Submarine Structural Engineer

Position Description

If you seek a rewarding, high profile and challenging position supporting projects for the US Navy- Serco has a wonderful opportunity for you!  This position will be on a dynamic team, supporting Team Submarine.  Bring your expertise and collaborative skills to make an impact towards our military defense and safety of our sailors.

As the Submarine Structural Engineer, you will be on a dynamic team providing technical and programmatic support to the VIRGINIA Class Submarine Program Office (PMS450) and the U.S. Navy’s Team Submarine Program Offices at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC!  Bring your expertise and collaborative skills to make an impact on our military defense and safety of our sailors.

Serco supports the US Navy as a prime for their Team Submarine SHAPM contract supporting the acquisition of submarines.

PMS450 is the acquisition program office for the New Construction of Attack Submarines and for identifying, assembling, managing, directing, and coordinating the resources required for the R&D, design, construction, Test and Evaluation (T&E), Live Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E), and Fleet introduction of the U.S. Navy’s newest class of nuclear attack submarines.

PMS450  is responsible for developing and deploying a more affordable, nuclear-powered attack submarine with multi-mission capability and enhanced capabilities for performance in littoral areas. VIRGINIA Class submarines support five of the six Navy core maritime capabilities: Deterrence, Maritime Security, Sea Control, Forward Presence, and Power Projection.

Serco-NA is seeking a motivated individual to provide programmatic support to one of our NAVSEA customers.  Serco-NA has an opening for and immediately hiring a Senior Navy Structural Engineer supporting the Structures Systems Integration Team in PMS450, the VIRGINIA Class Submarine program office. This is an opportunity to join our growing team to contribute and influence the Navy's future, premier attack submarine.

Submarine experience is a plus.

A Navy submarine structural engineer creates cutting-edge designs for propulsion systems, hull structures, communication arrays, and life-support systems. They ensure submarines can withstand extreme conditions through rigorous testing and technical risk management. These engineers provide support to a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) customer.

These projects require Mechanical and Structural Engineers with broad experience to drive the delivery of a variety of software enabled hardware capabilities to our customers.

This role will support the management and execution of technical and design requirements for new and ongoing submarine shipbuilding programs. Candidates should possess strong engineering and acquisition fundamentals, as well as expertise with surface and undersea shipbuilding programs. 

In this role, you will:

As a Structural Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in providing engineering and technical support for the VIRGINIA Class program. Your expertise will encompass concept studies, feasibility studies, preliminary design activities, contract design activities, detail design and construction activities, independent design reviews, in-service ship design and engineering activities, shipboard installation support, and special studies related to ships, boats, craft, ship systems, and shipboard equipment.

• Structural Integrity Analysis: Perform detailed structural analysis and assessments to ensure the integrity and safety of ship structures, including hulls, decks, bulkheads, and other critical components.
• Material Selection: Collaborate with material specialists to select suitable materials for shipbuilding projects, considering durability, weight, and cost-effectiveness.
• Ship Stability Analysis: Conduct ship stability assessments to ensure vessels' stability under various operating conditions and cargo loading scenarios.
• Quality Control: Implement stringent quality control measures during the construction phase to maintain adherence to design specifications and regulatory standards.
• Structural Modifications: Evaluate and propose structural modifications or improvements to enhance ship performance and operational capabilities.
• Naval Architecture Support: Collaborate with naval architects to integrate structural design elements seamlessly with overall ship design.
• Interface Coordination: Work closely with other engineering disciplines to ensure seamless integration of structural elements with electrical, mechanical, and systems components.
• Serve with delegated technical and signature authority for VIRGINIA Class Structures during Design, New Construction and Fleet Introduction for 05U5X Ship Design Manager.
• Lead and manage technical projects as assigned by the SEA05U2 management.
• Develop close working relationships with technical warrant holders, subject matter experts, systems engineering specialists, ship designers, and fabrication trades to develop cost-effective systems and designs that meet requirements.
• Review technical products, determine stakeholders, come through comment resolution on technical products, write letters to codify direction back to our contractor.
• Develop solutions to a variety of controversial problems; anticipates future trends; and investigate application of new technology or approaches.
• This position requires resolution of a wide variety of technical challenges in a fast paced environment.
• Analyze, research and develop structural engineering specifications involving metals, non-metallic or composite structural materials for product design, or operation of product to include structures, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronics, power plant, armament, heating and ventilating, equipment and maintenance designs. Analyze damage tolerance, durability, design allowables and structural modeling. Specific structural engineering specialties may include dynamics and loads, stability and stress fatigue and thermal analysis.
• Responsible for supporting and sometimes leading cross discipline teams of engineers and designers to execute tasking as assigned by the program manager.  Engineer will interface with many stakeholder both internal and external to PMS450 and will be responsible for day-to-day project management and engineering activities such as working with Subject Matter Expert (SME) leads to develop and execute technical project plans, estimating schedules and costs, tracking progress, coordinating resolution of technical issues, and identifying risks and concerns to the program manager.
•  Research, plan, design, and develop mechanical products and systems such as instruments, controls, robots, engines, machines and mechanical, thermal hydraulic or heat transfer systems for production, transmission, measurement, and use of energy. Applies research to the planning, design, development, and testing of mechanical and/or electromechanical systems, instruments, controls, engines, and/or machines.
• Engineers are expected to evaluate and resolve system and component related questions and problems from Naval Shipyards, perform system analysis, perform cost/benefit analysis, perform engineering studies and calculations, resolve obsolescence issues and updated provisioning documents, develop ship alterations, maintain system diagrams and construction drawings, and updated operating instructions.
• Structural engineers will also support project engineers overseeing all aspects of engineering tasks including overall technical quality, working in a team environment, maintaining schedules, awareness of budgets, and interfacing with other engineering and design disciplines. Selected candidates will be expected to effectively communicate with NAVSEA, prime contractors, Naval shipyards, and equipment vendors.
• Responsible for maintaining respective system diagrams and system descriptions/supporting calculations.
• Responsible for new construction test specifications and SMITE test/trial specifications.
• Interface with resolving construction related issues mainly in SMITE in preparation for first of class trials.
• Supplier technical management in partnership with supply chain.
• Technical correspondence (internal and external) by Inquiry Forms.
• Change management via Enterprise Change Request. 

