Lead Yacht Designer Composite & Deck Structures

SUMMARY:
This senior role will see you supervising both the Composite (2 team members) and Deck (3 team members) design streams within the Drawing Office.

POSITION INFO:

• • Lead Yacht Designer Composite & Deck Structures
    Cape Town | R60 000 - R80 000 p/m | On-site | Start Date: November 2025

    About Our Client
    Our client is a renowned yacht builder specializing in high-performance, luxury sailing yachts built to exacting international standards. With a reputation for precision engineering, innovative composite construction, and exceptional craftsmanship, they offer the opportunity to work on world-class projects alongside some of the industry''s top designers and engineers. Their Cape Town facility is a hub of excellence where design, technology, and artistry converge.

    The Role: Lead Yacht Designer Composite & Deck Structures
    This senior role will see you supervising both the Composite (2 team members) and Deck (3 team members) design streams within the Drawing Office. You''ll deliver production-ready 3D models and 2D drawings, ensuring design integrity, quality, and timely delivery across all phases. Working closely with the Drawing Office Manager, Technical Coordinators, and external naval architects, you''ll play a pivotal role in integrating design, engineering, and production within a collaborative, high-performance environment.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Lead and mentor a small team of composite and deck designers to deliver accurate production drawings and 3D models.

    • Produce and check SolidWorks 3D assemblies and AutoCAD 2D production drawings.

    • Engineer composite scantlings and design deck structures aligned with class and project requirements.

    • Ensure designs integrate seamlessly across disciplines, liaising with architects, engineers, and suppliers.

    • Interpret and apply specifications, rules, and regulations while maintaining up-to-date standards.

    • Proactively identify design improvements and propose effective solutions to decision-makers.

    • Oversee timely delivery of drawing packages to production, maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.

    • Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient design coordination.

    About You

    • Degree/Master in Naval Architecture, Yacht Design, or BEng/BSc with relevant yacht-building experience.

    • Minimum 7 years experience in the marine or yacht design industry.

    • Advanced 3D parametric modelling (SolidWorks or equivalent) and 2D drafting (AutoCAD or equivalent).

    • Strong engineering and composite design background with solid spatial and 3D visualization skills.

    • Practical sailing experience (mandatory).

    • Excellent communicator, proactive, and collaborative team player.

    • Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage priorities under tight timelines.

    • Adaptable and comfortable working in a multicultural environment.

    • Fluent in English; willing to work overtime when required.

    • Background or interest in product design will be advantageous.

    Working Hours: 07:00 - 16:30