Naval Architect

About the Role

Naval Architect

Permanent position

Westway, Glasgow

To provide Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering expertise in support of JFD’s design activities from concept design, through to engineering release for manufacture, as well as providing support for mobilising equipment for both planned exercises and in the event of emergency call outs globally.

The role will be delivering engineering solutions that comply with JFD’s engineering strategy, governance framework and processes as well as meeting safety, cost, quality, schedule, and compliance requirements.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess technical queries and provide engineering design input to new products and support existing product range.
• Liaise with internal JFD departments such as sales, procurement, and production to ensure the best technical solution is provided in all instances.
• Sourcing suitable components and materials when required and creation of part numbers and bill of materials.
• Creation of engineering documentation such as specifications, proposals, assembly instructions, test procedures, certification and reports.
• Checking detailed manufacturing drawings and documentation and adherence to company standards and processes and compliance to internal and external standards & regulations.
• Ensuring engineering solutions are provided on time and on budget.
• Site visits to other JFD offices and client assets as and when required.
• Accountability and responsibility as technical checker of drawings and documentation generated in support of the Mechanical Engineer role.

What we’re looking for:

You will be a natural problem-solver with excellent written and verbal communication along with efficient organisational skills.

You will have excellent attention to detail and the ability to adapt to changing scope or client demands with the willingness to take ownership and accountability of tasks and drive to completion.

Methodical and thorough whilst generating and checking documentation whilst being delivery focused and able to produce results in challenging technical environments.

You will also need the ability to coach, mentor and develop talent, allowing them to shine independently.

Key skills, knowledge and experience:

• Degree qualified in a relevant engineering discipline or relevant industry experience.
• Post-graduate or professional qualification, e.g., Chartered Engineer status, desirable.
• Perform structural design and analysis.
• Expertise in trim and stability analyses.
• Experience performing analyses of hull forms with knowledge of stability, hydrodynamic performance and seakeeping predictions.
• Expertise in deck Layouts / Load out plans.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management system for generating and storage of engineering packages.
• Design integration, coordinating inputs from other engineering disciplines.
• Develop concepts and perform feasibility design studies.
• Review / approval of Naval Architecture deliverables prior to release to client or for manufacture.
• Perform ship general arrangements and configuration drawings.
• Previous experience working on submersibles would be advantageous.
• Support the preparation of class submittals.
• Previous experience of mobilising / de-mobilising of equipment would be advantageous.
• Familiar with international Quality and Safety standards (ISO 9001, 45001 etc.)
• Ability to apply regulatory body rules (Class Standards, LR, DNV, National Standards, IMCA), ship specifications, and other technical guidance to develop conforming designs and modifications to ships and submersible vehicles.

*You will need a flexible approach to working as there will be some travel involved, both locally and overseas as projects require.

In addition, you will need to be able to pass security clearance to be eligible for this position.

You will also need a full UK driving licence.

Why join us?

Competitive benefits tailored to the division.

Opportunities for career growth and visibility across the organisation.

A supportive, inclusive culture that values your ideas and contributions.

Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability.

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets.

JFD is the world leading underwater capability provider, serving the commercial and defence markets with innovative diving, submarine and hyperbaric rescue, technical solutions and services.

Operating worldwide, the company is the world’s leading provider of submarine rescue capability and an established provider of submarine escape training. The company is at the forefront of Hyperbaric Rescue, along with being the leading supplier of commercial and defence diving equipment and saturation diving systems to the commercial industry.

Visit our website at:

For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!

Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.