Lead the Future of Naval Defense: Distinguished Scientist/Engineer for Navy Threat Engineering

The United States Navy is seeking a visionary technical leader to join the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) as a Distinguished Scientist/Engineer. This SSTM role is critical to the nation's defense, requiring a candidate with an established national reputation in threat engineering. If you are an expert in complex modeling and possess the leadership skills to guide major R&D portfolios, this is your opportunity to shape the future of our naval forces.

Job Responsibilities

As the Distinguished Engineer/Scientist, you will:

Lead Threat Initiatives: Identify critical threat and target initiatives that align with fleet requirements.
Establish Technical Authority: Direct the development of Naval competency in Threat Engineering.
Oversee R&D Portfolios: Provide the foundational threat models that anchor the division's Science and Technology (S&T) efforts.
Integrate Pipelines: Ensure threat modeling is woven throughout intelligence, acquisition, and engineering lifecycles.

Requirements

This position requires a high level of expertise. Applicants must:

Hold a degree meeting the OPM standards for Engineering, Physical Science, Operations Research, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
Possess deep, hands-on experience in threat modeling and simulation.
Be able to secure an SCI-level security clearance.
Submit a resume of exactly two pages or less.

Comparison of Qualification Pathways

Series Category	Primary Requirement
Engineering (0801)	ABET-accredited degree or equivalent coursework
Physical Science (1301)	24 semester hours in physical/engineering science
Operations Research (1515)	24 semester hours in math/stats/OR including calculus
Computer Science (1550)	Degree in CS or 30 semester hours in math/stats/CS

Salary Overview

The salary for this Senior Scientific Technical Manager role ranges from $194,672 to $209,600 per year, commensurate with the level of responsibility and the high-level expertise required for this distinguished appointment.

Benefits

Healthcare: Access to top-tier federal health and insurance plans.
Retirement: Comprehensive federal pension and investment options.
Professional Development: Continuous training and leadership opportunities.
Work-Life Balance: Telework eligibility and stable federal environment.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Use the two-page limit as a tool for conciseness. Highlight only your most relevant, high-impact achievements.
Quantify Success: When discussing your experience with modeling or team leadership, use specific metrics to illustrate your impact.
TQs are Key: Your Technical Qualifications are the primary tool the hiring panel uses to rate you; ensure they are clear and prominent in your resume.

Serving as a Distinguished Scientist/Engineer for the Navy is more than a job—it is a mission-critical role that protects American interests. If you meet the criteria and are ready to lead at the highest level of federal engineering, we encourage you to apply.

Why This Distinguished Scientist/Engineer For Navy Threat Engineering (Sstm) Job Matters

Shape the future of naval defense as a Distinguished Scientist or Engineer in Threat Engineering at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division.

Distinguished Scientist/Engineer For Navy Threat Engineering (Sstm) Job Overview

The Naval Sea Systems Command is seeking a visionary technical leader to serve as a Senior Scientific Technical Manager (SSTM) for Navy Threat Engineering in Dahlgren, Virginia. This high-level position offers the opportunity to drive complex modeling and simulation initiatives, establish authoritative threat representations, and build strategic coalitions to support critical Department of the Navy R&D portfolios. As a distinguished expert, you will provide the technical oversight necessary to secure our nation's naval capabilities.

Requirements for Distinguished Scientist/Engineer For Navy Threat Engineering (Sstm)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must submit a resume strictly limited to two pages.
Demonstrated expert knowledge in threat engineering and complex modeling/simulation.
Proven experience building high-performing teams and fostering agency-level strategic coalitions.
Must meet OPM positive education requirements for the relevant occupational series (Engineering, Physical Science, Operations Research, Math, or Computer Science).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
Participation in a drug testing program is mandatory.
Completion of a financial disclosure report is required.

Preferred Qualifications for Distinguished Scientist/Engineer For Navy Threat Engineering (Sstm)

An advanced degree, such as a Master’s or Ph.D., in an engineering, physical science, or mathematical field.
A national or international reputation as a renowned expert in threat modeling or related technical domains.
Extensive experience in research and development environments within a military or federal agency context.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Professional development and training opportunities
✓Telework eligibility

💡 How to Apply Distinguished Scientist/Engineer For Navy Threat Engineering (Sstm) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Distinguished Scientist/Engineer For Navy Threat Engineering (Sstm) Job

Log into your USAJOBS account to initiate the application.
Prepare a resume that is exactly two pages or fewer, detailing relevant accomplishments and experience.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Upload supporting documentation, including official or unofficial transcripts, SF-50 (for current federal employees), and any relevant credentials or licenses.
Verify that all documents are legible and submitted before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume, as this will lead to automatic disqualification.
Ensure your resume explicitly addresses the two Technical Qualifications (TQs) listed in the announcement.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder for the best results in capturing required federal employment data.
Submit your application well in advance of the deadline to account for potential document processing or system delays.
Double-check that your transcripts and credential documents clearly demonstrate your eligibility for the specific series you are applying under.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Ph.D. required for this position?

While a graduate degree is highly desirable and expected for SSTM roles, applicants must at minimum meet the specific OPM positive education requirements for their chosen occupational series.

Can I submit a longer resume if I have extensive experience?

No. The announcement strictly mandates a two-page limit for your resume. Submitting a resume longer than two pages will result in immediate disqualification.

What is an SSTM position?

Senior Scientific Technical Manager positions operate at a level above the traditional GS-15 grade, focusing on high-level technical leadership, policy influence, and stewardship of organizational capabilities.

Is there flexibility on the resume page count?

No. The page limit is strict. Exceeding two pages will result in an automatic ineligible rating.

What is the security clearance level?

This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance due to the nature of the work.

Job from Naval Sea Systems Command

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is the largest of the Navy's five system commands. Its mission is to design, build, deliver, and maintain ships and systems on time and on cost for the U.S. Navy. Working as a civilian at the Dahlgren Division allows you to integrate cutting-edge scientific research with real-world naval applications, directly contributing to the safety and superiority of our fleet.