Launch Your Career in Maritime Innovation: Mechanical Engineer at NUWC Keyport

The Department of the Navy is currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled Mechanical Engineer to join the Small and Medium Unmanned Vehicles Branch at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division in Keyport, Washington. This role sits at the intersection of advanced engineering and national security, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the development and evaluation of cutting-edge undersea systems.

Job Responsibilities

As a Mechanical Engineer, your daily duties will be both challenging and diverse. You will be expected to:

Lead the design of complex devices, equipment, and systems based on established technical criteria.
Conduct rigorous testing of materials and systems to ensure they meet operational standards.
Review and validate technical plans for compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality requirements.
Maintain precise project documentation to ensure project traceability and compliance.
Evaluate the feasibility of new methodologies to advance current standards.

Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Engineering Roles

Feature	Standard Engineer	NUWC Mechanical Engineer
Focus	Broad applications	Maritime/Undersea systems
Clearance	Not always required	Secret required
Environment	Office/General	Specialized testing/Research
Impact	Commercial/Private	National Defense

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the basic education requirements set by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). This includes a professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited school, or a degree in a relevant scientific field combined with appropriate professional experience. Additionally, candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $114,695 to $149,106 per year, reflecting the specialized technical skill set required for the role.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of the Navy have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Robust health insurance and retirement plans.
Opportunities for specialized professional training.
Generous leave and work-life balance policies.
Access to federal career progression pathways.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Keep your resume to 2 pages and focus on technical accomplishments.
Supporting Docs: Submit all required transcripts and SF-50s early to avoid disqualification.
Assessments: Take the USA Hire assessment seriously; it is a critical gatekeeping step in the selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I apply if I don't have a security clearance? A: The role requires a Secret clearance, but the agency will assist in the clearance process upon hiring if you meet all other qualifications.

Q: Is relocation assistance offered? A: Relocation incentives depend on funding availability and internal policy at the time of hiring.

This Mechanical Engineer position offers more than just a job; it offers a chance to participate in the future of naval technology. If you meet the criteria and are ready to apply your mechanical expertise to the mission of safeguarding our national interests, we encourage you to submit your application by the closing date.

Why This Mechanical Engineer Job Matters

Advance your career in naval innovation by engineering the next generation of unmanned undersea technology in Keyport, Washington.

Mechanical Engineer Job Overview

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport, is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer to join our Small and Medium Unmanned Vehicles Branch. In this role, you will play a critical part in the lifecycle of advanced undersea systems, from initial design concepts to real-world operational testing. If you are passionate about maritime defense technology and engineering excellence, this position offers the opportunity to apply your expertise within a vital national security mission.

Requirements for Mechanical Engineer

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Ability to complete all required online USA Hire assessments within the specified timeframe.

Preferred Qualifications for Mechanical Engineer

Active Engineer in Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Strong proficiency in systems design, technical documentation, and performance evaluation.
Experience with unmanned vehicle architecture or maritime engineering environments.
Proven ability to manage technical projects and adhere to strict regulatory compliance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits
✓Professional development and training opportunities
✓Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave
✓Flexible telework options available

💡 How to Apply Mechanical Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Mechanical Engineer Job

Prepare a concise resume (maximum 2 pages).
Visit the online application portal to register and submit your profile.
Complete the required questionnaire and attach all relevant supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50s, etc.).
Monitor your email for a notification regarding the USA Hire assessment link.
Complete the online assessments within 48 hours of receipt.
Track your application status through the online portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists the employer name, start and end dates, and hours worked per week.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder for optimal formatting.
Redact sensitive information like SSNs from supporting documents before uploading.
Double-check your eligibility for veteran preference or other hiring authorities and include the necessary DD-214 or SF-15 documents.
Set aside at least two uninterrupted hours to complete the USA Hire assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of security clearance is required for this position?

This role requires a Secret security clearance.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, depending on departmental requirements.

What happens if I need a reasonable accommodation for the assessments?

Requests for reasonable accommodation for the USA Hire assessments must be submitted and adjudicated before you begin the testing process.

Job from Naval Sea Systems Command

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the Navy's fleet and its combat systems. Working within the Division at Keyport, you will be part of an organization committed to technical excellence and innovation. Civilian employees with the Navy enjoy a mission-driven culture that values professional growth, patriotism, and impactful results.