Deputy Department Manager / Technical Manager, Naval Architecture

We are Helsinki Shipyard – celebrating 160 years of shipbuilding excellence. Since 1865, we have been designing, building, and commissioning tailor-made, high-class passenger vessels and icebreakers for extreme conditions. We proudly continue the legacy of Helsinki’s own Shipyard, right in the heart of Helsinki. With us, you get to design and build the ships under one roof from start to finish, in close collaboration with our customers. Our specialty lies in vessels that operate on the polar seas, but we can build everything from smaller yachts to complex multi-purpose icebreakers. To provide you with some perspective, we've built 50% of the world's icebreakers - without us it would be hard to navigate in the icy seas! We are now beginning construction on a new heavy icebreaker for the Canadian government. The vessel will be constructed in Helsinki before being completed at Davie's shipyard in Quebec by 2030. Since November 2023, Helsinki Shipyard has been a part of Group Davie together with SATA Shipbuilding in Pori and Chantier Davie in Levie, Quebec. We are now seeking a Deputy Department Manager / Technical Manager to join our team of 20 professionals in the Naval Architecture department. Our Naval Architecture team is responsible for the conceptual design of specialized vessels ranging from icebreakers to passenger ships. During the sales phase, we develop initial vessel concepts together with customers and internal stakeholders, and during the construction phase, we support design teams in finalizing the vessel design. Typical concept development projects range from a few months to over a year. While Helsinki Shipyard is well known for its icebreakers, our strategy today brings exceptional variety across multiple vessel categories and markets. In addition to icebreakers, we are actively expanding our focus to naval and government vessels, cruise ships, yachts, and offshore wind-related vessels and solutions. This creates highly diverse projects, broad technical exposure, and the opportunity to develop deep multidisciplinary expertise. Our Naval Architecture team is involved in several long-term vessel construction programs as well as future-oriented sales and concept projects. At Helsinki Shipyard, you’ll have the opportunity to help shape not only new vessels, but also future ways of working in a growing international shipbuilding organization. About the Role This is a senior-level role combining technical expertise, project involvement, and department development. You will act as the deputy to the Head of Naval Architecture while remaining closely involved in vessel projects, concept development, and sales support activities. This is an opportunity to step into a broad and strategic role with visibility across sales projects, vessel programs, and department development initiatives, while still remaining hands-on with real ship projects. In this role, you get to: Act as Deputy Department Manager and contribute to the development and resourcing of the Naval Architecture department Lead vessel concept development projects in close collaboration with the Sales Director, Project Engineers, and customers Mentor and support Naval Architecture team members in their professional development and daily project work Develop and improve department tools, processes, and ways of working Follow market trends, customer needs, and maritime regulatory developments to support future vessel concept development Participate in technically demanding vessel projects across different project phases and vessel types Support project initiation, technical coordination, and problem-solving activities throughout various projects Play a key role in shaping new operating models and strengthening the department’s technical capabilities Work across a diverse portfolio including icebreakers, naval vessels, cruise ships, yachts, and offshore wind-related projects This role does not include direct people management responsibilities, but you will play a key role in shaping the department’s future operating model and technical direction. To succeed in this role, you: Have a Master’s degree in Naval Architecture and several years of work experience in shipyards, design companies, or as an owner’s representative Enjoy collaborating with others and supporting team development Are comfortable working in technically complex and multidisciplinary projects Understand both the technical and commercial aspects of shipbuilding projects Are proactive, development-oriented, and capable of driving improvements independently Have excellent communication skills and can work effectively with customers and internal stakeholders alike “This is an exciting moment for our department. We are developing new ways of working, growing our expertise, and developing some of the most demanding vessel concepts in the world. This role offers a unique combination of technical depth, strategic influence, and project involvement.” — Timo Yrjövuori, Head of Naval Architecture Why you should join us Diverse and technically demanding projects with real global impact Opportunity to influence department development and future operating models A collaborative and highly skilled international working environment Sustainability is central to us — we participate in joint Helsinki sea monitoring programs and continuously develop environmentally responsible vessel solutions We have offices in Helsinki, Turku, and Pori. We support hybrid work arrangements and work together at the office at least a couple of days per week. Ideally, if you live outside Helsinki, we would prefer that you visit the Helsinki office at least once per week. Ready to make an impact? If you are a motivated and experienced naval architecture professional looking for a role with broad influence and exciting technical challenges, we would love to hear from you! Continue our historical story with us! To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter. Please note that applications are only accepted via TalentAdore, not via email. If you have any questions, please contact Timo Yrjövuori, Head of Naval Architecture, at timo.yrjovuori@helsinkishipyard.fi or by phone at +358 50 410 1461 during business hours. As part of the recruitment process, selected candidates will undergo a routine medical check, including a drug test. For certain roles, a security clearance may also be required.