Submarine Shipbuilding Improvement Engineer/Analyst - Newport News, VA

Position Description & Qualifications

If you seek a rewarding, high profile and challenging position supporting projects for the US Navy, then Serco has a wonderful opportunity for you!

 

As the Submarine Shipbuilding Improvement Engineer/Analyst you will be on a dynamic team providing technical and programmatic support to the VIRGINIA Class Submarine Program (PMS450) and the U.S. Navy’s Team Submarine Program Offices in Newport News, VA! This is an opportunity to join our growing team to contribute and influence the Navy's future, premier nuclear submarines. Bring your expertise and collaborative skills to make an impact on our military defense and safety of our sailors.

 

Serco supports the US Navy as a prime for their Team Submarine SHAPM contract supporting the acquisition of submarines.

 

Team Submarine’s Submarine Program Offices are responsible for the acquisition of New Construction Submarines and for identifying, assembling, managing, directing, and coordinating the resources required for the R&D, design, construction, Test and Evaluation (T&E), Live Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E), and Fleet introduction of the U.S. Navy’s newest class of nuclear attack and ballast missile submarines. Additionally, successful improvement of the Class' capabilities is of significant political importance with Congress and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).

 

This role will support the management and execution of technical and design requirements for new and ongoing submarine shipbuilding programs. Candidates should possess strong engineering or analytical abilities, and acquisition fundamentals, as well as expertise with undersea shipbuilding programs. 

 

In this role, you will:

• Identify, plan, and implement improvement initiatives to accelerate operational efficiency, productivity, and safety within the assigned shipyard.
• Analyze existing Shipbuilder processes and workflows to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies to identify waste, reduce cycle times, and improve overall quality in shipbuilding and maintenance processes.
• Lead and manage improvement projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and budget.
• Coordinate with multiple departments and stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to drive decision-making processes.
• Use performance metrics and data analysis to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with engineering, production, quality assurance, and other relevant departments to implement improvement initiatives and ensure alignment with overall business goals.
• Manage changes effectively within the organization by communicating effectively with all levels of staff and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Identifying barriers to efficient production and working with the shipbuilder to remove them.
• Implement digital tools for real-time tracking of production activities to increase transparency and efficiency.
• Introduce automated solutions in repetitive and labor-intensive tasks to improve accuracy and free up workforce for high-value activities.
• Enhance material handling processes to reduce waste and improve inventory management.
• Streamline communication channels between departments to reduce delays and improve coordination.
• Implement preventive maintenance schedules to improve equipment reliability and reduce unexpected breakdowns.
• Develop a standardized process for maintenance and repairs to reduce downtime and prolong equipment life.

 

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• An Active or Current DoD Secret clearance.
• US Citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • An Associate's Degree and 2 years of additional experience will be considered in lieu of Bachelor's Degree or a High School Diploma/GED and 4 years of additional experience will be considered in lieu of Bachelor's Degree.
• 5 years of submarine construction experience.
• Proficient in MS Suite products, to include Excel, PowerPoint, Word.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to engage cross-functional teams to drive sustainable and immediate changes.
• Ability to be a team player, work well with others and contribute positively to work/team environment while continually seeking ways to enhance contribution to the team.
• Ability to work both in a team environment and independently, and often under short, multiple deadlines.
• Ability to facilitate and coordinate efforts with key government and non-government stakeholders.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to analyze mechanical designs through review of design artifacts.
• Ability to apply technical principles, theories, and concepts, in the field of structural design and analysis with some guidance from senior engineers, SMEs and supervisor.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment integrating the many ship systems, with teams of engineers and designers of varying disciplines.
• Must work well within a time sensitive environment.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time and some travel outside the DC area may be required.

Additional desired experience and skills:

• Active NNPI account and CAC.
• 10 or more years of experience with Navy acquisition and Submarine Programs.
• Technical knowledge of SUBSAFE program.
• Submarine Engineering experience is a plus.
• Active-Duty Experience in the submarine service as an Engineering Duty Master Chief preferred.
• U.S. Navy experience in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is highly desirable.
• Experience leading a project and interfacing with an end item customer.
• Knowledge of Program Management, including the acquisition process, the budgeting process and Navy program execution.
• Recent experience in Team Submarine would be ideal.
• Demonstrate the ability to interact with senior management on complex technical issues.
• Proven experience in a process improvement or operations role, preferably within the maritime or manufacturing industry.
• Understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively.
• Proficiency in data analysis and ability to interpret complex datasets.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates strong quantitative, analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
• Must work well within a time sensitive environment.
• Capacity to act as the technical owner for complex components and assemblies, including stakeholder engagement, requirements definition, roadmap management, team co-ordination, design, implementation, sustainment and evolution.
• Capacity to learn and grow individually, while mentoring junior team members effectively, building team cohesion and capacity
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team consisting of systems engineers, electrical and electronics engineers, acquisition professionals, and logistics and sustainment professionals to achieve program outcomes
• Experience as a project manager.
• Familiarity with fluids and thermodynamic analysis.
• Experience working in DoD or DoN environments is preferred.
• Experience supporting a submarine acquisition program
• Highly motivated and well organized with strong project management skills and should be capable of working independently and in a team environment.
• Support in providing engineering manager support for Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Department preferred.
• Experience in leading and engaging in weekly meeting with the ship builder and supplier regarding actions and statuses desirable.
• Experience providing review of design specifications, technical issue resolution, and technical documentation.
• Previous NAVSEA and SUPSHIP audit support experience is preferred.
• General knowledge of submarine requirements in engineering.

 

Take this opportunity to join a high-performing team, advance your career, and make a real difference supporting America’s Navy. Join the Serco team today!

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: [email protected] 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 identify 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 [email protected].

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 a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities. Benefits – Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role):

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
• 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Plan

To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.

Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco’s external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: [email protected].