Naval Architect

As a Naval Architect, you design and construct ships and other vessels. But you don’t do it alone, you lead a team of specialized professionals, such as Marine Engineers, through the process. You can specialize in one type of vessel when you’re a Naval Architect, such as sailboats, or build an array including watercraft like ferries, tankers, submarines, battleships, aircraft carriers, ice breakers, or even drilling platforms.

Whatever type of vessel you create as a Naval Architect, you start with an idea. That idea turns into a sketch. Your team of Engineers helps with structural and material decisions such as the layout for the electrical system, or the weight distribution that will allow the highest speeds.

With this information, you further develop your design with consideration for stability, propulsion, resistance, and power. You draw the curving hull and porthole windows. Then you embellish with scalloped handrails, trim work, and decking materials. Before long, your sketch morphs into a complete plan and you begin your project.

Throughout the construction of the vessel, you supervise the progress, answer questions, make design changes, and ensure that the project follows budgets and timelines. Once complete, you thoroughly test it.

In addition to new designs, you also work on existing ships. You oversee repairs, redesign damaged boats, and make structural or facial updates to older boats. This work takes place both on land and at sea. At either location, you need your eye for detail, creative hand, and artistic skills to create one of a kind designs.