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• An Active or Current DoD Secret clearance or eligible for a clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Structural Engineering, a relevant field, or equivalent experience, Master's degree preferred.
• 8-10 years of professional experience working as a Structural Analyst with one or more domains and/or technologies of expertise.
• Extensive knowledge of analytical structural analysis methods for both metallic and composite structures.
• Extensive professional experience developing Finite Element Method (FEM) models for the purposes of load development, part stress and strain evaluation and modal analysis.
• Capacity to work holistically on complex mechanical systems and structures across design, implementation, operation and sustainment.
• Capacity to act as the technical owner for a complex structural components and assemblies, including stakeholder engagement, requirements definition, roadmap management, team co-ordination, design, implementation, sustainment and evolution.
• Capacity learn and grow individually, while mentoring junior team members effectively, building team cohesion and capacity.
• Required: Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Experience with structural designs in the Navy or defense systems, including engineering related to R&D, T&E, and systems acquisition programs for Navy shipbuilding and defense systems.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team consisting of systems engineers, electrical and electronics engineers, acquisition professionals, and logistics and sustainment professionals to achieve program outcomes.
• Knowledge of naval vessel structural design specifications, standards, and practices.
• Ability to analyze mechanical designs through review of design artifacts.
• Professional Engineer Certification.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office packages effectively.
• Ability to be flexible both in relation to job-specification and schedules.
• Ability to solve problems.
• Desired active NNPI account and CAC.
• Desired: 10 or more years of experience with Navy acquisition and Submarine Programs.
• Desired: Experience leading a project and interfacing with an end item customer.
• Desired: Knowledge of Program Management, including the acquisition process, the budgeting process and Navy program execution.
• Active-Duty Experience in the submarine service preferred.
• Recent experience in Team Submarine would be ideal.
• Demonstrate the ability to interact with senior management on complex technical issues.
• Ability to work both in a team environment and independently, and often under short, multiple deadlines.
• Ability to be a team player, work well with others and contribute positively to work/team environment while continually seeking ways to enhance contribution to the team.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time and some travel outside the DC area may be required.

Additional desired experience and skills:

• Technical knowledge of SUBSAFE program.
• Submarine Engineering experience is a plus.
• Previous NAVSEA and SUPSHIP audit support experience is preferred.
• Experience providing review of design specifications, technical issue resolution, and technical documentation.
• General knowledge of submarine requirements in engineering and design of deck structures, foundations, and platform arrangements.
• The ability to apply technical principles, theories, and concepts, in the field of structural design and analysis with some guidance from senior engineers, SMEs and supervisor.
• The ability to work in a collaborative environment integrating the many ship systems at the structural interfaces, with teams of engineers and designers of varying disciplines.
• Good communication and technical writing skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office platforms. Knowledge of tools used such as CATIA, IDEAS, ProEngineer and a variety of software applications, Matlab and Simulink modeling is desired.
• Experience working in DoD or DoN environments is preferred.
• Experience supporting a submarine acquisition program.
• Knowledge of Submarine Structural Integrity requirements (design, construction, maintenance) preferred.
• General knowledge of submarine requirements in engineering and design of deck structures, foundations, and platform arrangements.
• Membership to Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) or American Society of Naval Engineer (ASNE) is preferred.
• Work experience in the Navy and specifically within Team Submarine or submarines in general.
• Knowledge of DoD policies, NAVSEASYSCOM/Team Submarine policies and procedures.

If you are interested in supporting and working with our military and sailors and a passionate Serco team, submit your application now for immediate consideration.  It only takes a few minutes and could change your career!

Meet Your Recruiter!

Company Overview

Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco’s 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.

To review Serco benefits please visit: https://www.serco.com/na/careers/benefits-of-choosing-serco. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: [email protected] or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.

Candidates may be asked to present proof of identify during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.

Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email [email protected].

Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Pay Transparency

Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance—so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of the posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities.

Benefits HIGHLIGHTS – Comprehensible Benefits for Full-time Employees (Part-time members receive a customized package tailored to their role).

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
• 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Plan that includes counseling conditions
• Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific contract as well as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement or the Service Contract Act.

To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://www.serco.com/na/careers/about-us.

Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco’s external (or internal) career site. This is a U.S.-based role. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: [email protected].