Naval Architect

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Ownership: Design, fabricate, and fully own the hull form, structural layout, and overall naval architecture for our 15-ft and 35-ft prototype vessels.
• Hydrodynamics & Stability: Perform resistance/powering calculations, intact/damage stability analysis, and seakeeping assessments for high-speed, autonomous operations in rough maritime environments.
• Rapid CAD-to-Reality: Use Rhino, Maxsurf, and/or SolidWorks for detailed manufacturing designs, structural engineering, and relentlessly iterate based on physical ocean testing.
• Fabrication Oversight: Oversee rapid prototype manufacturing, including FRP composite layups and marine-grade metalwork (aluminum).
• Field Deployment / Sea Trials: Integrate mechanical/autonomous subsystems with cross-functional teams, troubleshoot on the fly, and operate as a core maritime crew member during rugged ocean deployments and sea trials.

Requirements

• Export control: This role involves access to technology and technical data controlled under U.S. export-control laws (ITAR/EAR). You must be able to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements, which may include qualifying as a "U.S. person" (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual).
• BS in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience, with 3+ years designing high-performance marine vessels, USVs, or specialized watercraft.
• Uncompromising proficiency in naval architecture software (Rhino, Maxsurf, NAPA, etc.) and SolidWorks. Strong practical intuition for marine structural analysis, DFM, and weight control, especially for FRP structures.
• Strong practical knowledge of rapid prototype assembly and structural systems. R&D experience with FRP composites, marine aluminum fabrication, or high-speed craft is a massive plus.
• Proven ability to manage multiple rapid deadlines independently and own early-stage marine hardware from sketch to functional deployment.

Nice to Have

• 3+ years work experience in ship/boat design.
• Direct experience designing high-speed planing hulls or autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs/USVs).
• Experience building early-stage marine hardware prototypes.
• Ownership of projects from clean-sheet start to finish.
• Deep knowledge of marine structural systems, with an emphasis on FRP composites and alloys.
• Operational experience working with deployed vessels, conducting sea trials, or maritime operations.
• Familiarity with maritime regulations (USCG, ABS) and applying them to novel/uncrewed vessels.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base pay: $105,000 – $165,000 per year, depending on experience.
• Equity: early-stage stock options.
• Benefits: employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision coverage.

The range above reflects the anticipated base pay for this role. Actual compensation will depend on your experience, qualifications, skills, and work location, and does not include equity or benefits. This posting complies with applicable state and local pay-transparency requirements.

Equal Opportunity & Background Checks

Bulwark Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law.

Employment is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a background check. By submitting an application, you acknowledge and agree that, if you receive a conditional offer, Bulwark Dynamics may conduct a background check in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Any such check will be conducted only after separate written disclosure and with your prior written authorization, which will be requested at the offer stage.