Lead Engineer at NSWC Crane: Driving the Future of Mission Engineering

The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division is seeking a top-tier Lead Engineer to join the Rapid Mission Integration & Interoperability Department. This position offers a unique opportunity for engineering professionals to act as a technical visionary, shaping how the U.S. Navy models, simulates, and executes complex mission objectives. If you are passionate about national security and technical innovation, this role provides the platform to make a lasting impact.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Engineer in the Mission Engineering Branch, your primary focus will be on the architecture of high-fidelity, system-of-systems simulation environments. Your key duties include:

Serving as the principal technical authority for physics-based simulation environments.
Leading cross-functional teams to evaluate operational concepts.
Developing data-driven analytical baselines for acquisition and warfighting decisions.
Advancing Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) leadership.

Requirements

To be eligible, candidates must possess a professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited school or meet rigorous equivalent coursework requirements in engineering sciences. Additionally, you must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the ND-04 (GS-12/13) level.

Comparison of Potential Hiring Paths

Hiring Path	Requirement Focus
Competitive Service	Standard merit-based evaluation
Military Spouse	Based on BQ criteria
ICTAP	Well-qualified displaced federal status

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $125,776 to $192,331 per year. Beyond the base salary, employees enjoy federal benefits including:

Comprehensive health coverage.
Retirement options through FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan.
Structured professional development programs.

Application Tips

Ensure your 2-page resume is precise and highlights the specific technical competencies required. Do not use generic descriptions; instead, focus on the scale and impact of the simulations you have managed. Always verify that your SF-50 documentation (if you are a federal employee) clearly reflects your one-year time-in-grade eligibility.

This role is an exceptional career move for engineers ready to transition into a strategic, high-authority position. With the support of the NSWC Crane mission, you will help secure the nation's technological edge. Apply by September 8, 2026, to be considered.

Why This Engineer Job Matters

Shape the future of naval superiority. Join the Naval Surface Warfare Center as a Lead Engineer, where physics-based modeling meets strategic mission architecture.

Engineer Job Overview

The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division is seeking a high-level Engineer to serve as a principal technical authority within the Rapid Mission Integration & Interoperability Department. You will lead the development and execution of sophisticated physics-based simulation environments, driving innovation in mission engineering and system-of-systems frameworks. This role is a vital component of the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project, offering a high-impact environment where your technical vision directly influences national security and strategic acquisition decisions.

Requirements for Engineer

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Successful completion of a professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program.
Must meet OPM qualification standards for professional engineering positions.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the ND-04 (GS-12/13 equivalent) level.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
Registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or Professional Engineer (PE) is highly relevant.

Preferred Qualifications for Engineer

Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional engineering teams.
Deep expertise in developing high-fidelity, physics-based simulation models.
Experience in Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) frameworks.
Proven track record in strategic roadmap development and capability growth.
Strong oral communication skills for briefing technical and executive leadership.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays and sick leave.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
✓Opportunities for professional development and specialized technical training.
✓Access to a dynamic, mission-driven work culture.

💡 How to Apply Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Engineer Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages.
Ensure your resume explicitly details employer names, dates (MM/YY), and hours per week.
Upload transcripts, professional licenses, and relevant SF-50s if applicable.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire linked to the announcement.
Submit all documentation before the closing date of September 8, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Utilize the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory data fields are captured.
Be specific regarding your 'specialized experience' to match the ND-04 criteria.
Redact sensitive personal information like SSNs from supporting documents before submission.
Double-check that your transcripts cover all required engineering science coursework.
Verify your eligibility for special hiring paths early to ensure you provide the correct supporting documents (e.g., DD-214, SF-50).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ND-05 pay band?

The ND-05 pay band is part of the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project, representing positions equivalent to GS-14 and GS-15 levels.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. The application guidelines strictly mandate that your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Longer resumes will not be considered.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.

What is the primary focus of this role?

The role focuses on developing advanced, physics-based simulation environments that support complex mission engineering objectives.

Is relocation assistance provided?

While not guaranteed, relocation incentives may be available depending on funding and organizational policy.

Job from Naval Sea Systems Command

Part of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), the NSWC Crane Division is a mission-critical hub for technology and engineering. We are dedicated to providing the Navy and Marine Corps with the tools, research, and support necessary to safeguard our freedoms. Our culture prioritizes innovation, continuous learning, and meaningful work that bridges the gap between civilian expertise and military necessity.