Launch Your Career: Shipbuilding Specialist with the U.S. Navy

The United States Navy offers some of the most unique and impactful career opportunities in the maritime sector. If you have a background in shipbuilding, maintenance oversight, or contract management, a position as a Shipbuilding Specialist at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) in Norfolk, Virginia, might be the perfect next step. This role allows you to combine your technical expertise with a commitment to national service, ensuring our combatant fleet remains mission-ready.

Job Responsibilities

As a Shipbuilding Specialist, you will act as a bridge between technical requirements and field execution. Your primary duties will include:

Quality Oversight: Witnessing and validating tests on ship machinery, propulsion systems, and combat systems.
Contract Administration: Evaluating contractor condition reports and preparing detailed discrepancy reports for failed quality processes.
Strategic Planning: Investigating material availability and coordinating with ship forces to minimize production delays.
Consultation: Providing rationale for approval or disapproval of additional work recommendations from contractors.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-11 position, you must meet specific criteria:

Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level (or equivalent).
Technical Knowledge: Proven expertise in shipbuilding methods, procurement, and quality assurance.
Education: Candidates may also qualify through advanced graduate degrees (Ph.D. or equivalent) or a combination of education and experience.
Clearance: Ability to maintain a Secret security clearance is mandatory.

Requirements Comparison Table

Criteria	Requirement Type	Detail
Grade Level	GS-11	Mid-level professional
Education	Ph.D. or 3 years Graduate	Potential experience substitute
Security Clearance	Secret	Mandatory
Experience	1 Year Specialized	Related to ship repair/contracting

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $75,788 to $98,530 per year, commensurate with qualifications and established federal pay scales. In addition to base pay, federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that adds significant value to total compensation.

Benefits

Healthcare: Access to diverse federal health insurance options.
Retirement: Eligibility for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
Professional Growth: Mentorship programs and continuous technical training.

Application Tips

Use the Resume Builder: This tool ensures you don't miss required data points like hours per week or pay plans.
Mind the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less.
Detail Your Impact: Instead of listing tasks, describe how your quality assurance efforts directly saved time or improved ship repair outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I update my application after submitting? A: Yes, you can edit your application within the USAJOBS portal until the announcement closes.
Q: Are there relocation incentives? A: Incentives vary based on funding and agency policy; inquire during the interview process if selected.

Being a Shipbuilding Specialist in Norfolk is more than a job—it is a mission-critical role that keeps the U.S. Navy ready for any challenge. If you possess the technical rigor and commitment to excellence required, submit your application today and join a team where purpose and patriotism unite.

Why This Shipbuilding Specialist Job Matters

Join the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center and play a pivotal role in the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy's fleet.

Shipbuilding Specialist Job Overview

The Department of the Navy is seeking a dedicated Shipbuilding Specialist to join the DDG Class Team at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center in Norfolk, Virginia. In this role, you will provide critical technical oversight for ship repair, overhaul, and conversion projects, ensuring that all combatant vessels meet the highest quality and safety standards required for mission success.

Requirements for Shipbuilding Specialist

One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level.
Experience in shipbuilding methods related to repair, overhaul, or conversion of vessels.
Ability to plan and coordinate contract matters and procurement functions for work specification packages.
Proficiency in performing quality assurance procedures on contractor-performed ship work.
Experience conducting ship inspections and analyzing technical feedback or problem reports.
U.S. Citizenship.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications for Shipbuilding Specialist

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D.
Possession of an LL.M. degree related to the position.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for multi-stakeholder coordination.
Demonstrated ability in contract performance management.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and pay progression.
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Federal retirement benefits, including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Extensive professional development and training opportunities.
✓Telework eligibility.

💡 How to Apply Shipbuilding Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Shipbuilding Specialist Job

Create or update your resume in the USAJOBS system (limited to 2 pages).
Review the full announcement details and prepare required documentation (SF-50s, transcripts, DD-214, etc.).
Click the Apply button and complete the required questionnaires.
Submit your application package before the deadline.
Check email for instructions regarding the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if notified.
Complete the required assessments within 48 hours of receipt.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information like pay plan, series, and grade is included.
Keep your resume strictly under the two-page limit.
Clearly document your specific experience with shipbuilding methods and quality assurance.
If applying for a promotion, provide SF-50s proving you held the next lower grade for at least one year.
Redact sensitive personal information like SSNs from supporting documents before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security clearance requirement for this role?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

Can I substitute education for experience?

Yes, you may qualify through a combination of graduate education (Ph.D. or equivalent) and relevant professional experience.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is telework eligible, subject to agency policy.

Job from United States Fleet Forces Command

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center is a vital component of the Department of the Navy, dedicated to the maintenance, modernization, and repair of the fleet. Working here means collaborating with a diverse team of military and civilian experts. The Navy prides itself on providing a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and professional stability, making it an excellent environment for career growth.