Leading the Future of Naval Warfare: Division Director Opportunity
Are you ready to lead critical national defense programs? The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Indian Head Division is currently hiring a highly qualified Manager for the Weapons Development and Prototyping Division. This role is a cornerstone for the Department of the Navy, focusing on the research, fabrication, and lifecycle support of advanced energetic materials and weapon systems.
Job Responsibilities
As the Division Director, your duties will be multifaceted, spanning both technical leadership and administrative management:
- Strategic Direction: Defining long-term goals for weapons development and prototyping.
- Team Management: Leading a multidisciplinary workforce, including performance evaluations and succession planning.
- Budgetary Oversight: Managing significant operational budgets and personnel funding resources.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Building alliances across the DoD, industry partners, and international entities.
- Fleet Alignment: Translating Fleet requirements into actionable, well-funded research and development programs.
Comparison of Role Scope
| Feature | Management Role Details |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | ND-05 (Equivalent to GS-14/15) |
| Salary Range | $143,913 - $197,200 PA |
| Location | Indian Head, Maryland |
| Security Clearance | Sensitive Compartmented Information |
Requirements
Candidates must possess a deep background in engineering or the physical sciences. You must meet the OPM positive education requirements for your respective series (Engineering 0801/0893, or Physical Sciences 1301/1310/1320). Furthermore, you are required to demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the ND-04 pay band, proving your capability to lead complex technical programs.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a salary range of $143,913 to $197,200. Beyond the base compensation, federal employees benefit from:
- Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance.
- A robust retirement package including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Flexible leave and telework options to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Application Tips
Success in federal hiring depends on your ability to clearly map your experience to the job requirements. Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to avoid missing critical details like series, grade, and hours per week. Double-check that all official transcripts are attached, as education is a fundamental requirement for this scientific role.
Can I apply if I am in the private sector?
Yes, as long as you can demonstrate that your professional experience is equivalent to the required federal grade levels and meet the educational prerequisites.
If you have the drive to advance Naval technology and the leadership skills to manage world-class engineering teams, this is your chance. Join the team at NSWC Indian Head and make a lasting impact on national security.
Why This Manager Job Matters
Lead the future of energetic materials and weapon systems as a Division Director with the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, MD.
Manager Job Overview
The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Indian Head Division is seeking a strategic and technical leader to serve as a Manager within the Weapons Development and Prototyping Division. This critical leadership role sits at the intersection of advanced research, engineering, and national defense. As a member of the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project, you will guide a multidisciplinary team tasked with the development, fabrication, and lifecycle support of next-generation weapon systems and energetic materials. This is a unique opportunity to shape the technological edge of the Department of the Navy.
Requirements for Manager
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
- Must complete a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) within 30 days of appointment.
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the ND-04 (GS-12/13) level in the federal service or equivalent private/public sector experience.
- Specialized experience in leading technical planning, execution, and direction of programs involving energetic materials, prototyping, or weapon systems.
- Must meet OPM positive education requirements for the specific engineering or physical science job series (0801, 0893, 1301, 1310, or 1320).
Preferred Qualifications for Manager
- Demonstrated success in managing multidisciplinary scientific or engineering teams.
- Strong track record in financial management and budgetary oversight of technical programs.
- Experience securing and sustaining program sponsorship from DoD, industry, or academic partners.
- Strategic planning capabilities aligned with long-term Fleet requirements.
- Excellent communication skills for stakeholder engagement at the executive level.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with potential supervisory pay differentials.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Generous leave policies including annual, sick, and federal holidays.
- ✓Extensive professional development and continuous training opportunities.
- ✓Eligibility for potential relocation incentives or recruitment bonuses based on funding.
💡 How to Apply Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Manager Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume restricted to a maximum of 2 pages, detailing specific experience, duties, and accomplishments.
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts and, if applicable, SF-50s or veterans' preference documentation.
- Submit your complete application package via the online portal before the closing date of July 22, 2026.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory information like job series, grade, and hours per week is included.
- Be precise in your resume regarding dates of employment and specific leadership accomplishments.
- Redact sensitive personal information like Social Security Numbers before uploading documents, unless instructed otherwise.
- Ensure your transcript clearly shows the required coursework for your academic major.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical glitches near the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project?
It is a specific federal pay system designed to give managers more flexibility in hiring, pay-setting, and performance management compared to the standard General Schedule (GS) system.
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to agency policy and mission requirements.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
The job announcement specifies a strict two-page limit; failing to adhere to this may result in your application being deemed ineligible.
Is this a supervisory role?
Yes, this position serves as a Division Director, which includes full supervisory and administrative responsibility for the division.
Job from Naval Sea Systems Command
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division is a premier facility dedicated to the research and development of energetic materials and weapons technologies. As part of the Department of the Navy, our mission is to deliver innovative solutions that protect our freedoms. We pride ourselves on fostering a professional environment where purpose and patriotism unite. Employees enjoy competitive federal benefits, robust retirement options, and a clear path for professional growth.