IC Deckplate Lead

Akima Systems Engineering (ASE) is seeking a Deckplate Lead (PM-capable) to stand up and run our Interior Communications (IC) crew on the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding. ASE is performing as a subcontractor under the CTII Follow-On Multiple Award Contract. The period of performance runs through January 2031.

This is a dedicated, on-site leadership role filled by one working lead: the person hired handles the deckplate and also supports the project-management and reporting tasks for the effort. The person hired will be the primary Akima presence on the deckplate, responsible for leading our IC workforce through ship check, tagging and cable identification, removals, and the subsequent installation surge. The role reports to the MIT Portfolio Manager and interfaces daily with the prime, other subcontractors, the government IC deckplate lead, and the NIWC LANT Project Lead.

Responsibilities

• Lead, schedule, and supervise the Akima IC crew on the deckplate at Newport News Shipbuilding.
• Serve as the primary Akima point of contact on the ship for production execution, coordinating daily with the prime lead, other subcontractor removal workforce, and the government IC deckplate lead.
• Own progress through the sequence of work: ship check, tagging and cable identification, IC equipment removals, and installation.
• Run safety and quality on the deckplate, including work in and around secondary containment areas, and ensure compliance with shipyard and OSHA shipyard safety requirements.
• Track labor hours, production status, and issues; provide regular status reporting to the MIT Portfolio Manager.
• Support recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding of technicians and laborers for the IC crew.
• Coordinate turn-in and disposition of removed IC equipment to the Akima warehouse in the Suffolk (Harbour View) area.
• Participate in meetings, production reviews, and other shipyard coordination forums as required.
• Ensure crew compliance with badging, access, and Controlled Technical Work Document (CTWD) requirements.
• Escalate scope, cost, or schedule issues that may constitute a change to the Portfolio Manager for routing to SRC and the Contracting Officer.

Qualifications

Clearance and Access Requirements

• Candidate must be a US citizen and able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance prior to start (active Secret highly preferred).
• Candidate must have current shipyard access to various shipyards including Norfolk (or ability to obtain prior to start)

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading technicians or a production crew on Navy carrier or surface ship availabilities, or on an RCOH.
• Familiarity with shipboard Interior Communications or C4I systems (examples include sound-powered phones, announcing systems, video distribution, or similar IC systems).
• Willingness to work on-site at the shipyard on a daily basis for the duration of the effort.
• Strong communication and coordination skills for daily interface with prime contractor, other subcontractors, and government representatives.
• Ability to track and report labor hours and production status accurately.
• OSHA Maritime 10

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily onboard a Navy aircraft carrier in an active shipyard environment.
• Requires the ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and move about the ship throughout the workday.
• May involve extended periods of standing, walking, and working in industrial conditions (noise, temperature variation, shipyard traffic).
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, etc.).
• Lift up to 50 lbs unassisted; heavier items with team lift or mechanical assist. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Newport News Shipbuilding or other major shipyard experience.
• Navy veteran with an Interior Communications (IC), Electronics Technician (ET), or Fire Controlman (FC) rating.
• Experience supporting program reporting (schedule/IMS updates, status reporting, EVM support).
• Prior experience as a ship lead, production lead, or deckplate supervisor on C4I or IC installation work.
• Familiarity with shipyard processes including Liaison Action Requests (LARs), DD-1149 material transfer, and Process Control Procedures.
• Current or recent HII-NNS badging.

Any clearance requirements for this position are established by the government contract.

Job ID

2026-26501
Work Type

On-Site
Pay Range

$85,000 - $88,000
Benefits

Regular - The company offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full-time and part-time employees.
Company Description

Work Where it Matters

Akima Systems Engineering (ASE), an Akima company, is not just another federal systems support contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At ASE, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, ASE provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, ASE delivers solutions in maritime IT, systems engineering, and integration across the Department of Defense and stands ready to help improve operational performance at a reasonable and sustainable cost.

As an ASE employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.