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Naval architect

Alternative titles for this job include

Naval architects design, construct, refit and repair marine vessels and offshore structures.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

University

Most naval architects have a degree or postgraduate qualification. This would usually be an engineering subject like:

  • naval architecture
  • ocean, offshore or marine engineering
  • ship science

You may be able to get onto a degree course if you've got qualifications from working as an engineering technician.

Degree courses that offer practical work experience through a year in industry, summer placements or internships may give you an advantage. Your university careers service can help you find suitable opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics

More Information

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Royal Institution of Naval Architects for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a naval architect from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of physics
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to read English
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • coordinate the work of engineering design teams
  • make sure that designs are safe, seaworthy and cost-effective
  • prepare design plans using computer software
  • check and test specifications using computer simulations and 3D models
  • make sure that designs meet operational requirements
  • coordinate manufacturing or repair work

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a shipyard, on a rig, on a ship or in a laboratory.

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to senior positions. You could become a consultant, providing technical and commercial guidance, support and project management for research, design, construction, refits or conversions.

You could also move into other areas like procurement, sales and marketing.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a naval architect right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Marine Engineering

  • Provider: SOUTH HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 23 September 2026
  • Location: Southampton

Marine Engineering (Marine School)

  • Provider: TYNE COAST COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 January 2027
  • Location: South Shields
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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