Senior Ship Control Systems 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! 

As the Senior Ship Control Systems Engineer, you will be on a dynamic team providing technical and programmatic support to the VIRGINIA Class Submarine Program (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 and contribute and influence the Navy's future, premier nuclear 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.

In this role, you will:

• Be responsible for supporting the Submarine Fly-By-Wire and Ship Control Systems technical area in developing design and maintenance requirements for shipboard systems.
• Support Submarine Fly-By-Wire and Ship Control Systems technical area in addressing design, operation, and maintenance questions for existing and new design shipboard Submarine Fly-By-Wire and Ship Control Systems.
• Define architectures for Submarine Control Systems, which include: steering, diving, auxiliary, and other related systems.
• Obtain fleet feedback on Submarine Fly-By-Wire and Ship Control Systems operation and maintenance and analyzing system performance.
• Evaluate varied factors affecting system performance.
• Develop electrical engineering guidelines for command headquarters and for field activities.
• Support the management and execution of technical and design requirements for new and ongoing submarine shipbuilding programs.
• Rapidly assess the scope of a construction-impacting technical issue and expedite communication (data and information) of the issue to the appropriate cognizant SME and program office representative to drive to resolution.
• Clearly and concisely communicate the scope, status, and potential impact of the technical issue to ensure construction schedule impacts are understood by the Navy and Shipbuilder teams.
• Identify areas that slow down or do not support acceleration of approvals of technical issues and resolutions.
• Accelerate the approvals of technical issues and resolution
• Work closely with engineering, production, quality assurance, program office and other relevant departments to resolve technical issues in an expedient manner.
• Manage change effectively within the organization by communicating effectively with all levels of shipbuilder and government staff, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and integration.
• Be responsible for Improvement and acceleration tasks:
• Implement digital tools for real-time tracking of production activities to increase transparency and efficiency.
• Enhance communication between shipbuilders and government on technical issues to shorten timelines necessary to resolve construction-impacting liabilities.
• Streamline communication channels between departments to reduce delays and improve coordination.
• Recommend improved processes that result in more timely and efficient resolution of technical issues.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role you will have:

• An active or current DoD Secret clearance.
• US Citizenship.
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Marine, Chemical, and Aerospace Engineering, a relevant field.
  • An Associate's Degree and 2 years of additional experience will be considered in lieu of Bachelor's Degree or a High School Diploma/GED and 4 years of additional experience will be considered in lieu of Bachelor's Degree.
• 10 years of experience.
• Project/Program management experience or similar/related experience.
• A mastery of electrical engineering principles in the development or operation of naval ships/submarines, ship systems, or subsystems.
• Knowledge of and experience with the design, operation and support of US Navy Submarine Fly-By-Wire and Ship Control Systems (SCS).
• Experience developing technical standards for Submarine Fly-By-Wire and Ship Control Systems.
• Engineering and acquisition fundamentals, as well as expertise with surface and undersea shipbuilding programs. 
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Strong quantitative, analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
• Ability to facilitate and coordinate efforts with key government and non-government stakeholders.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work well within a time sensitive environment.
• Ability to act as the technical owner for complex components and assemblies, including stakeholder engagement, requirements definition, roadmap management, team co-ordination, design, implementation, sustainment and evolution
• Ability to learn and grow individually, while mentoring junior team members effectively, building team cohesion and capacity.
• Ability to analyze mechanical designs through review of design artifacts
• Ability to use Microsoft Office packages effectively.
• Ability to be flexible both in relation to job-specification and schedules.
• 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 resolve a wide variety of technical challenges in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time and some travel outside the DC area may be required.

Additional desired experience and skills:

• Master's Degree
• Submarine Experience
• Technical knowledge of SUBSAFE program.
• U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School & NPTU Prototype Training
• Active NNPI account and CAC
• 10 years of experience with Navy acquisition and Submarine Programs.
• Experience leading a project and interfacing with an end item customer.
• 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.
• Submarine Engineering experience is a plus.
• US Navy experience in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.
• Familiarity with fluids and thermodynamic analysis.
• Major System knowledge – Main/Aux Steam, Steam Drains and Gland steam, Feed and Feed Transfer, Lub Oil and Lub oil Transfer, Main Circ (MSW equivalent) and Shaft seal - This includes oversight of all valves, pumps, fittings, gauges as part of the system that are not part of the equipment group
• Proficient with Microsoft Office platforms.
• Knowledge of Matlab and Simulink modeling.
• Experience working in DoD or DoN environments.
• Experience supporting a submarine acquisition program
• Knowledge of Submarine Structural Integrity requirements (design, construction, maintenance) preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are required to interface with customers.
• Applicant should be highly motivated and well organized with strong project management skills, and should be capable of working independently and in a team environment.
• Experience with steam plant design, operations, or testing is beneficial but not required.
• Support in providing engineering manager support for Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Department preferred.
• Experience in leading and engaging in weekly meeting with the ship builder and supplier regarding actions and statuses desirable.
• Experience providing review of design specifications, technical issue resolution, and technical documentation.
• 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
• 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.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment integrating the many ship systems, with teams of engineers and designers of varying disciplines.
• Good communication and technical writing skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office platforms.
• Experience working in DoD or DoN environments is preferred.
• Experience supporting a submarine acquisition program.
• Work experience in the Navy and specifically within Team Submarine or submarines in general.
• Knowledge of DoD policies, NAVSEASYSCOM/Team Submarine policies and procedures.

Take this opportunity to join a high-performing team, advance your career, and make a real difference supporting America’s Navy. Join the Serco team today!

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].