Launch Your Engineering Career with the Military Sealift Command
Are you currently pursuing a degree in Engineering or Naval Architecture? Do you want to see your classroom knowledge applied to real-world national security challenges? The Military Sealift Command (MSC) at Naval Base Norfolk is offering an exceptional opportunity for students to step into a professional role as a Student Trainee (General Engineering).
Job Responsibilities
As a student trainee, you will not just be observing; you will be participating in the day-to-day operations of the Engineering Department. Your duties will include:
- Assisting project engineers with system and machinery design.
- Reviewing technical studies and performing complex engineering calculations.
- Coordinating with various personnel to solve maritime engineering problems.
- Participating in shipboard visits, which may involve inspecting systems across the fleet.
Requirements for Consideration
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific educational criteria:
| Position Level | Academic Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-03 | Completion of 1 academic year of post-high school study |
| GS-04 | Completion of 2 academic years or an associate's degree |
All applicants must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher and attend a school within the Norfolk commuting area. You must also be prepared to provide official transcripts to verify your degree progress.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a salary range of $32,917 to $48,038 annually, depending on the grade level. Beyond the salary, the most significant benefit is the potential for non-competitive conversion to a permanent career-conditional appointment upon graduation. This could lead to long-term career growth in occupational series such as 0801, 0830, or 0850, with promotion potential up to the GS-12 or 13 level.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must email their resume to the MSC recruitment office. Please ensure your resume is no more than two pages long and clearly outlines your academic history. Ensure you use the specific subject line provided in the official job notice to ensure your application is processed.
If you are a local student in Norfolk looking to jumpstart your career, this position offers the perfect blend of academic application and professional development. Do not wait—submit your application before the closing date to secure your future in naval engineering.
Why This Student Trainee (General Engineering) Job Matters
Launch your engineering career with the Military Sealift Command through a hands-on student trainee program at the historic Naval Base Norfolk.
Student Trainee (General Engineering) Job Overview
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is seeking motivated engineering and naval architecture students for a Student Trainee (General Engineering) position. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain professional experience by supporting system design, machinery maintenance, and technical engineering projects on MSC vessels. This is a local-hire program designed for students attending universities within the commuting area of Norfolk, Virginia, providing a direct pathway to professional federal service.
Requirements for Student Trainee (General Engineering)
- Must be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university.
- Must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and remain in good academic standing.
- Must be pursuing a degree in Engineering or Naval Architecture.
- GS-03: Must have completed at least 1 academic year of post-high school study.
- GS-04: Must have completed 2 academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree in a relevant field.
- Must reside within the local commuting area of Naval Base, Norfolk, Virginia.
- Must be a student (graduates are ineligible).
- Must provide official or unofficial transcripts.
Preferred Qualifications for Student Trainee (General Engineering)
- Strong academic performance in core engineering or naval architecture coursework.
- Demonstrated ability to perform technical calculations and review engineering studies.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills for professional collaboration.
- Capacity to work in shipboard environments including climbing, walking, and exposure to high noise or temperature conditions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Professional development and mentorship programs
- ✓Potential for non-competitive conversion to permanent career-conditional appointment
- ✓Career advancement pathways to GS-12/13
- ✓Hands-on exposure to national security-related engineering projects
💡 How to Apply Student Trainee (General Engineering) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Student Trainee (General Engineering) Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages.
- Ensure your resume includes employer details, dates of service, and relevant engineering coursework.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts and professional certifications.
- Email your application package to the recruitment address provided in the flyer.
- Use 'Student Trainee (General Engineering)' as the email subject line.
- Confirm that all attachments are legible and complete before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all federal requirements are captured.
- Double-check that your transcripts are attached, as these are mandatory to prove your eligibility.
- Redact sensitive personal information like SSNs from supporting documents before sending.
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your academic experience to the required fields of Engineering or Naval Architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I have already graduated?
No, this program is exclusively for current students. Graduates are not eligible for this specific student trainee position.
Is telework available?
Due to current return-to-office requirements, this position is onsite. Candidates must live within a local commuting distance of the Norfolk base.
What happens after the program ends?
High-performing students may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a permanent, career-conditional federal appointment in engineering series upon graduation.
Job from Military Sealift Command
The Military Sealift Command is the leading provider of transportation for the Department of Defense. They manage a fleet of ships that support combatant commanders worldwide. As a part of the Department of the Navy, the MSC offers civilian employees a stable, mission-driven career path. Joining the MSC means you are contributing directly to the logistical backbone of the Navy.