Naval Architect

About Us:

Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Naval Architect to join our Hardware Engineering team. This role requires deep expertise in the design, analysis, and development of maritime vessels across diverse operating environments.

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in classical and historic vessel design principles—combined with modern computational and analytical tools—to evaluate and optimize hydrodynamics, intact and damaged stability, seakeeping, controllability, structural integration, and overall vessel performance.

This individual will play a central role in shaping hull forms, vessel architecture, and system integration from early concept development through detailed design, testing, and production.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements:

• Vessel Design and Analysis

  Support the development of vessel architectures from initial requirements through detailed design as well as modification to existing platforms Define hull form characteristics, general arrangements, weight estimates, stability strategy, and performance targets based on mission needs and operational environments.

  Leverage knowledge of historic and contemporary vessel designs to inform efficient, seaworthy, and manufacturable solutions.

  Conduct hydrodynamic analyses to assess resistance, propulsion efficiency, seakeeping behavior, maneuverability, and controllability across operational profiles.

• Structural & Systems Integration

  Collaborate with structural and mechanical engineers to integrate hull structures, bulkheads, decks, mounting foundations, and payload interfaces into the overall vessel architecture.

  Perform intact and damaged stability analyses in accordance with applicable regulatory frameworks and mission requirements.

  Evaluate trim, heel, righting moments, load cases, and weight distribution to ensure safe and robust vessel operation in varying maritime environments.

• Controllability & Maneuvering

  Assess vessel maneuvering characteristics, including turning performance, course-keeping, low-speed handling, and dynamic stability.

  Work with controls and propulsion engineers to refine rudder, foil, thruster, and appendage configurations to meet controllability objectives.

• Integration & Testing

  Support prototype builds, vessel trials, and performance validation activities. Participate in dock trials, sea trials, and post-test analysis to validate hydrodynamic predictions, stability performance, and controllability models.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in naval architecture and vessel design.

• Demonstrated experience designing various classes of maritime vessels (e.g., displacement craft, planing hulls, multihulls, foiling vehicles, submersibles and semisubmersibles).

• Strong understanding of hydrodynamics, hydrostatics, intact and damaged stability, and vessel controllability.

• Proficiency with modern naval architecture and analysis tools (e.g., Rhino/Orca3D, GHS, NAPA, Maxsurf, STAR-CCM+, ANSYS, OpenFOAM, or equivalent).

• Experience using CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks or similar) for structural and system integration.

• Solid understanding of marine structural design principles and load cases.

• Experience supporting sea trials and correlating analytical models to operational data.

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or a closely related field.

• U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with uncrewed or autonomous maritime systems.

• Familiarity with historic vessel design approaches and their application to modern performance optimization.

• Experience with high-speed craft, hybrid hull forms, or novel propulsion concepts.

• Knowledge of classification society rules (ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s Register, etc.) and regulatory compliance pathways.

• Experience with weight control programs and configuration management.

• Strong troubleshooting and field-support mindset.

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or related discipline.

Location:

• Hybrid, in Rumford, RI

Benefits:

• 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families

• Life Insurance (Employer Paid)

• Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)

• Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum

• Equity Package

• Work / Home Office Stipend

• Global Entry

• 16 Week Paid Parental Leave

• Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend

Our Values:

• Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.

• Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.

• Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation.

• Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.

• Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.

• Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.

HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.