Senior Naval Architect
Senior Naval Architect
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Summary
Posted in:About this vacancy
Work at one of the world’s leading superyacht builders, delivering fully custom yachts at the highest technical and craftsmanship standards.
Within the construction of high-end custom superyachts (80m+), you are responsible for safeguarding the technical integrity, feasibility, and regulatory compliance of the naval architecture scope at project level.
This is not a calculation-focused role. It is a technical ownership position with a direct impact on compliance, approvals, and build execution.
You operate at the interface between external naval architecture firms, classification societies, flag administrations, and internal engineering and production teams.
You act as the technical authority for naval architecture within the project:
- Safeguard technical quality, feasibility, and design consistency
- Manage and coordinate external naval architecture partners and their deliverables
- Review and validate calculations and technical packages (without performing detailed in-house calculations)
- Translate class rules, flag state regulations, and international codes into practical, buildable solutions
- Lead communication and coordination with classification societies and flag administrations
- Identify regulatory and compliance risks early and take ownership of mitigation
- Own the weight monitoring process
- Oversee inclining tests
- Provide technical input for dock plans, launching operations, and transport activities
- Align closely with Project Management, Engineering, and Production
- Support and mentor junior naval architects
In this environment, technical deviations directly influence schedule, cost, and delivery quality.
Our client is a renowned Dutch shipyard with a long-standing reputation in the construction of custom luxury superyachts. The company combines advanced engineering with traditional craftsmanship and delivers complex, one-off yachts that set international benchmarks in design, performance, and build quality.
Operating at the absolute top of the global yachtbuilding market, the yard is recognized for its technical depth, precision, and ability to execute highly sophisticated projects for demanding clients worldwide.
- Competitive salary ranging from €3.900 to €6.400 per month (based on knowledge and experience).
- 38 days off (25 vacation days and 13 ADV days for full-time employment).
- Travel allowance based on €0.23 per kilometer for commuting distance.
- An inspiring work environment at the forefront of luxury yacht construction.
- Flexible working hours in consultation with your supervisor.
- Plenty of opportunities for personal development and training.
- Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture or Naval Engineering
- Minimum 7 years of experience in yacht or shipbuilding
- Experience with 80m+ yachts and/or complex commercial vessels
- Hands-on exposure to classification societies and flag administrations
- Strong knowledge of international codes and class standards (REG Yacht Code experience is an advantage)
- Solid understanding of shipyard production processes
- Strong technical judgment and independent working capability
- Fluent English
Preferred
- Experience within Dutch superyacht construction
Gerard is happy to help you.
The steps to a successful match
Application
If you respond to an appealing job opening, the consultant will contact you to schedule an exploratory meeting in the next few days.
Analysis
Together with the consultant, you determine whether your profile is a good fit for the position. You also assess whether your ambitions are aligned with the direction of the organi…
Initial interview
If the fit is right on both sides, there will be a first-round interview with your potential new employer in the next two weeks.
Follow-up interview(s)
Depending on the process, the consultant will invite you to the next round(s) of interviews and possibly an assessment center.
Offer
If you are selected for the position, you will receive an attractive job offer. We will be happy to advise you on realistic terms of employment.
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