Graduate Naval Architect

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, security and energy transition ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

As a Graduate Naval Architect, you will support the basic design, analysis and development of naval and commercial marine vessels across a range of shipbuilding, repair, conversion and marine engineering projects. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will assist with vessel design activities, stability assessments, weight management, structural evaluations and technical documentation to ensure designs are safe, efficient and compliant with customer, regulatory and classification society requirements.

The role provides an opportunity to develop specialist naval architecture knowledge and practical engineering experience while contributing to the delivery of complex maritime and defence programmes. Through mentoring, structured development and practical project experience, you will work towards achieving professional registration and Chartered Engineer status through an appropriate UK Engineering Council licensed institution.

The Role

• Support the development of naval architecture and ship design solutions for new build, repair, conversion and modernisation projects.
• Assist in the preparation of engineering calculations, technical reports and design documentation.
• Support vessel stability assessments, including intact and damage stability analyses.
• Attend and support Senior Naval Architects during inclining experiments, lightweight surveys, sea trials and other vessel assurance activities.
• Assist with weight and centre of gravity calculations, weight monitoring and reporting activities.
• Support the preparation of trim and stability books and associated vessel documentation.
• Contribute to ship hydrodynamic and performance assessments, including propulsion, resistance and seakeeping studies.
• Assist with the development of hull form designs, structural arrangements and general arrangement layouts.
• Support the preparation of docking, mooring and lifting calculations and associated procedures.
• Produce and maintain engineering drawings, models and documentation using CAD and specialist naval architecture software.
• Participate in design reviews and technical meetings, providing engineering support to project teams.
• Assist with ensuring compliance with Classification Society Rules, IMO regulations and customer requirements.
• Attend vessels, shipyards and project sites to support inspections, design verification activities, production liaison and commissioning support where required.

• MEng degree (or expected degree) in Naval Architecture, Ship Science, Ocean Engineering, Marine Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Membership of, or willingness to work towards membership of, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) or another relevant professional engineering institution, with the aim of achieving Chartered Engineer status.
• Understanding of fundamental naval architecture principles, including stability, hydrostatics, vessel arrangements and ship structures.
• Ability to learn and adapt to specialist naval architecture, engineering and design software packages.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Eligible to work in the UK.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance where necessary.

This is an opportunity to start your career in a unique industry, working on complex shipbuilding programmes that require precision, coordination and technical excellence.

You’ll gain practical experience, receive structured development and build skills that will support your long-term career in production planning, manufacturing or operations.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note that Assessment Centres will be held on Monday 7th September and Tuesday 8th September. Candidates will be assigned to attend on one of these dates only. Following the Assessment Centre, successful candidates will be invited to a final interview on Thursday 10th September.

***Please note as part of the onboarding process all candidates will need to complete BPSS security clearance***

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.