Ocean Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Uncrewed Systems (UxS) – Naval Architect / Marine Engineer. Requisition Number: 28243. Required Travel: 11–25%. Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt. Anticipated Salary Range: $86,522.00–$123,604.00. Security Clearance: Secret. Level of Experience: Mid.

Performs routine naval architecture work requiring application of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria in carrying out a sequence of design and/or analyses of ship hull, foundation, superstructure, arrangements, and hull form characteristics tasks. As directed, applies selected techniques and procedures to assignments involving ship design and ship performance analyses. Assists in the solution of difficult problems involved in areas of assignment. Uses prescribed methods to perform specific and limited portions of broader systems design, performance analysis, or hull form characteristic assignments of more experienced naval architects. The duties described herein cover major duties as required but do not exclude the requirement of performing related duties under normal conditions, and other duties directed by supervision.

• Develop and/or review structural, weight, stability, hydrodynamic, maneuvering and seakeeping characteristics to ensure MUSV designs meet threshold performance requirements.
• Understanding of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) standards and/or Navy Ship Design standards and/or USCG Rules. Applying rulesets to autonomous vessels.
• Translate MUSV SOW requirements into engineering products including specifications, interface documentation, design drawing reviews, and configuration baselines.
• Provide engineering oversight during shipyard construction or conversion activities—monitor progress, verify construction quality, and ensure alignment with approved design standards.
• Collaborate closely with autonomy, C2, electrical, and mechanical systems teams to ensure vessel design supports integrated unmanned operation requirements.
• Support development of test vessel descriptions, test plans, and engineering procedures required for MUSV prototype demonstrations.
• Participate in major milestone events including Post‑Award Conference, pre‑test inspections, and government witness events as required by the MUSV test plan.
• Support risk identification and mitigation related to design maturity, manufacturability, and shipyard workflow.
• Travel to shipyards, subcontractor facilities, government test sites, and partner locations as needed.

• 5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field; or 0 years experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field.
• 5+ years experience in shipyard construction, vessel design, or marine engineering; experience with commercial or naval craft strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of ABS rules, ISO standards, and naval/marine classification requirements applicable to MUSV construction.
• Ability to interpret and develop engineering drawings, 3D models, test procedures, and technical data packages.
• Experience supporting or executing work inside active shipyards, including oversight of electrical, outfitting, configuration and mechanical installations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including autonomy, controls, software, test engineering, and supply chain.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• Willingness to travel (20–40%), including periodic shipyard and waterfront support. #LI-MH1

• Experience with unmanned surface vessels, autonomy integration, or advanced marine control systems.
• ABS class approval processes for novel or autonomous vessel designs.
• Experience performing or reviewing stability analyses, weight reporting, structural design, and hydrodynamic modeling.
• Familiarity with STANAG seakeeping environments, COLREGs‑compliant autonomous vessel considerations, or unmanned system integration preferred.
• Experience with hull conversions, re‑powering, or refit programs applicable to MUSV conversion options.
• Familiarity with cyber‑resilient system design, technical data management, or RMF/SSP considerations for unmanned vessels.
• Prior participation in prototype testing, sea trials, or government‑observed evaluations.

May require working in an office, industrial or shipboard environment. Able to climb ladders and tolerate confined spaces and extreme temperature variances. May require the lifting and moving of materials not to exceed the guidelines set for one‑man lift. Office environment normally encountered, with industrial/shipboard exposure to be expected on occasion. May involve work in office, shipyard, waterfront, industrial environments, and work on boat at‑sea. Ability to tolerate variable weather and sea conditions as required.

Anticipated Salary Range: $86,522.00–$123,604.00.

Required Travel: 11–25%. Security Clearance: Secret.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.