Interdisciplinary Engineer (Slcm-N Weapon Integration& Systems Engineering Branch) Job

Safeguarding the Sea-Launched Deterrent: Become a Navy Interdisciplinary Engineer

In an era marked by shifting geopolitical landscapes and emerging global security challenges, the strategic defense capability of the United States relies heavily on the strength, reliability, and modernization of its nuclear deterrent. At the heart of this national defense infrastructure is the Department of the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP). SSP is currently seeking a highly skilled, visionary professional to step into the role of Interdisciplinary Engineer within the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile-Nuclear (SLCM-N) Weapon Integration & Systems Engineering Branch.

This high-impact, critical-sensitive position, based at the historic Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., operates within the Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project (AcqDemo) framework at the prestigious NH-04 broadband level (equivalent to GS-14 and GS-15). For engineering professionals seeking to marry technical excellence with a deep sense of national purpose, this career opportunity represents the pinnacle of public service engineering. Let's explore what makes this role unique, what is required to qualify, and how you can position yourself as a leading candidate.

---

About the Agency: Strategic Systems Programs (SSP)

Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) is a premier, specialized command within the Department of the Navy. Since its inception in 1955, SSP has directed the research, development, manufacture, testing, evaluation, and operational support of the Navy's strategic weapon systems, notably the TRIDENT submarine-launched ballistic missile system.

SSP's workforce is an elite blend of military personnel and civilian scientists, engineers, and program management experts. Operating in close collaboration with elite defense contractors and academic institutions, SSP provides cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for the nation's sea-based nuclear deterrent. Joining SSP means working in an environment where technical precision is paramount, and where your contributions directly support the preservation of global peace and national security. The Washington Navy Yard offers a historically rich, campus-like setting where you will collaborate daily with leading minds in aerospace, electrical, mechanical, and nuclear systems engineering.

---

Job Responsibilities and the Daily Mission

As an Interdisciplinary Engineer within the SLCM-N Weapon Integration & Systems Engineering Branch, you will serve as a senior technical authority. Your responsibilities will extend across multiple engineering disciplines, focusing on the seamless integration of complex missile subsystems. This role requires a balance of high-level systems thinking and detailed physical, electrical, and mechanical design verification.

Key responsibilities include:

• Technical Baseline Management: You will plan, analyze, and oversee system-level integration activities for advanced missile systems, ensuring all systems engineering baselines, technical specifications, and safety directives are met.
• Programmatic Coordination: You will coordinate schedules, perform change control, validate inter-branch requirements, and manage critical interfaces to align engineering objectives with programmatic milestones.
• Interface Evaluation: You will investigate technical challenges involving the physical, electrical, and logical integration of missile subsystems with the submarine's combat control room.
• System Safety & Nuclear Surety: You will integrate nuclear safety design principles into systems engineering policies, ensuring that all deployed and developmental components meet stringent weapon system validation and nuclear surety standards.
• Testing and Surveillance Analysis: You will evaluate test reports from developmental, ground, and flight testing, along with engineering service studies, to continually assess the safety, performance, and reliability of the strategic system.
• Budgetary Planning: You will lead and participate in formulating budget submissions and preliminary estimates, aligning development work with Strategic Systems Programs priorities.

---

Technical and Educational Requirements

Given the highly complex nature of strategic weapon systems, candidates must meet rigorous academic and professional standards. The Department of the Navy enforces positive education requirements for all positions within the professional engineering series (08XX).

Educational Qualifications

Applicants must possess a professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited college or university. Alternatively, candidates may qualify with a combination of equivalent education and professional experience. Specifically, the coursework must include differential and integral calculus, plus advanced courses in at least five of the following seven engineering sciences:

1. Statics and dynamics
2. Strength of materials (stress-strain relationships)
3. Fluid mechanics or hydraulics
4. Thermodynamics
5. Electrical fields and circuits
6. Nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties)
7. Other comparable engineering sciences (e.g., electronics, optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or geology)

Specialized Experience

In addition to the educational foundation, applicants must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the NH-03 grade level (GS-13 equivalent). This experience must clearly illustrate:

• Managing, planning, or analyzing system-level integration activities for an advanced guided missile or tactical weapon system.
• Incorporating nuclear safety design principles or weapon system validation protocols into engineering guidance.
• Coordinating programmatic efforts, such as change control, contract management, or cross-branch scheduling.

