Senior Principal Naval Architect

Senior Principal Naval Architect - Marine Projects

ROLE FOR OUR CLIENT

Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands (Hybrid)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Principal Naval Architect to join a specialist marine consultancy and project delivery business operating across complex marine, offshore and engineering projects. This is a senior technical and project-facing position, responsible for providing Naval Architecture expertise across complex marine and offshore projects, while supporting the development of the company's Naval Architecture capability and technical teams. The role would suit a highly experienced Naval Architect with a background in heavy lift, project cargo, offshore structures and marine operations, with additional experience in marine surveying, casualty investigation or technical consultancy.

Key Responsibilities

Naval Architecture & Project Engineering

• Lead Naval Architecture scopes across marine and offshore projects from engineering through to execution.
• Undertake and review stability, vessel motions, strength, structural and lifting assessments.
• Provide engineering solutions for heavy lift, project cargo, marine transportation and offshore installation.
• Design and assess heavy-lift frames, spreaders, transport frames, crane structures and temporary works.
• Prepare and review loading manuals, method statements, RAMS and technical documentation.
• Provide technical input into vessel selection, transportation methodology and marine operations.
• Support offshore decommissioning, T&I and marine construction projects.
• Liaise with clients, shipowners, contractors, shipyards, Class and Flag authorities.
• Provide technical support during vessel, shipyard, port and offshore operations.

Damage Investigation, Claims & Technical Consultancy

• Undertake vessel, machinery, structural and cargo damage investigations and assess cause, extent and consequences.
• Conduct vessel and cargo surveys in support of H&M and P&I claims and casualty investigations.
• Apply Naval Architecture and structural engineering expertise to assess technical evidence, failures and repair requirements.
• Prepare technical investigation and expert reports for lawyers, insurers, shipowners and other stakeholders.
• Provide technical support for marine claims, disputes, arbitration and litigation where required.
• Liaise with P&I Clubs, H&M insurers, brokers, owners, Class and legal representatives.

Leadership & International Projects

• Provide technical leadership across Naval Architecture and engineering assignments.
• Help develop and mentor young Naval Architects and engineers, supporting the growth of capable project teams.
• Support the development of the Naval Architecture capability as the business expands.
• Travel across global maritime hubs to support projects, surveys, client requirements and marine operations.
• Manage technical scopes, resources, budgets and project deliverables where required.

Experience Required

• Degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering or related discipline.
• Significant senior-level experience in Naval Architecture and marine engineering.
• Strong experience in stability, vessel motions, structural analysis and marine operations.
• Demonstrable experience in heavy lift and/or project cargo.
• Experience with offshore structures, transportation, installation or decommissioning.
• Strong knowledge of Class requirements and industry standards.
• Experience with FEA and/or first-principles structural analysis.
• Experience producing technical reports and documentation.
• Experience in marine damage investigation, H&M/P&I claims or expert consultancy would be highly advantageous.
• Experience preparing reports for lawyers, insurers or other parties involved in marine disputes would be advantageous.
• Willingness to undertake international travel.
• Previous experience leading or mentoring engineers.

What This Role Offers

An opportunity to take a senior technical leadership position within a specialist marine consultancy, working across a range of marine and claims based operations. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to combine technical engineering with project delivery, work internationally across global maritime hubs, and play a key role in developing the next generation of Naval Architecture and engineering talent.