Senior Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Position Description & Qualifications Serco is seeking a highly skilled Non-Propulsion Electronics Senior Navy Project Lead with extensive experience in U.S. Navy acquisition programs, submarine combat control systems, and submarine payload system electronics. The successful candidate will provide technical and programmatic leadership across a diverse, multidisciplinary team supporting the design, development, integration, certification, testing, and delivery of electronics systems for Virginia-Class and Columbia-Class pre-commissioned payload systems. This position requires demonstrated leadership, strong technical expertise, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex acquisition and program management challenges in a highly collaborative environment. Must be able to obtain a U.S. Department of War (DoW) Secret security clearance. About the Program Serco supports the U.S. Navy as a prime contractor for the Team Submarine contract, providing acquisition and technical support for the development and delivery of the Navy's submarine force. The Team Submarine concept unifies previously diverse submarine-related activities into a single, submarine-centric organization designed to reduce traditional stovepipes and improve coordination across submarine research, development, acquisition, and maintenance communities. By strengthening communication and collaboration among the organizations that support the submarine enterprise, Team Submarine helps ensure the continued effectiveness, readiness, and technological superiority of the U.S. Submarine Force. This position supports a dynamic team with work locations in Washington, DC; New London, CT; Groton, CT; and Newport, RI. The successful candidate will apply their technical expertise, leadership abilities, and collaborative skills to advance critical Navy missions and support the safety and effectiveness of our Sailors. What You'll Do * Lead and coordinate the timely completion of program assignments, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and command mission requirements. * Serve as the primary Systems Integration and Test Lead, overseeing system integration, risk assessment, production, quality assurance, and test activities. * Develop and implement processes to monitor, measure, and communicate program risks, production performance, system quality, and technical progress. * Identify, analyze, and resolve conflicts involving system specifications, design, development, production, delivery, parts, processes, and procedures. * Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies that address identified vulnerabilities and support compliance with applicable Navy, DoD, and program policies. * Develop and facilitate training, policy guidance, and risk-management approaches to support program execution and organizational objectives. * Review specialized program documentation and ensure technical and programmatic products are accurate, complete, and compliant with applicable standards and requirements. * Provide clear, concise, and effective oral and written communication to stakeholders at all levels of the submarine manufacturing and acquisition enterprise. * Serve as a liaison with assessable unit managers and representatives across administrative, engineering, technical, manufacturing, quality, and certification organizations. * Track, analyze, and report key program metrics, performance indicators, and trends, ensuring emerging issues are identified and addressed through effective corrective action plans. * Lead and coordinate testing and certification activities for payload systems, ensuring systems meet established technical, performance, quality, and certification requirements. * Collaborate with government, engineering, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and industry partners to resolve technical and programmatic issues. * Support program reviews, technical interchange meetings, working groups, and senior leadership briefings. * Provide technical recommendations and programmatic insight to support informed decision-making and successful system delivery. Required Qualifications * Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of War (DoW) Secret security clearance. * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. * Degree requirements may be adjusted based on highly specialized knowledge, directly applicable experience, or demonstrated technical expertise. * Minimum 8 years of professional experiencesupporting U.S. Navy acquisition programs, submarine electronic systems, or related defense programs. * Demonstrated experience in program management, technical leadership, systems integration, or a related leadership role. * Experience with submarine electronics, combat systems, payload systems, or other mission-critical submarine systems. * Strong understanding of systems engineering, integration, test, certification, risk management, and quality assurance processes. * Experience developing, reviewing, and managing technical and programmatic documentation. * Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. * Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team. * Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality results under short and competing deadlines. * Ability to travel up to 25% of the time. Preferred Qualifications * Experience with Submarine Combat Control Systems. * Experience with submarine weapons systems, including Weapons Launch Consoles, Common Weapon Launchers (CWL), and Tube Control Panels (TCP). * Experience supporting Virginia-Class or Columbia-Class submarine programs. * Prior U.S. Navy experience, particularly within Team Submarine or aboard operational submarines. * Experience supporting submarine payload systems and non-propulsion electronics. * Experience with Navy acquisition processes, requirements development, systems integration, test and evaluation, certification, or fleet introduction. * Experience working directly with NAVSEA, Team Submarine, Program Executive Offices, shipbuilders, or other Navy acquisition organizations. * Advanced knowledge of submarine manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance, or certification processes. * Experience leading cross-functional teams in complex defense acquisition environments. Key Competencies The ideal candidate will bring: * Technical Leadership: Deep knowledge of submarine electronics and the ability to lead complex systems integration and test efforts. * Program Management: Proven ability to manage competing priorities, risks, schedules, and deliverables within a complex acquisition environment. * Systems Thinking: Ability to understand the interaction of hardware, software, systems engineering, production, testing, certification, and operational requirements. * Risk Management: Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify, assess, communicate, and mitigate technical and programmatic risks. * Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with technical experts, government leadership, Navy personnel, and industry partners. * Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to build consensus and drive results across multidisciplinary and organizational boundaries. * Mission Focus: Commitment to supporting the U.S. Navy's submarine force and delivering safe, reliable, and mission-ready capabilities to the fleet. 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://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer . If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: 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 identity 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 . 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