Naval Architect

About us

The Whiskey Project Group was founded with a clear intention: to build the watercraft we wished we’d had.

“WHISKEY” is the callsign of special operations water operators, and it reflects our origins, a company built by people who came from the water, for those who still work on it. That perspective shapes every vessel we design, each one engineered to give operators a decisive advantage in safety, performance and capability.

Today, The Whiskey Project Group is a recognised leader in maritime naval architecture and engineering, combining special operations experience with more than 50 years of design and manufacturing excellence across Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Our work spans three brands: WHISKEY (tactical watercraft for defense and government), NAiAD (high-performance RHIBs for government, rescue, commercial and recreational use), and VYCOR (utility craft including patrol boats, punts and high-speed landing craft).

About the role

Reporting to the Design Manager, the Naval Architect will undertake design work from concept through detailed design, analysis and technical documentation across multiple projects, using modern software tools including AutoCAD, Rhino, Inventor and Maxsurf. This work spans analyses, working files, technical drawings and kitset definitions.

The role is highly collaborative. The successful candidate will work across design, sales, builders, customers and suppliers, translating customer requirements, commercial considerations and builder practicalities into suitable solutions. They will become conversant with the full product range, including its hull forms, collars and propulsion arrangements, and will follow market trends to help ensure The Whiskey Project Group remains at the forefront of boat design technology.

What you’ll do

•    Undertake naval architecture work from concept to detailed design, analysis and technical documentation

•    Produce design documentation (drawings, kitsets, reports) of the highest quality for the task it represents

•    Coordinate and negotiate across design, sales, builders, customers and suppliers to find suitable solutions

•    Champion innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring designs remain modern, relevant and aligned with customer and TWPG expectations

What you’ll bring

•    Degree in Naval Architecture (or equivalent)

•    At least 3 years’ experience in a small boat naval architecture firm

•    Experience with carbon fiber and aluminum design and manufacturing

•    Experience communicating designs to customers, project managers and builders, and in design negotiation

•    Experience managing supplier relationships and building stakeholder rapport through influence

•    Knowledge of naval architecture and engineering best practice, and Class rules across multiple regions

•    Proficiency with CAD software (Autodesk suite; Rhino and Maxsurf desired)

•    Strong written and verbal communication, and intense attention to detail

•    The ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, and to articulate complex engineering concepts to customers and design intent to builders

•    Proven innovation and problem-solving skills, with a sound appreciation of boat building practices and of boat operation as an end user