Entry-Level Remote Naval Architect – Vessel Design, Stability & Marine Systems Engineering – Join a Cutting‑Edge Maritime Innovation Team

About Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG)

Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) is a premier marine‑design consultancy that has been shaping the future of commercial and offshore vessels for over two decades. From high‑speed ferries cruising coastal waters to robust offshore support platforms navigating harsh seas, our portfolio spans a diverse array of vessels that set industry benchmarks for safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Our remote‑first philosophy means that talented engineers from anywhere in the United States can collaborate with world‑class naval architects, offshore specialists, and marine inspectors, all while enjoying the flexibility of a work‑from‑home environment. At EBDG, we believe great design emerges from curiosity, rigorous analysis, and a culture that celebrates continuous learning.

Why This Role Is a Game‑Changer for Your Career

Stepping into the role of an Entry‑Level Remote Naval Architect at EBDG offers you a launchpad into the maritime engineering arena. You will gain hands‑on experience with the entire vessel development lifecycle—starting from conceptual arrangement sketches, moving through detailed structural calculations, and culminating in the on‑site inspection of completed vessels. The position is designed to accelerate your professional growth, allowing you to develop a deep technical toolbox while contributing to real‑world projects that sail under US Coast Guard, ABS, SOLAS, and MARPOL regulations. If you are eager to transform theoretical knowledge into tangible solutions that keep ships safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible, this is the perfect opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptual & Preliminary Design: Produce vessel arrangement plans, perform space‑utilization studies, and develop initial hull form sketches using AutoCAD and Rhino.
• Stability & Hydrostatics: Conduct hydrostatic analyses, calculate stability criteria, generate loading manuals, and prepare tonnage calculations in compliance with USCG and classification society rules.
• Resistance & Seakeeping: Execute hull‑resistance predictions, perform seakeeping simulations, and interpret results to inform design modifications that improve fuel efficiency and ride comfort.
• Structural Engineering: Apply first‑principle calculations, prescriptive regulatory rules, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess hull girder strength, bulkhead integrity, and overall structural robustness.
• Fatigue & Forensic Analysis: Estimate fatigue life of critical components, develop repair strategies, and conduct forensic investigations on damaged structures to recommend remedial actions.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marine systems engineers, electrical designers, and project managers to ensure seamless integration of propulsion, power, and auxiliary systems.
• Construction Oversight: Attend remote and onsite inspections of vessel construction, oversee equipment installation, and verify compliance during commissioning phases.
• Regulatory Compliance: Verify adherence to United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations, ABS rules, SOLAS conventions, and MARPOL environmental standards throughout the design and construction process.
• Contract Documentation: Draft technical specifications, procurement specifications, and test‑and‑trial memos that accurately capture client requirements and regulatory mandates.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute ideas to internal design standards, share lessons learned from project post‑mortems, and support mentorship initiatives for junior staff.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a closely related discipline from an accredited university.
• Internship or Co‑op Experience: Minimum of one summer internship or co‑op placement focused on commercial vessel design, shipyard operations, or vessel performance assessment.
• Technical Writing & Communication: Demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise technical reports, design briefs, and client correspondence; strong verbal communication skills for virtual team meetings and client presentations.
• Software Proficiency: Practical experience with industry‑standard tools such as AutoCAD, Rhino, Pipe‑Flo, GHS (General Hydrostatics Software), and Microsoft 365 suite.
• Regulatory Awareness: Familiarity with USCG inspection requirements, ABS classification rules, SOLAS, and MARPOL conventions.
• Problem‑Solving Mindset: Ability to interpret complex engineering data, identify root causes of design challenges, and propose effective solutions.

