Lead Naval Architect - Conceptual Design

Shape the next generation of vessel concepts

Do you want to take a leading role in defining future vessel designs for demanding clients across specialized vessel segments?

At Vard Design, you will work at the very front of the design process – where the most important decisions are made. As Lead Naval Architect in Conceptual Design, you will drive the development of new vessel concepts, balancing performance, cost and sustainability, and play a key role in winning new projects.

We also have a core team of supporting specialists with long experience and in-depth skills and competence, enabling and amplifying the Lead Naval Architect capacity. We succeed as a team!

At VARD we care about nurturing talents and embracing diverse strengths, giving everyone the opportunity to develop and grow. Join us and be part of a community that celebrates your skills, and where together we are shaping the future of shipbuilding. So – what are you waiting for?

Your role

You will combine technical expertise, commercial understanding and leadership in early-phase projects:

• Lead concept development for complex vessel designs across selected segments
• Act as the technical lead towards clients in the conceptual phase
• Drive key design decisions and trade-offs (performance, cost, sustainability)
• Work closely with Sales to develop strong and competitive technical proposals
• Facilitate and participate in client workshops and concept discussions
• Coordinate input from multi-disciplinary teams across VARD
• Contribute to research & innovation by integrating new technologies and zero-emission solutions

You will have a visible and influential role, both internally and externally, and contribute directly to shaping VARD’s future project portfolio.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of vessel design trade-offs and performance drivers
• Ability to lead discussions and make decisions in complex, multi-disciplinary environments
• Relevant higher education, i.e. Naval Architecture, Engineering
• Knowledge of certain vessel segments is an advantage
• Being able to express yourself fluently in English (both written and spoken)

VARD works systematically for inclusion and diversity and encourage everyone to apply, even if your competence does not match 100% the above.

This employment may require a background check, or security clearance by the Norwegian National Security Authority.

Personal qualities

• Enjoys taking ownership and driving progress in early-phase design
• Combines analytical thinking with creativity
• Communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment
• Is motivated by delivering high-quality solutions to demanding clients
• Identify yourself with the VARD values Craftmanship, Salesmanship and Fellowship.

Our commitment to you

• The opportunity to influence vessel concepts at the earliest and most critical stage
• A good working environment with exciting and important tasks in an international environment
• Competitive pension scheme and insurance package
• Flexible work from home policy
• Free mobile phone usage and subsidized internet at home
• Central office location and free parking
• We understand the importance of continuous learning and we strive to give you the chance to gain new skills and further develop your career

VARD recognizes the importance of having fun at work, this is why with Social by VARD you will have the chance to bond with colleagues through new experiences and shared interests. The social offer varies throughout the year and includes activities like 'walk and talk' during lunch hours, fjord cruises, cooking lessons, go karting, football practices and wine tasting, just to name a few. With the right blend of fun, expertise and hard work, we are creating ships for the future. Join us!

Kontaktinformasjon

Thomas Olsvik, Vice President Conceptual Design, 416 69 802 Kjell Morten Urke, General Manager, Vard Design, 997 48 982

Arbeidssted

Skansekaia 2 6002 ÅLESUND

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Vard Design AS Referansenr.: 5150941714 Stillingsprosent: 100% Regular Søknadsfrist: 16.08.2026