---

Salary Overview and the AcqDemo Pay System

This position is classified under the Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project (AcqDemo), utilizing the NH-04 broadband level. AcqDemo is designed to attract and retain high-performing technical talent by offering a more flexible pay-for-performance system compared to the rigid General Schedule (GS) system.

The salary range for this position is $143,913 to $197,200 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and performance. Below is a comparison between the AcqDemo NH-04 framework and the traditional General Schedule system:

Feature	AcqDemo NH-04 Broadband	Traditional General Schedule (GS-14/15)
Grade Structure	Broad-banded (encompasses GS-14 and GS-15 equivalents)	Discrete grades (GS-14 and GS-15) with 10 steps each
Pay Progression	Performance-based contribution rating system	Longevity-based step increases and quality step increases
Hiring Flexibility	Streamlined Direct Hire Authority (no traditional ranking)	Standard competitive hiring procedures and ranking
Classification	Broad career paths (Business/Technical Management)	Strict occupational series classifications

---

Comprehensive Benefits

The Department of the Navy provides a robust and competitive benefits package designed to support the long-term well-being and financial security of its civilian workforce:

• Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan, combined with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) offering up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Healthcare Coverage: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a wide array of consumer-driven, PPO, and HMO health plans, alongside dental and vision options.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays. Telework options are available to promote flexibility, subject to supervisor and organizational requirements.
• Incentives: Selected candidates may be authorized for relocation or recruitment incentives to help offset transition costs.

---

How to Apply: The Strategic Systems Programs Email Process

Unlike standard federal job announcements, this position is being filled via a Direct Hire public notice flyer. Applications are not accepted through the USAJobs portal. To apply, you must submit your application package directly to the Strategic Systems Programs hiring team via email.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Limit Your Resume: Your resume must be strictly limited to two (2) pages. Resumes exceeding this limit, or those that are illegible, will be discarded without review.
2. Highlight Key Details: Ensure each job entry on your resume clearly lists the employer name, exact start and end dates (Month/Year), average hours worked per week, and your pay plan/grade (e.g., GS-13, NH-03, or private-sector equivalent).
3. Attach Transcripts: Since this is a positive-education engineering position, you must include official or unofficial college transcripts that verify your ABET-accredited engineering degree or qualifying engineering coursework.
4. Submit Supporting Documents: Include DD-214 forms (for veterans' preference claims), Standard Form 15 (SF-15) for disabled veterans, or active duty statement of service on command letterhead if applicable.
5. Send the Email: Email your complete, legible application package to [email protected]. Be sure to reference the job title and AcqDemo control number in your email subject line. All application packages must be received by the close of business on July 24, 2026.

---

Expert Application Tips

• Tailor for Nuclear Surety: The hiring manager is looking for specific evidence of your experience with nuclear design principles, strategic weapon validation, and weapon systems integration. Use these exact phrases where applicable in your resume.
• Use USAJobs Resume Builder first: A great strategy is to draft your details using the USAJobs Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory federal disclosures are met, then format and edit down the content to fit the strict 2-page limit.
• Verify Legibility: Convert all documents to high-resolution, standard PDF format before emailing. If the HR team cannot easily read your transcripts or resume, your package will be marked ineligible.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Where is this position located?

The position is physically located at the historic Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.

2. Is this a remote job?

No. While telework options are supported, this is not a fully remote position. Regular on-site presence at the Washington Navy Yard is required.

3. What security clearance is required?

Due to the sensitive nature of the Navy's strategic deterrent programs, this position is classified as Critical-Sensitive/High Risk and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. Drug testing is also required.

4. Does veteran's preference apply?

Because this position is being filled under the AcqDemo direct-hire authority, traditional veterans' preference rules do not dictate the selection process. However, veterans are still highly encouraged to apply and submit their supporting documentation.

5. Who can I contact for more information about the flyer?

For questions regarding this flyer or the application status, you can reach out to the agency contact, Amanda Petrovic, at [email protected] or by phone at 202-451-3530.

---

Serving as an Interdisciplinary Engineer with the Strategic Systems Programs is more than a job; it is a vital contribution to national defense. Managing the integration of the SLCM-N weapon systems demands technical brilliance, programmatic foresight, and unwavering commitment to safety and quality. If you possess the specialized engineering background and are ready to lead at the NH-04 level, do not miss the July 24, 2026 deadline. Gather your transcripts, refine your two-page resume, and submit your application today.