Director – Ship Design, US

Spencer Johnson

As Ship Design Director, Spencer leads Birdon’s Engineering and Integrated Product Teams across a diverse portfolio of U.S. defense, Coast Guard, and autonomous vessel programs. He is responsible for guiding ship design, engineering execution, and technical delivery for programs including the U.S. Coast Guard Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC), the U.S. Marine Corps Autonomous Surface Craft (ASC), Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV), and future maritime initiatives.

Spencer’s extensive leadership and engineering experience continues to strengthen Birdon’s growing team of structural engineers, naval architects, marine engineers, and designers who are developing and delivering some of the nation’s most advanced and mission-critical maritime capabilities.

Spencer has more than 30 years of experience as a Naval Architect, including 10 years as Chief Naval Architect. He brings significant engineering management experience across both naval and commercial shipbuilding programs and has successfully led numerous design-and-build projects from concept development through construction, delivery, and sustainment support. His expertise spans traditional shipbuilding, advanced vessel design, systems integration, and emerging autonomous maritime technologies.