Naval architect
Also known as: naval engineer/architect, outfitting engineer, vessel designer, maritime architect, marine architect, boat designer
About this occupation
Naval architects design, build, maintain and repair all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines. They analyse floating structures and take various features into account for their designs such as the form, structure, stability, resistance, access and propulsion of hulls.
A specialisation of mechanical engineer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- use maritime English
- engineering processes
- execute analytical mathematical calculations
- execute feasibility study
- mechanical engineering
- assess financial viability
- engineering principles
- ensure vessel compliance with regulations
- mechanics of vessels
- mathematics
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Architects, Except Landscape and Naval (O*NET 17-1011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
- Plan or design structures such as residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations.
- Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.
- Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
- Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
- Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Artistic
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Operations Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving, Active Listening
US median pay: US$99,280 a year (2025), 106,770 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignExtremely important (4.7)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionExtremely important (4.6)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (3.8)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Landscape Architects
- Construction Managers
- Interior Designers
- Civil Engineers
- Construction and Building Inspectors
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Industrial Engineers
- Commercial and Industrial Designers
- Project Management Specialists
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.