Navigating Your Career: Becoming a Naval Architect with the U.S. Navy
The United States Navy is not just a maritime force; it is a massive engineering enterprise that relies on the ingenuity of civilian experts to keep the fleet afloat. If you are a professional with a passion for naval architecture, maritime structures, and complex engineering, the Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) in Newport News, Virginia, offers a career path where your expertise directly impacts national security.
Job Responsibilities
As a Naval Architect in the Engineering Department, your daily contributions will be vital to the success of shipbuilding programs. Your responsibilities will include:
- Design Oversight: Reviewing and evaluating contractor design products to ensure they meet strict Navy requirements.
- Technical Problem Solving: Investigating equipment malfunctions and design issues during construction.
- Ship Checks: Performing physical inspections of vessels, supporting system testing, undocking, and sea trials.
- Communication: Serving as a liaison between government officials, private shipbuilders, and equipment vendors.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate a foundation of excellence. Candidates must hold a professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program or have completed advanced coursework in engineering science. Furthermore, candidates need at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level (or equivalent) in ship design or repair.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement Type | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|
| Education | Professional Engineering Degree (ABET) |
| Experience | 1 Year Specialized (GS-11 Level) |
| Clearance | Secret Security Clearance |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive federal salary ranging from $90,838 to $118,092 per year. This scale reflects the high level of technical responsibility required for the role and is part of the broader federal compensation package, which is designed to attract top engineering talent.
Benefits
The Navy offers a comprehensive benefits package that is among the best in the public sector. Benefits include:
- Robust health and life insurance options.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid annual and sick leave.
- Professional development through government-funded training.
- Telework flexibility to support a balanced lifestyle.
Application Tips
Your resume is the most important part of your application. Keep it to two pages, be extremely specific about your engineering duties, and ensure that every job entry includes dates and hours worked. Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to avoid missing any required metadata.
Serving as a Naval Architect for SUPSHIP Newport News is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and national defense. If you meet the qualifications, do not miss the chance to join a team that is building the future of the U.S. Navy. Submit your application through the official recruitment portal before the closing date to start your journey.
Why This Naval Architect Job Matters
Launch your maritime engineering career with the Naval Sea Systems Command at the historic Newport News shipyard—where innovation meets national security.
Naval Architect Job Overview
The Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) in Newport News is seeking dedicated Naval Architects to join their engineering team. This role serves as a vital technical authority, ensuring that the design, construction, and repair of naval vessels meet the highest standards of safety, capability, and performance. This is an anticipated vacancy notice, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of the Department of the Navy in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Requirements for Naval Architect
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must possess a professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited institution or equivalent coursework.
- At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (or private sector equivalent) in ship design, construction, or repair.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Ability to perform technical reviews for ship stability, weight control, and structural integrity.
- Experience in coordinating with contractors, vendors, and naval personnel to resolve design and production issues.
- Must be able to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) if selected.
Preferred Qualifications for Naval Architect
- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI) or Engineer in Training (EIT).
- Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
- Prior experience in ship checks, undocking procedures, and sea trial support.
- Proficiency in reviewing Departure from Specifications (DFS) and engineering change proposals.
- Strong technical writing skills for policy and procedure documentation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health Insurance Programs
- ✓Federal Retirement System Participation
- ✓Paid Time Off and Federal Holidays
- ✓Professional Development and Training Opportunities
- ✓Potential for Relocation Incentives
- ✓Work-Life Balance Programs (Telework Eligibility)
💡 How to Apply Naval Architect Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Naval Architect Job
- Prepare a resume restricted to a maximum of 2 pages.
- Ensure the resume includes employer names, dates of employment (Mo/Yr), hours worked per week, and federal grade levels if applicable.
- Gather supporting documentation, including official or unofficial transcripts and relevant licenses or certifications.
- Submit your complete application package through the official NAVSEA recruiting portal.
- Verify that all files are legible and complete before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required fields are populated correctly.
- Be specific about your accomplishments; quantify your engineering successes rather than just listing job duties.
- Redact personal identifiable information like SSNs from supplemental documents before uploading.
- Submit early to allow time to troubleshoot potential file format issues.
- Ensure your transcripts clearly indicate credit hours and course titles to support your engineering degree requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Naval Architect at SUPSHIP?
You will serve as a technical advisor and oversight officer, reviewing contractor engineering designs, conducting ship checks, and ensuring that shipbuilding projects comply with Navy specifications and safety standards.
Is this a remote-friendly position?
While the position is telework-eligible, it is not a fully remote role and will require on-site presence for ship checks and coordination meetings in Newport News.
Do I need a security clearance to apply?
This position requires a Secret security clearance. If you do not currently hold one, you must be able to obtain and maintain it as a condition of employment.
What is a public notice flyer?
*A: It is an announcement used by the Navy to build a database of qualified applicants for anticipated vacancies.*
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: Relocation incentives may be authorized for eligible candidates depending on the needs of the agency and the individual's situation.*
Job from Naval Sea Systems Command
The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is the largest of the Navy's five systems commands. SUPSHIP Newport News serves as the Navy's eyes and ears on the ground, overseeing the design, construction, and repair of the nation's most sophisticated naval assets. Civilian employees here enjoy a unique blend of technical challenge and the satisfaction of supporting the men and women who serve at sea.