Engineering Leadership: Lead the Future of Weapons Development in Indian Head

The Department of the Navy is looking for an experienced engineering leader to serve as a Branch Manager at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Indian Head Division. This role is not just a job; it is a critical leadership position responsible for guiding the Research & Engineering Department in the development and prototyping of advanced weapons systems. If you possess a background in engineering and a passion for national security, this is your opportunity to drive innovation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Manager (Branch Manager), your core duties will focus on both technical and human capital oversight:

Project Leadership: You will oversee the entire lifecycle of weapons systems, from initial design to rigorous testing for air, ground, and underwater applications.
Team Management: You will mentor a diverse team of engineers, technicians, and logisticians. This includes conducting performance reviews, creating professional development plans, and managing day-to-day staff operations.
Strategic Execution: You will be responsible for monitoring cost, performance, and schedule adherence to ensure projects meet strict military quality standards.

Requirements

To qualify for this high-level role, candidates must meet the specific OPM professional engineering standards.

Qualification Area	Requirement
Education	Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (ABET accredited) or equivalent STEM degree with professional experience
Experience	One year of specialized experience at the ND-04/GS-12/13 level
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Security	Must hold or be able to obtain SCI clearance

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $143,913 to $197,200 per year, reflecting the high level of responsibility required for the ND-5 pay band. The Navy also offers potential for supervisory pay differentials, recruitment, and relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of the Navy enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health and life insurance plans.
Federal retirement savings via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous paid annual and sick leave.
Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
Access to professional development, advanced training, and tuition assistance.

Application Tips

Use the Resume Builder: The USAJOBS Resume Builder is the most effective way to ensure you provide every required field, including hours per week and specific pay grades.
Be Concise: You are limited to two pages. Focus on your leadership achievements and specific weapons systems project experience.
Document Everything: Ensure all transcripts, certifications, and past SF-50 forms are uploaded. Missing documentation is the most common reason for disqualification.

Serving as a Branch Manager at the NSWC Indian Head Division is a unique opportunity to marry technical rigor with strategic leadership. If you are ready to lead a team that protects our nation's interests through engineering excellence, review the full requirements and submit your application before the closing date.

Why This Manager Job Matters

Lead cutting-edge weapons systems development as a Branch Manager with the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Indian Head, where your technical expertise directly safeguards our nation's freedoms.

Manager Job Overview

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division is seeking a high-level Branch Manager (ND-5) to oversee the Warheads Branch within the Research & Engineering Department. In this pivotal role, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and logistics professionals to execute the design and testing of complex weapons systems, including air-launched, surface-launched, and underwater platforms. This position operates under the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project, offering a high-impact leadership environment with significant responsibilities in project management, performance oversight, and technical guidance.

Requirements for Manager

U.S. Citizenship
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance
Completion of a professional engineering degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the ND-04 (GS-12/13) level or equivalent
Must pass an initial drug screening and participate in random testing thereafter
Submission of a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) upon appointment
Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement

Preferred Qualifications for Manager

Demonstrated experience in weapons systems design and testing lifecycles
Proven track record in managing multidisciplinary technical teams, including personnel development and performance evaluation
Strong understanding of project cost, schedule, and quality control methodologies
Demonstrated proficiency in research and development operations

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with potential supervisory pay differential
✓Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance options
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Robust work-life balance initiatives including telework eligibility
✓Extensive professional development and training programs
✓Relocation incentive eligibility where applicable
✓Potential for recruitment or student loan repayment incentives

💡 How to Apply Manager Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Manager Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume restricted to a maximum of 2 pages, including specific job details (dates, hours, pay plan/series/grade).
Gather supporting documentation such as transcripts, SF-50 forms, and veterans' preference documents.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Submit your full application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory employment data is captured accurately.
Clearly document your supervisory experience and project management accomplishments within the page limit.
Review your submitted documents for legibility; unreadable files will automatically disqualify your application.
If you are a current federal employee, ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates time-in-grade requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pay band for this position?

This position is part of the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project at the ND-5 pay band, which is equivalent to GS-14/15.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to agency policy and supervisor approval.

What type of security clearance is required?

The position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.

Job from Naval Sea Systems Command

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, is a premier facility dedicated to the development and evaluation of energetics and weapons systems. As a member of the Department of the Navy, the organization fosters an environment of patriotism, purpose, and professional growth. Working here means collaborating with elite engineers and scientists to ensure that our military remains the most technologically advanced force in the world.