Naval architect
Naval architect
Also known as
Marine architect, marine designer, yacht designer, boat designer, naval engineer, ship designer
AUT programmes
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
- Usually work in offices, workshops and shipyards, and may travel locally, nationally and internationally
- Need to be creative, accurate and methodical
Typical tasks
- Design ships, boats and yachts
- Oversee vessel building and repair
- Manage engineers and technicians
- Check equipment and systems
- Set project schedules
- Review documents
- Prepare contracts, disclosures and applications
Salary information
| Lower | Most common | Upper |
| $50K | $64K-$119K | $173K |
Tips from AUT graduates
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Marketing combines analytical thinking with human insight. It’s about understanding behaviour, positioning value and making strategic decisions that create measurable impact. My advice is to focus on building judgement, communication skills and reliability. The marketing industry moves quickly, and those who can think clearly under pressure stand out. And finally, be proactive. Opportunities often come to those who show readiness, not just readiness on paper.
Associate Data Scientist, Fonterra
Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences
Marketing combines analytical thinking with human insight. It’s about understanding behaviour, positioning value and making strategic decisions that create measurable impact. My advice is to focus on building judgement, communication skills and reliability. The marketing industry moves quickly, and those who can think clearly under pressure stand out. And finally, be proactive. Opportunities often come to those who show readiness, not just readiness on paper.
People & Capability Advisor, Auckland Kindergarten Association
Bachelor of Business
Marketing combines analytical thinking with human insight. It’s about understanding behaviour, positioning value and making strategic decisions that create measurable impact. My advice is to focus on building judgement, communication skills and reliability. The marketing industry moves quickly, and those who can think clearly under pressure stand out. And finally, be proactive. Opportunities often come to those who show readiness, not just readiness on paper.
Bachelor of Arts
Marketing combines analytical thinking with human insight. It’s about understanding behaviour, positioning value and making strategic decisions that create measurable impact. My advice is to focus on building judgement, communication skills and reliability. The marketing industry moves quickly, and those who can think clearly under pressure stand out. And finally, be proactive. Opportunities often come to those who show readiness, not just readiness on paper.
Distribution Centre Optimisation Lead, Global Supply Chain, Fonterra
Bachelor of Business
Marketing combines analytical thinking with human insight. It’s about understanding behaviour, positioning value and making strategic decisions that create measurable impact. My advice is to focus on building judgement, communication skills and reliability. The marketing industry moves quickly, and those who can think clearly under pressure stand out. And finally, be proactive. Opportunities often come to those who show readiness, not just readiness on paper.
Outlook
Maritime engineering is a fast‑growing field as demand rises for ocean‑based food, transport and energy. New Zealand’s shipbuilding sector – especially superyachts – has shifted from new builds to refit and maintenance in response to global competition, building a strong reputation for high‑quality design. Additional opportunities in New Zealand exist for naval architects and boat builders through the America’s Cup.
What employers and industry want in graduates
* Creative and able to see the potential to use marine environments effectively and sustainably
* Highly organised, logical thinker, accurate with an eye for detail
* Responsible, adaptable, practical and methodical
* Confident decision-maker who can remain calm in emergencies
* Thrives in a challenging work environment