Launch Your Career: Become a Shipbuilding Specialist with the Department of the Navy

The Department of the Navy stands at the forefront of maritime defense, and behind every vessel that sails is a team of dedicated professionals ensuring that ships are built and repaired to the highest standards. We are currently seeking a skilled Shipbuilding Specialist to join our team at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility. If you have a background in industrial project management, contract surveillance, or maritime engineering, this is your opportunity to serve your country in a challenging and rewarding civilian career.

Job Responsibilities

As a Shipbuilding Specialist, you will act as the vital link between the Navy and our private sector contractors. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Specification Development: Creating detailed repair specifications and government estimates.
Contract Negotiation: Evaluating contractor proposals to ensure labor and material costs are fair and accurate.
Surveillance: Monitoring contractor performance to ensure technical compliance with manuals, drawings, and design standards.
Quality Control: Inspecting work progress to ensure that all repairs meet the safety and quality thresholds required for naval combat readiness.

Qualifications and Requirements

This position is available at the GS-11 and GS-12 levels. Success in this role requires a blend of hands-on experience and technical knowledge.

Level	Experience Requirement
GS-11	One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level (or equivalent private sector experience).
GS-12	One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level (or equivalent private sector experience).

Note: Education may be substituted for experience at the GS-11 level under specific conditions (e.g., Ph.D. or 3 years of graduate education).

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $83,935 to $132,923 per year, depending on the grade level and location. Beyond the salary, you will enjoy:

Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance.
Generous Retirement Savings via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid Annual and Sick Leave.
Professional development and leadership training.

Application Tips

Focus on the 2-Page Limit: Your resume must be concise. Focus on your most recent and relevant achievements in contract management.
Quantify Your Impact: Use numbers—how many contracts did you manage? What was the dollar value of the repairs?
Double-Check Documentation: Ensure your SF-50s and transcripts are clearly legible and uploaded before the closing date.

Serving as a Shipbuilding Specialist is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and success of our sailors. If you are ready to apply your industrial expertise to a mission that matters, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Shipbuilding Specialist Job Matters

Shape the future of naval readiness by managing critical shipbuilding and repair operations for the Department of the Navy.

Shipbuilding Specialist Job Overview

The Department of the Navy is seeking a dedicated Shipbuilding Specialist to join the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility. In this vital role, you will oversee the lifecycle of shipbuilding and ship repair contracts, ensuring that all work meets rigorous government specifications, cost targets, and quality standards. This position is essential to maintaining the operational capability of the fleet, providing you with a unique opportunity to contribute to national security while advancing your federal career.

Requirements for Shipbuilding Specialist

U.S. Citizenship.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a required security clearance.
Demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 (for GS-11 applicants) or GS-11 (for GS-12 applicants) grade level.
Submit a resume not exceeding 2 pages.
Pass a suitability/background investigation.
Submit official/unofficial transcripts if qualifying through education.
Provide SF-50 forms to demonstrate time-in-grade if currently or previously a federal employee.

Preferred Qualifications for Shipbuilding Specialist

Experience in negotiating labor and material costs for large-scale industrial contracts.
Proven ability to monitor contractor cost control systems effectively.
Strong technical background in interpreting complex contract drawings, specifications, and design test requirements.
Experience in developing government estimates for shipyard repair projects.
Proficiency in technical report writing and cross-functional communication.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment options).
✓Professional development and training opportunities.
✓Potential for recruitment, relocation, or student loan repayment incentives for eligible candidates.

💡 How to Apply Shipbuilding Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Shipbuilding Specialist Job

Review the full job announcement on USAJobs.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages.
Log in to your USAJobs account and select the Apply button.
Complete the required questionnaire and attach all necessary documentation (transcripts, SF-50, etc.).
Submit the application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Check your email for notification regarding required USA Hire Assessments.
Complete the online assessments within 48 hours of notification.

💡 General Tips

Be specific about your achievements; use quantitative data where possible.
Ensure your resume includes dates of employment (Month/Year), hours worked per week, and your job title.
Review your application for completeness; incomplete packages will not be considered.
The 2-page limit for resumes is firm; ensure your most relevant experience is front-loaded.
If claiming veterans' preference, ensure all DD-214 documents are attached correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of this role?

The Shipbuilding Specialist develops repair specifications, negotiates costs, monitors contractor performance, and ensures compliance with technical requirements for naval vessels.

Are there relocation benefits for this position?

Yes, relocation incentives may be authorized for eligible selectees to help offset moving costs at the discretion of management.

Can I work remotely?

While the position is telework eligible, it is not a remote-only position and requires on-site presence at the designated shipyard locations.

Job from Department Of The Navy - Agency Wide

The Department of the Navy is responsible for maintaining, training, and equipping combat-ready naval forces. Working here means joining a diverse civilian workforce that supports the world's most sophisticated fleet. Whether stationed in San Diego, CA, or in the Pacific Northwest at Bremerton or Everett, WA, you will be part of a mission that impacts global maritime security.