Design Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $135,000 to $175,000 based on experience

Sign on bonus: $7500

Travel: 20%

Company background investigation, U.S. Citizenship, ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances, and CAC eligibility are required for this position.

The McHenry Management Group, Inc. (TMMG) is seeking a senior-level Lead Design Engineer to lead its Engineering Design Team (EDT). This position provides technical leadership, execution oversight, and quality accountability for multi-discipline engineering design efforts supporting Military Sealift Command (MSC), U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and commercial maritime operators.

The Lead Design Engineer is responsible for directing and delivering engineering design solutions across shipboard systems, shipyard installations, modernization efforts, and technical problem resolution. This role ensures all engineering products meet ABS, NAVSEA, USCG, and applicable industry standards, while maintaining high first-time acceptance rates, schedule discipline, and customer confidence.

The position reports to the Engineering Design Team Program Manager and leads teams of senior, mid-level, and junior engineers across multiple engineering disciplines, as well as AutoCAD designers and technical support staff. All work is performed in accordance with TMMG’s ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Engineering Leadership & Execution

• Lead and manage multiple engineering design teams across concurrent projects and customers.

• Provide technical direction and oversight to engineers and designers across electrical, mechanical, structural, marine, systems, automation, electronics, and naval architecture disciplines.

• Serve as the technical authority for resolving complex shipboard engineering issues, design conflicts, and integration challenges.

• Ensure engineering solutions are practical, buildable, and aligned with shipboard operations and shipyard installation realities.

Design Development & Technical Oversight

• Perform and oversee ship checks for transportation alterations, system troubleshooting, modernization efforts, and integration of new technologies.

• Review engineering design packages, drawings, calculations, and technical reports for completeness, accuracy, constructability, and compliance with TMMG standards.

• Ensure designs comply with NAVSEA, ABS, USCG, IEEE, and applicable commercial and military requirements.

• Support development of ShipAlt/TRANSALT design packages and configuration-controlled documentation updates.

Project & Cost Management

• Develop work items, technical scopes, cost estimates, schedules, drawings, and engineering reports.

• Identify technical, schedule, and execution risks early and recommend mitigation strategies.

Material Readiness & Engineering Assessments

• Perform shipboard material readiness assessments and system evaluations.

• Develop corrective action reports and engineering solutions based on shipboard assessments and field conditions.

• Translate operational deficiencies into engineered solutions that improve reliability, maintainability, and compliance.

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all engineering activities comply with TMMG’s ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Plan.

• Support first-time acceptance of engineering deliverables by class societies, regulatory bodies, and customers.

• Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, review practices, and lessons learned.

Mentorship & Team Development

• Mentor and develop engineers at all levels to strengthen technical capability, judgment, and professional growth.

• Promote consistent engineering standards, documentation practices, and design discipline across the EDT.

Customer & Stakeholder Interface

• Serve as a technical interface with customers, shipyards, vendors, and regulatory bodies.

• Support customer reviews, technical meetings, and design discussions with clear, defensible engineering rationale.

• Maintain strong working relationships that reinforce TMMG’s reputation as a trusted engineering partner.

Core Competencies

• Engineering leadership and technical judgment

• Multi-discipline design coordination

• Regulatory compliance (ABS, NAVSEA, USCG, IEEE)

• Shipboard systems knowledge and constructability focus

• Cost, schedule, and risk management

• Clear technical communication and customer engagement

• Quality-driven execution and first-time acceptance mindset

Education & Experience Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Structural, Marine, or Systems Engineering.

• Minimum of ten (10) years of post-graduate experience in commercial ship operations or design, shipboard maintenance requirements, and commercial ship repair.

• Demonstrated experience developing work items, drawings, analyses, cost estimates, and technical reports for ship repair, ship alteration, or marine engineering projects.

• Strong working knowledge of shipboard systems and maritime engineering practices.

• Proficient user of Microsoft Office Suite and AutoCAD.

Preferred:

• Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state; or

• U.S. Coast Guard license as First Assistant Engineer (Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine), Unlimited Horsepower, or higher.

• Experience supporting MSC, U.S. Navy, USCG, or major commercial maritime operators.

• Experience leading multi-discipline engineering teams in a regulated maritime environment.

Physical Job Requirements

1.Ability to conduct onboard walkdowns across multiple vessel compartments (up to 2–5 miles/day)

2.Climb vertical ladders and access elevated structures or platforms

3.Enter and work within confined or restricted-access spaces (voids, tanks, machinery areas)

4.Stand for extended periods while performing inspections and coordinating with production teams

5.Carry drawings, laptops, and field verification tools (15–25 lbs)

6.Work in industrial shipyard conditions (heat, humidity, noise, and limited ventilation)

7.Maintain balance and situational awareness in active construction environments with uneven surfaces and overhead hazards