline.
- Minimum of 5 years’ post-chartership experience in marine design, with at least 4 years specifically in high-speed craft and uncrewed surface vessels.
- Proven expertise in developing specifications for marine vehicles and conducting early concept design studies.
- Technical knowledge of SurfM high-speed craft and experience with landing craft studies is essential.
- Security clearance of SC or higher is a must, as the role supports sensitive defence projects.
If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a high-profile defence programme that is shaping future maritime capabilities, we encourage you to apply. Evodia Limited is acting as the employment business, and we are dedicated to a transparent and professional recruitment experience.