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. Read more about the project here!

We are looking for a Navigation & External Communications System Designer to join our Electrical and Automation Department.

We design and build high-end passenger vessels and special-purpose ships that navigate the globe. This is a unique opportunity to be part of complex, cutting-edge projects where your designs will be realized just outside your office door.

In this role, you’ll play a key role in designing navigation and external communication systems for new vessels. You’ll work closely with other designers, manufacturers and production to ensure systems are designed, installed, and commissioned to the highest standards.

Key responsibilities:

• Analyzing customer requirements and converting them into detailed shipyard specifications

• Participating in the selection of manufacturers and equipment

• Designing layouts for navigation consoles and antenna arrangements

• Following up with suppliers through the design phase, factory tests, and commissioning

• Supporting production team during building phase and harbor and sea trials

• Producing both basic and detail design documentation

• Managing materials and documentation using ERM and other internal systems

• Collaborating with customer, classification society, design departments and production team

“The ship project takes from 2-3 years, and you can literally see the completion of the ship from plans to the finished ship ready for her maiden voyage outside one’s own window. It’s always a moving moment when a ship leaves for her home port” - Mohamed Elameen, Ship Theory Engineer.

What we’re looking for:

• Strong understanding of navigation and external communication systems

• Familiarity with maritime classification rules and standards

• Proficiency in AutoCAD (or similar design software)

• Solid skills in MS Word, Excel, and working with technical databases

• Excellent communication skills in English

• A proactive mindset and eagerness to learn and grow

• Ability to track project progress and coordinate with multiple stakeholders

Why you’ll thrive here:

• You’ll participate in the entire design process, from conceptual drafts to collaborating with suppliers to the final product at the pier.

• Our tight-knit team of 100 designers values each individual’s impact on projects. Collectively, we're roughly 400 professionals specializing in shipbuilding.

• Sustainability is central to us — we participate in joint Helsinki sea monitoring, where the quality and harmful substances in the water are monitored.

• Flexible working options — based in Helsinki or Turku, with hybrid work possibilities. Our team members work both remotely and on-site at the office, depending on the tasks and project phase.

• An environment where you can thrive, learn, and grow your expertise.

Ready to make an impact in ship design?

We’d love to hear from you. While the application deadline is 23.4.2025, we’ll move forward as soon as we find the right candidate—so don’t hesitate to apply!

Please note, applications are only accepted via Teamtailor.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kari Savolainen via +358 50 411 4802, Friday afternoons from 2 to 3 PM.