Applications Engineering Manager Jobs in Suffolk, VA

SubSea Craft, is a fast-growing, privately funded, UK-founded innovative maritime technology company specialising in next-generation, high-performance watercraft and systems. As we expand internationally, we are establishing a presence in the United States and are seeking US-based talent to support this growth. Operating at the intersection of advanced engineering, cutting-edge design, and user-centric innovation, we deliver safe, effective, and enabling solutions for both commercial and defense applications.

What we offer:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) – 10 days of paid time off annually, plus public holidays.
• Sick Leave – 7 days of paid sick leave per year.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Access to a 401(k) plan to support your long-term financial wellbeing.
• Health Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage to support your overall wellbeing.
• Dental & Vision Insurance – Additional coverage for routine and specialist care.
• Disability Insurance – Short-term and long-term disability cover to provide financial protection if you’re unable to work.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Access to confidential support services for personal, financial, and mental wellbeing.
• Professional Development – Commitment to ongoing learning and career growth.
• Inclusive Culture – A professional environment that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration.

Responsibilities will include:

• Manage technical development and direction for all aspects of engineering for USV in the SubSea Craft US Operations operating unit, including design, development, implementation, testing and delivery of product.
• Act as Design Authority for operating unit programmes and platform variants.
• Build, lead and develop the operating unit engineering organisation and multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the senior technical representative with customers, partners, suppliers and government stakeholders.
• Lead delivery of customer-driven capability enhancements.
• Oversee systems engineering, requirements management, verification, validation and technical review activities.
• Ensure configuration management and engineering change processes are effectively implemented.
• Develop engineering strategy and technology roadmaps.
• Ensure engineering activities comply with applicable US defence regulations and standards.

Qualifications and Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Systems Engineering or a related discipline (Master's degree preferred).
• 10+ years of engineering experience within defense, maritime, aerospace, autonomous systems or robotics.
• Experience serving as Chief Engineer, Design Authority or equivalent senior technical leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience building and leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience delivering complex defense or regulated engineering programmes.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and product lifecycle management.
• Experience managing engineering resources, budgets and priorities.
• Experience working directly with customers and senior stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Experience with autonomous or remotely operated maritime systems.
• Familiarity with US Navy, DoD or other federal defence customers.
• Experience transitioning products from development into production and sustainment.
• Knowledge of model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
• Experience with configuration management and engineering change control.
• Familiarity with maritime certification, safety engineering and mission systems integration.

Note: Please note: Due to the nature of the work undertaken, the selected candidate must be able to meet the security requirements of the position. This includes, at a minimum, having the legal right to work in the United States and the ability to successfully complete applicable background checks. For certain roles, candidates may also be required to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance. In the majority of cases, eligibility for clearance will require US citizenship and will be subject to applicable federal laws and regulations.

Values: Our people are our greatest asset, we continually strive to provide an excellent working environment to enable our team to do their best work. We have an agile professional workforce: we are founded on the belief that our people are valued and our business is trusted, inclusive and commercially-adept.

What we expect from you:

• Teamwork, mutual respect and collaboration
• Initiative and independent working
• Honesty and integrity
• Business and commercial awareness
• Agility, adaptability and continuous development

We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or adjustments to interact with us, please let us know.

A criminal record will not automatically disqualify candidates from employment. Any criminal history will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and in the context of the role, alongside the broader information gathered throughout the application, interview, and pre-employment screening process.

In the event of a high number of applications, we may be unable to respond to everyone. If you are shortlisted, we will aim to contact you within 14 days of your application or the closing date (if stated). We may retain your details for future suitable roles unless you advise us otherwise.

Compensation Range: $130,000 – $160,000 annually

The compensation range reflects the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to, relevant experience, education, skills, geographic location, and market conditions. The actual salary within this range will be determined based on the selected candidate's background and qualifications relative to the position.