Naval Architect (f/m/d)
CargoKite
IT
Munich, Germany
Posted on Apr 8, 2026
Naval Architect (f/m/d)
München
Full-time
Fixed-term
Your mission
At CargoKite we are a diverse team of visionaries, engineers united by a common goal: to develop cutting-edge solutions that propel the shipping industry into a more sustainable era. Are you a visionary with an interest in climate change solutions? Do you have a knack for turning groundbreaking ideas into tangible, sustainable hardware solutions? If so, we invite you to join our trailblazing team at CargoKite and shape the future of maritime transportation.
Your profile
As a Naval Architect at CargoKite, you will take ownership of naval architecture work across both our 26m active test vessel (CK3) and next-generation commercial vessel development (CK4). This is a full-time, Munich-based role for someone who combines strong technical fundamentals with a hands-on builder mindset and thrives in a fast-moving engineering environment.
This role combines unusually high ownership early in your career with direct expert mentorship. You will work on an active 26m test vessel, contribute to class-critical workstreams, and help translate live test learnings into the next generation of commercial wind-powered vessels. Working closely with our Head of Naval Architecture, the engineering team, test vessel crew, and external design partners, you will solve real-world vessel challenges, accelerate feedback loops from operations, and turn those insights into future vessel designs.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Owning day-to-day naval architecture for vessel operations, including technical questions related to performance, handling, operating constraints, and modification feasibility
- Driving class-related workstreams, including Approval in Principle (AIP), technical documentation, stability deliverables, and follow-up with classification partners
- Taking responsibility for the technical validation of modifications and onboard changes to the 26m test vessel, working closely with the captain and test engineer to ensure safe, practical, and test-ready implementation
- Maintaining class status, technical documentation quality, and configuration control for the test vessel, while providing hands-on engineering support during test campaigns, maintenance periods, and operational troubleshooting
- Developing hull models, vessel layouts, and design iterations in Rhino and Maxsurf to support both CK3 upgrades and CK4 concept development
- Running resistance, seakeeping, stability, and system-level performance analyses for wind-assisted vessels, with particular focus on side-force effects, operational constraints, and translating live test data into improved vessel behavior models
- Preparing high-quality technical inputs, design packages, and structured requirements for external naval architects, consultants, and design partners
- Closing the loop between CK3 sea trials and CK4 concept development - turning operational learnings into solid predictions for new designs
- Reviewing technical drawings, reports, and engineering documentation with a high bar for rigor, consistency, and implementation readiness
- Thriving close to the hardware: spending time onboard, validating modifications, supporting tests, troubleshooting real vessel behavior, and working hands-on with the teams running the platform
About you
- Completed a degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a related field
- Around 2–5 years of hands-on experience (including strong internships or early professional roles) in ship design, hydrodynamics, marine engineering, or high-performance sailing / wind-assisted vessel environments
- Based in Munich or willing to relocate and work on-site full-time
- Excited to spend time close to the vessel, supporting sea trials, testing campaigns, and operational problem-solving on-site in Lisbon when needed
- Strong understanding of vessel design fundamentals, including stability, resistance, seakeeping, and performance
- Practical exposure to class processes, technical documentation, and configuration / document control
- Proficiency in Rhino and Maxsurf (advanced capability strongly preferred); parametric tools such as SolidWorks or Grasshopper are a plus
- Strong practical engineering judgment and the ability to respond effectively to real-world vessel and operational challenges
- High attention to detail and the ability to produce clear, structured, implementation-ready technical documentation
- Comfortable working across disciplines and communicating clearly with engineers, vessel crew, external partners, and non-technical stakeholders
- Fluent in English (German and/or French are a plus)
Desired but not required
- Exposure to sailboats, sailing, or wind-assisted propulsion systems
- Experience with performance modelling or hydrodynamic analysis, CFD
What we offer
- Opportunity to join a deep-tech startup as an employee in the early stages, and contribute to the strategic decision making of the company
- Outstanding opportunities for personal development through a great deal of creative freedom and a high degree of independence and impact on your team and the company
- Competitive compensation
- A collaborative and inclusive work environment in which we can rely on each other, and which values your contributions and ideas
- Chance to make a meaningful impact on the future of the shipping industry & our planet
- Health and wellness benefits (sports, public transport ticket etc.)
- Flexible working hours with the possibility to work from home
About us
We are CargoKite, a Munich-based startup developing a purpose-built ‘last-mile’ container vessel engineered around wind as its primary propulsion source. Through kite-based propulsion and semi-autonomous operation, we significantly reduce fuel consumption and crew cost while maintaining competitive speed and reliability. We are originally a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich and hold a passion towards our goal of decarbonizing global shipping. With our high-tech wind powered vessel we help commercial shipping companies to reduce operating costs, cut emissions and enable a more individual and visable shipping service. After multiple successful funding rounds with top-tier international investors across the US and Europe, we are now looking to grow our world-class team.
At CargoKite, we believe that diversity and equal opportunity are key to success. Therefore, we create an inclusive environment for all employees and are open to diverse applications, regardless of age, skin color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or other legally protected characteristics.
Do I need to meet all the requirements to apply?
Studies by several different sources have shown that, on average, men will apply for a job if they meet 60% of the application requirements. In contrast, women/non-binary people will seek to match a much higher percentage of the requirements before applying.
We encourage everyone to apply and give us a chance to evaluate your skills and experience. We are all learning on the job, and although the listing above has been carefully compiled, we are also open-minded and interested to hear about the value you can bring to the role and to us as a company.
At CargoKite, we believe that diversity and equal opportunity are key to success. Therefore, we create an inclusive environment for all employees and are open to diverse applications, regardless of age, skin color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or other legally protected characteristics.
Do I need to meet all the requirements to apply?
Studies by several different sources have shown that, on average, men will apply for a job if they meet 60% of the application requirements. In contrast, women/non-binary people will seek to match a much higher percentage of the requirements before applying.
We encourage everyone to apply and give us a chance to evaluate your skills and experience. We are all learning on the job, and although the listing above has been carefully compiled, we are also open-minded and interested to hear about the value you can bring to the role and to us as a company.