Naval Architect IV

Naval Architect IV Opportunity at DLBA Naval Architects – A Division of Leidos

DLBA Naval Architects, formerly Donald L. Blount and Associates, is a leading naval architecture and marine engineering firm, now part of Leidos Gibbs & Cox. DLBA offers innovative consulting services for designing a diverse range of boats, from sleek, high-performance fiberglass recreational boats like Mastercraft’s Aviara series to rugged, aluminum workboats such as the Kayak Express, and custom sportfishing vessels. We pride ourselves on bringing advanced design and engineering to the waterfront, serving clients from high-speed record-setting race boats to reliable commercial tugs and barges.

DLBA specializes in pushing the boundaries of high-performance marine craft design, but our expertise extends across all types of vessels. Our team's involvement in research and development keeps us at the cutting edge of the industry, introducing new technologies to revolutionize the boating world.

Why Work at DLBA?

Dynamic, Collaborative Environment: Be part of a multidisciplinary team where creativity thrives. Every project brings fresh challenges, keeping you engaged, learning, and innovating. You'll collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and project managers on diverse projects ranging from recreational boats to U.S. government crafts.

Top-Tier Brand Recognition: DLBA is known for excellence. Our work has made us the strongest team in the small boat design space, and being part of DLBA means being at the top of your field.

Diverse and Exciting Projects: From custom sportfishing yachts to commercial vessels, our projects span a variety of boat types, ensuring no two days are the same. You'll engage in the hands-on design of vessels you might have once only dreamed of.

Unique Culture: Our team is made up of passionate, committed, and innovative individuals who thrive in a collaborative, in-office environment. We promote personal growth and foster team synergy in a space where everyone contributes to the success of the whole.

Job Security & Growth: Backed by Leidos, one of the world's leading science and technology companies, DLBA offers job security along with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects that make a tangible difference for our clients.

Innovative Work with Impact: Whether designing beautiful, functional, or high-speed boats, our team applies the latest technologies and creative solutions to help clients meet their specific goals.

What You'll Be Doing:

As a Naval Architect IV, you'll join a team that blends hands-on naval architecture with innovative engineering solutions. Primary focus for this position will be onsite technical support to US Navy Combatant Craft Division (Code 83) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and detailed engineering calculations using first principles hand calculations and devising approaches to challenges encountered. 

• Assist Project Managers in the design of boats and craft.  Provide solutions by applying existing design skills, techniques, and company procedures

• Adhere to existing Engineering Standards and Procedures in conjunction with other engineering staff to improve product quality and efficiency.

• Collaborate with teammates to develop solutions.

• Complete engineering assignments accurately and on a timely basis utilizing standard engineering programs.

• Provide onsite naval architecture and marine engineering service to US Navy Combatant Craft Division (Code 83) onsite at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek.

Basic Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship

• Secret DoD security clearance

• B.S. Degree or higher in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a related field

• 8+ years of Naval Architecture/Marine Engineering experience

• Requires a broad knowledge of marine engineering and an in-depth knowledge of principles, practices and related technologies

• Strong knowledge of specifications and regulatory requirements (BS/RINA/LR/ISO/USCG/ABYC)

• Knowledge and experience with developing calculations and drawings for Class and Flag review and approval.

• Strong time management and organization skills as an independent contributor

• Demonstrated experience solving technical problems using first principles hand calculations and devising new approaches to challenges encountered. 

• Proficiency in using industry-standard CAD software, including AutoCAD and Rhino

• Experience with developing technical scopes of supply and collaboration with vendors

• Demonstrated Interpersonal Skills as a member of a collaborative multidisciplinary team

• Strong analytical skills, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Excellent MS Office skills, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

​Preferred Qualifications

• Shipyard or boatyard experience

• Professional Engineering License

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

• Professional certificates of competency in applicable CAD & engineering software

• 10 years of technical engineering experience

• 3 years of supervisory experience

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.