Become a Key Architect of Fleet Readiness: Mechanical Engineer with the Military Sealift Command

The United States Navy relies on an extensive network of specialized support vessels to transport fuel, food, ammunition, and equipment to military forces deployed across the globe. Behind every successful operation is a team of highly skilled civilian engineers who maintain, design, and manage these sophisticated marine assets. The Department of the Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) is currently seeking talented individuals to step into the role of Mechanical Engineer (Principal Port Engineer) at Naval Base Norfolk, Virginia.

In this vital position, you will work as a civilian specialist overseeing the life-cycle maintenance and engineering integrity of ocean-going vessels. Acting as the lead technical authority for assigned ships, you will tackle engineering challenges, manage industrial overhauls, and direct multimillion-dollar maintenance programs. Offering a competitive salary structure spanning from $75,788 to $118,092 annually, this position is a premier gateway for professional engineers seeking high-impact careers in public service.

About the Agency: Military Sealift Command

The Military Sealift Command is the premier ocean transportation provider for the Department of Defense. Operating a powerful fleet of over 120 civilian-crewed, non-combatant vessels, MSC's mission is crucial to national security. The organization manages a diverse array of ships, ranging from fleet replenishment oilers and ammunition transports to high-speed expeditionary fast transports and oceanographic survey vessels.

Working for MSC as a Department of the Navy civilian combines the stability of federal service with the innovation of state-of-the-art maritime operations. The agency prides itself on uniting civilian talents with military requirements. Employees enjoy access to exceptional training programs, cutting-edge engineering technologies, and an inclusive work culture dedicated to preserving global maritime mobility.

Job Responsibilities

As a Principal Port Engineer, your responsibilities will extend far beyond typical desk-bound engineering roles. You will serve as the hands-on technical manager for designated ships, overseeing complex propulsion and auxiliary systems both dockside and during active deployment phases.

Your primary duties will include:

Lifecycle and Availability Management: Directing and scheduling all technical work, routine maintenance, and major industrial overhauls for assigned ocean-going vessels.
Propulsion System Oversight: Managing complex marine propulsion machinery, including gas turbine, steam, and medium/slow-speed diesel systems.
Financial Management: Leveraging standard federal procedures to draft accurate cost estimates for repair packages and allocating funds via the MSC financial management system.
Technical Consulting: Serving as the definitive point of contact for shipboard crews, providing technical troubleshooting, and analyzing mechanical casualties.
Design and Safety Enforcement: Planning safety, environmental, and damage control programs, as well as reviewing contract specifications for major modifications.
Field Inspections: Inspecting shipyards worldwide to assess industrial capabilities prior to contract awards and participating in comprehensive shipboard test programs.

Key Qualifications and Educational Requirements

This position is classified under the 0830 Mechanical Engineering series. To be considered, candidates must satisfy both general federal guidelines and the specific technical requirements for either the GS-11 or GS-12 grade levels.

Basic Educational Requirements

To meet the minimum OPM standards for professional engineering, you must satisfy one of the following criteria:

A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering: Must be from an institution containing at least one ABET-accredited curriculum. Alternatively, the program must include differential and integral calculus and advanced coursework in at least five of the following areas: statics, dynamics, strength of materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electrical circuits, or materials science.
A Combination of Education and Experience: This requires a solid academic foundation in physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences, combined with either current professional licensure (Professional Engineer / Engineer-in-Training) or passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

Specialized Experience Requirements

For the GS-11 Level: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level (or equivalent in the private sector). This includes hands-on experience with shipboard auxiliary systems (HVAC, piping, refrigeration, boilers), drafting repair plans, and conducting shipboard checks.
For the GS-12 Level: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level. This requires extensive experience planning lifecycle plans, managing industrial-scale drydocking repairs, and supervising major marine propulsion overhauls.

Salary Overview and Promotion Potential

The positions advertised offer competitive salaries, structured federal steps, and clear avenues for career development. High-performing individuals selected below the full-performance level can benefit from non-competitive promotions up to the GS-13 level upon meeting regulatory standards and receiving management approval.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-11 Grade Level	GS-12 Grade Level
Minimum Annual Salary	$75,788	$90,750 (approximate base)
Maximum Annual Salary	$98,520 (approximate base)	$118,092
Target Experience Level	Intermediate / Mid-Level	Senior Technical Expert
Focus Areas	Auxiliary shipboard systems, troubleshooting, and field inspections	Major propulsion systems, lifecycle planning, and shipyard contract oversight
Educational Alternatives	Ph.D. or 3 years of progressive graduate education in engineering	Only qualifying specialized experience is accepted

Federal Benefits

Employment with the Department of the Navy comes with an array of benefits designed to support your health, financial stability, and long-term retirement security.

Retirement Security: New hires are enrolled in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a three-tiered program featuring a defined-benefit pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The government matches TSP contributions up to 5%.
Health and Wellness: Choose from an extensive range of premium-subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance plans. Flexible spending accounts are also available.
Work-Life Balance: This position is eligible for hybrid telework schedules, depending on ship schedules and operational requirements. Additionally, employees earn generous paid annual and sick leave alongside 11 federal holidays.
Professional Development: Take advantage of Navy-sponsored leadership academies, tuition assistance, and advanced engineering certifications to keep your technical skills sharp.

Application Tips and Best Practices

Securing a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail during the application process. Because this is a public notice flyer, applicants must submit their materials directly to the hiring office rather than through the automated USAJobs portal.

