Advance Your Career: Supervisory Engineer/Scientist at Naval Sea Systems Command

Are you ready to lead the next generation of undersea technology? The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is currently seeking a visionary Supervisory Engineer or Scientist to join the Autonomous Systems and Ranges Department at Naval Base Newport, Rhode Island. This pivotal role sits at the intersection of complex systems engineering and national defense, offering the right candidate a platform to manage high-stakes projects that directly impact the mission of the U.S. Navy.

Job Responsibilities

As a leader in the Autonomous Systems and Ranges Department, your responsibilities will be multifaceted:

Technical Leadership: Direct the development, integration, and testing of autonomous payloads and experimental technologies.
Team Management: Oversee branch personnel, conduct performance appraisals, and champion professional development.
Administrative Oversight: Manage branch budgets, program tasking, and compliance with all safety and training protocols.
Advisory Role: Serve as a subject matter expert for the department, providing guidance on mission-critical projects.

Comparison: ND-04 vs. ND-05

Feature	ND-04 Role	ND-05 Role
Core Function	System Development/Team Lead	Program Management/Senior Oversight
Scope	Project & Team Focus	Branch-wide Administration & Strategy
Experience Level	GS-09/11 Equivalent	GS-12/13 Equivalent

Requirements

To qualify for this role, you must meet the positive education requirements defined by the Office of Personnel Management for the 0801, 1360, or 1550 occupational series. Additionally, candidates must possess:

Proven professional engineering or scientific experience.
Ability to secure a Top Secret clearance.
A history of leading successful system integration projects.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $101,375 to $197,200 per year, depending on the specific band and qualifications of the selected candidate.

Benefits

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

Health and life insurance.
Generous retirement savings options.
Paid time off including vacation and federal holidays.
Career development and training opportunities.

Application Tips

Use the Resume Builder: This ensures you don't miss any required fields.
Be Specific: Quantify your achievements, especially regarding project lead roles.
Quality Control: Check your 2-page limit and ensure your transcript is included.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of autonomous maritime technology. If you meet the criteria and are passionate about serving your country through engineering excellence, we encourage you to submit your application by November 4, 2026.

Why This Supervisory Engineer/Scientist Job Matters

Lead the future of undersea robotics and autonomous systems at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center—where cutting-edge engineering meets national security.

Supervisory Engineer/Scientist Job Overview

The Naval Sea Systems Command is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Engineer or Scientist to join the Autonomous Systems and Ranges Department in Newport, Rhode Island. This interdisciplinary role offers the opportunity to spearhead research, development, and rapid prototyping for Robotic Autonomous Undersea Systems. Whether serving as a manager or a technical lead, you will provide critical mission-based support, mentor branch personnel, and shape the technological landscape of the Department of the Navy.

Requirements for Supervisory Engineer/Scientist

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Completion of a drug screening and ongoing random testing requirements.
Submission of a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450).
One year of specialized experience at the next lower pay band (ND-04 or ND-03 equivalent depending on the target role).
Professional educational background in Engineering, Oceanography, or Computer Science meeting specific OPM series requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Engineer/Scientist

Proven experience in leading technical teams within a research and development environment.
Demonstrated expertise in system integration for robotic or autonomous platforms.
Experience with rapid prototyping of experimental hardware and software payloads.
Expertise in administrative, financial, and personnel management.
Strong oral communication and conflict resolution skills.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Federal retirement pension plan (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Extensive professional development and continuous training programs.
✓Opportunities for career advancement within the Department of the Navy.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Engineer/Scientist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Engineer/Scientist Job

Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume restricted to a maximum of 2 pages, including specific job details like series, grade, and hours worked.
Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts, SF-50 forms for current federal employees, and veteran preference documents if applicable.
Apply through the online portal before the closing date of November 4, 2026.
Complete the mandatory assessment questionnaire integrated into the application process.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory employment dates and hours are captured correctly.
Be explicit in your resume regarding your experience with specific technologies or projects related to undersea systems.
Verify that all uploaded documents are legible and include your relevant performance awards or credentials.
Apply well before the deadline to account for any technical issues during submission.
Review your application package for completeness to avoid an automatic ineligible rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an interdisciplinary position?

Yes, the position is open to candidates qualified under the General Engineering (0801), Oceanography (1360), or Computer Science (1550) series.

What is the expected travel for this role?

The position requires some travel as needed for mission support, categorized under Travel Code 1.

Can I submit a longer resume?

No, the announcement strictly mandates a resume length of no more than 2 pages.

What if my degree is not in the listed series?

You must meet the OPM requirements for the specific series (0801, 1360, or 1550). Review the OPM website linked in the announcement for detailed equivalencies.

Is relocation reimbursement available?

It may be available depending on funding and organizational policy at the time of selection.

Job from Naval Sea Systems Command

The Department of the Navy provides a workplace where purpose meets patriotism. As part of the Navy and Marine Corps team, you will collaborate with top-tier professionals to safeguard freedom through technical innovation. The agency prides itself on fostering a culture of professional growth, offering competitive federal benefits, stable career paths, and the chance to contribute to meaningful work that extends far beyond the bottom line.