Preferred Qualifications & Desirable Experience

• Intent to pursue a Professional Engineering (PE) license within the next 3–5 years, indicating a commitment to long‑term professional development.
• Exposure to Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS, Nastran, or Abaqus for structural assessments.
• Experience with stability analysis software (e.g., Maxsurf Stability, STADI) and knowledge of loading condition formulations.
• Hands‑on involvement in sea trials, on‑board testing, or commissioning activities.
• Familiarity with marine corrosion protection, fire‑safety design, and emergency egress planning.
• Participation in research projects, academic competitions, or publications related to naval architecture or marine engineering.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Analytical Acumen: Strong quantitative abilities to interpret hydrostatic data, resistance curves, and structural stress results.
• Collaborative Spirit: Proven track record of thriving in multidisciplinary, virtual teams; comfortable using collaboration platforms like Slack, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to drafting specifications, reviewing regulatory checklists, and maintaining design documentation integrity.
• Adaptability: Ability to balance multiple project timelines, respond to evolving client needs, and adopt new design technologies quickly.
• Ethical Judgment: Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and ethical engineering practices in all phases of vessel design.
• Continuous Learning: Proactive pursuit of emerging trends in marine sustainability, digital twin technology, and autonomous vessel concepts.

Growth Path & Learning Opportunities

EBDG invests heavily in the professional development of its engineers. As an entry‑level naval architect, you will be paired with a senior mentor who will guide you through your first project engagements, provide feedback on technical deliverables, and champion your visibility within the firm. Within 2–3 years, high‑performing individuals typically advance to the role of Naval Architect – Associate, taking ownership of larger design packages, leading small project teams, and expanding their client interaction scope. The firm also supports the following growth initiatives:

• Certification Support: Financial assistance and study time for obtaining the Professional Engineer (PE) license, as well as specialized certifications such as ABS Marine Surveyor or SOLAS compliance training.
• Technical Workshops: Access to internal workshops on advanced FEA, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), and vessel performance optimization.
• Conference Attendance: Opportunities to present research or project highlights at industry conferences like SNAME, IMO, and the International Naval Architecture Symposium.
• Educational Reimbursement: Tuition assistance for graduate‑level courses or Master’s programs in Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, or related fields.

Culture, Collaboration & Work‑Life Harmony

Our remote‑first culture is built on trust, transparency, and a shared passion for maritime excellence. Every team member enjoys flexible scheduling that accommodates personal commitments while meeting project milestones. Regular virtual coffee chats, quarterly “All‑Hands” town halls, and an inclusive Slack community foster strong interpersonal connections across geographic locations. EBDG celebrates diversity of thought and encourages innovative ideas from every level of the organization. Employee wellness is a priority; we provide mental‑health resources, virtual fitness challenges, and a supportive employee assistance program (EAP) to help you thrive both professionally and personally.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Base Salary: Aligned with market benchmarks for entry‑level naval architects in the United States, with annual performance‑based adjustments.
• Health & Wellness Package: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with options for employee‑plus‑family enrollment.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Employer‑paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, and short‑term disability protection.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions and profit‑sharing opportunities.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accrual, paid holidays, and a flexible “remote work day” policy to support work‑life balance.
• Professional Development: Educational reimbursement, access to industry webinars, and a dedicated budget for certifications and training.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling services, legal and financial consultation, and resources for personal well‑being.
• Technology Stipend: Home‑office equipment allowance to ensure you have an ergonomic and high‑performance workspace.
• Community & Engagement: Virtual team‑building events, mentorship circles, and volunteer‑day initiatives that give back to maritime education and environmental causes.

How to Apply & Next Steps

If you are excited about launching your naval architecture career with a forward‑thinking, remote‑centric firm that values innovation, safety, and sustainability, we want to hear from you. Please submit your résumé, a cover letter outlining your passion for marine design, and any relevant project portfolios or design samples through our online application portal. Our recruitment team reviews applications on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview that includes a technical discussion and a cultural fit assessment.

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let this opportunity sail by. Join Elliott Bay Design Group today, and help us shape the vessels of tomorrow while building a rewarding, lifelong career path. Click the link below to apply now and begin your journey on the cutting edge of maritime engineering.

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