Naval Architecture Lead

Fleet Renewal 

Victoria 

The Opportunity 

In order to address the challenges brought on by constrained system capacity, aging major assets, and environmental sustainability, BC Ferries has recently launched a new Fleet Renewal organization.  This team will deliver a large number of new major and minor vessels to the fleet in the near term, as well as significant builds and upgrades to shore-based infrastructure and facilities.  These projects together form the largest capital investment in the company’s history.   

Working as part of the Fleet Renewal technical staff, and in collaboration with other technical experts within BC Ferries, the Naval Architecture Lead supports the design, development, and production of all new vessels required for BC Ferries’ future fleet.  They serve as a subject matter expert and provide professional and technical instruction, guidance, and information to shipyards, contractors, and engineers regarding planning, design, regulatory issues, engineering principles, and standard practices. They respond to technical queries from site teams and – when necessary – directly perform activities such as acceptance testing or requirements verification abroad in the shipyards and/or at-sea onboard vessels. They will deliver engineering outputs in line with each shipbuilding project's technical specifications, budget and schedule and are responsible for overseeing the hydrostatic, hydrodynamic and structural analyses on all new ferries.  

This role must occasionally travel and work outside the local geographic area, including internationally, and onboard ships at sea.  

The Role 

Reporting to the Director, Technical & Design, this role is integral to the achievement of company objectives, and you contribute value through key areas of oversight such as: 

• Providing specialized naval architecture expertise and technical support for vessel design, acquisition, renewal, and lifecycle management initiatives;  
• Conducting and reviewing naval architecture analyses relating to vessel stability, hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, structural integrity, seakeeping, and performance;
• Reviewing engineering designs, specifications, calculations, and technical documentation to confirm compliance with project requirements and applicable standards;  
• Providing technical guidance and recommendations to project teams, shipyards, contractors, and stakeholders on naval architecture matters; 
• Interpreting and applying statutory regulations, classification society rules, industry standards, and engineering best practices;
• Supporting technical assurance, risk assessment, and resolution of complex engineering issues throughout project delivery;  
• Contributing to development of technical requirements, specifications, procurement documentation, and engineering evaluations; 
• Participating in design reviews, verifications, inspections, weight control, and trials activities as required.  

What you bring to the team 

• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or another engineering discipline combined with advanced specialization in naval architecture is required
• Master's degree in Naval Architecture or a related engineering discipline is preferred 
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation or eligibility for registration with the applicable provincial engineering association  
• Advanced industry certifications or specialized training relevant to vessel design, marine regulations, or technical leadership 
• 10+ years of progressive experience as a naval architect

Join us! 

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by August 30,2026 at 11:59pm. 

Additional Information 

The target salary range: $105,200 – $131,500 per annum.  The starting salary is determined based on the successful candidate’s knowledge and experience, and on internal equity. 

"We sail to serve and connect the people and the coast of BC”  

At BC Ferries, our people are at the heart of delivering safe and reliable service along 1,600 km of coastline. Every day, we connect communities and move tens of thousands of passengers and vehicles across our 25 routes through the dedication, expertise and hard work of our teams. Guided by a shared commitment to safety, service, inclusion, and local commitment, we offer meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a positive impact. Whether you work onboard our vessels, in our terminals or behind the scenes, you'll play an important role in connecting people, supporting communities, and keeping coastal BC moving. 

We support employment equity and diversity in the workplace, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace. 

We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.