1. Respect the Page Limit

Resumes are strictly restricted to no more than two pages. Human resources specialists will discard any applications containing resumes that exceed this limit. Make every word count by prioritizing your most relevant marine engineering experience.

2. Tailor Your Resume for Marine Systems

To qualify, your resume must clearly show that you have worked with specific shipboard systems. Use terms such as "steam turbine propulsion," "auxiliary boilers," "marine piping," or "shipyard overhauls." Do not assume HR will guess your experience level from a job title.

3. Ensure Transcript Legibility

Double-check that your uploaded transcripts clearly state your degree awarded, school name, and completed courses. Unreadable or partial transcripts will cause your application to be rejected immediately.

4. Use the USAJobs Resume Builder as a Template

To make sure you do not omit crucial information (such as hours worked per week, starting/ending dates, and salary), draft your resume using the USAJobs online builder, export it as a PDF, and edit it down to the required two-page maximum before emailing it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who can apply for this position?

This public notice flyer is open to the general public. Anyone who meets the positive educational engineering qualifications and specialized experience criteria may submit an application.

Q: How do I submit my application?

Interested applicants must email their complete application package directly to the hiring manager at [email protected] with the subject line "Flyer GS-0830-11/12 - N757".

Q: Can a Ph.D. substitute for the specialized experience requirement?

For the GS-11 position, yes. You can qualify with three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., or by holding a Ph.D. in a closely related engineering discipline. Education cannot be substituted for experience at the GS-12 level.

Q: What should I expect after applying?

Your application will be kept on file to fill active vacancies as they occur. If selected for consideration, you will be contacted directly by a hiring manager to schedule an interview. Please note that no notice of result letters are sent to applicants who submit materials to this public notice.

Working as a Mechanical Engineer for the Military Sealift Command in Norfolk, Virginia, represents a unique opportunity to align professional engineering excellence with patriotic purpose. By overseeing lifecycle management, repairing vital propulsion machinery, and maintaining shipboard readiness, you will play a direct role in keeping America’s global transport fleet moving. If you possess the required technical skills, academic credentials, and a passion for maritime engineering, take the next step in your career by submitting your application today.

Why This Mechanical Engineer Job Matters

Propel your maritime engineering career forward by managing life-cycle operations and fleet readiness for the world's most vital naval transport vessels.

Mechanical Engineer Job Overview

The Department of the Navy's Military Sealift Command is seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to serve as a Principal Port Engineer at Naval Base Norfolk. In this critical civilian role, you will lead technical engineering operations, design maintenance schedules, and manage the life-cycle support of ocean-going auxiliary and support vessels. With a competitive salary ranging from $75,788 to $118,092, flexible telework options, and direct promotion potential to GS-13, this position offers an exceptional career path for dedicated engineering professionals.

Requirements for Mechanical Engineer

Must be a United States Citizen.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) within 30 days of appointment.
Must complete an initial ethics orientation within three months of hiring.
Subject to working non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to meet operational mission needs.
Must meet positive educational qualifications for the professional engineering series (ABET-accredited degree or equivalent coursework combination).

Preferred Qualifications for Mechanical Engineer

Prior experience managing marine propulsion machinery, including gas turbine, steam, and slow/medium-speed diesel systems.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate ship overhauls, assess shipyard technical capabilities, and manage industrial repair budgets.
Proactive troubleshooting skills utilized during physical shipboard checks and operational casualty analysis.
Familiarity with federal procurement regulations and managing contractors within an industrial shipyard environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
✓Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Telework scheduling eligibility in accordance with agency policy.
✓Professional training opportunities and career advancement pathways.
✓Relocation incentives may be authorized.

💡 How to Apply Mechanical Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Mechanical Engineer Job

Ensure your resume is formatted professionally and strictly does not exceed the two-page limit.
Gather your post-secondary transcripts (official or unofficial) demonstrating fulfillment of the basic engineering degree requirements.
Collect other essential supporting documents, such as a DD-214 (for veterans' preference) or professional engineering licenses.
Draft an application email containing the subject line: 'Flyer GS-0830-11/12 - N757'.
Attach your resume, transcripts, and supporting files, and email the package to: [email protected] before the flyer close date.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; human resources will disqualify any resume that exceeds this limit or is unreadable.
Clearly highlight your experiences with marine propulsion, shipboard HVAC, and auxiliary systems using descriptive action verbs rather than general lists.
Use the USAJobs Resume Builder as a template structure to ensure all necessary federal job details (e.g., hours worked per week, supervisor contact info) are present.
Always upload a clear, legible transcript. Failing to provide readable educational proof will result in immediate disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a direct vacancy announcement with guaranteed immediate hiring?

No. This is a public notice flyer used to identify qualified candidates for anticipated vacancies. While positions are expected, there may not be immediate vacancies to fill right away, and notice of result letters will not be sent.

What is the promotion potential of this position?

The position is advertised at the GS-11 and GS-12 levels, with non-competitive promotion potential up to the GS-13 grade level upon meeting regulatory requirements and receiving management approval.

Are professional engineering licenses accepted in place of an engineering degree?

Yes. A combination of college-level education or technical experience, paired with a current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer in Training (EIT), can be used to meet the educational requirements.

Does this position require travel?

Yes. This position is coded for occasional travel (Travel Code 7) to shipyards and vessels worldwide to conduct inspections, overhauls, and ship checks.