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

CargoKite

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