Engineering the Future of Undersea Defense: A Guide to the Distinguished Scientist/Engineer Role
The United States Navy stands as a beacon of technological advancement and operational excellence. At the center of this mission is the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), which is currently seeking a visionary Distinguished Scientist/Engineer for Undersea Weapons Production and Sustainment Technologies. This high-level position offers a unique opportunity for an expert to influence the future of naval lethality while managing a massive portfolio of critical defense technologies.
Job Responsibilities
As a Distinguished Scientist/Engineer, you are not just a technical expert; you are a strategic leader. Your daily responsibilities include:
- Portfolio Oversight: You will manage a portfolio valued at approximately $297M, providing the authoritative advice needed to guide multi-million dollar investments.
- Technical Leadership: You will mentor senior engineers and lead the prototyping and testing of advanced undersea solutions.
- Technology Transition: You will create risk assessments and transition plans to ensure that new technologies successfully move from the lab to the fleet.
- Stewardship: You will oversee the long-term health of organizational facilities and the collective knowledge base of the technical workforce.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Clearance Level | Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk |
| Education | Advanced Degree (Master's/PhD preferred) |
| Documentation | Strict 2-Page Resume Limit |
| Salary Range | $191,227 - $209,600 |
Requirements
This position requires a high level of expertise in undersea weapon systems. Applicants must demonstrate mastery in:
- Undersea weapons life-cycle sustainment.
- Integration of automated manufacturing technologies.
- Ability to translate technical research into field-ready capabilities.
All candidates must hold a degree in an appropriate engineering, scientific, or mathematical field as defined by OPM standards.
Salary and Benefits
The compensation for this position reflects its status as a Senior Scientific Technical Manager, ranging from $191,227 to $209,600 per year. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including robust retirement plans, health insurance, and paid time off.
Application Tips
To stand out, your two-page resume must directly address the Technical Qualifications (TQs). Do not waste space on redundant information. Use clear, action-oriented bullet points that quantify your achievements in weapon system development and management. Ensure all supporting documents, including transcripts and SF-50s, are attached correctly the first time.
Serving as a Distinguished Scientist/Engineer with the Navy is a pinnacle career move for those dedicated to technological excellence and national service. If you possess the leadership and technical expertise required, this role offers an unparalleled platform to make a lasting impact on our nation's undersea capabilities.
Why This Distinguished Scientist/Engineer For Undersea Weapons Production And Sustainment Technologies Job Matters
Lead the future of naval superiority. Shape the next generation of undersea weapons technology at the heart of our nation's defense.
Distinguished Scientist/Engineer For Undersea Weapons Production And Sustainment Technologies Job Overview
The Naval Sea Systems Command is seeking a visionary Distinguished Scientist/Engineer to drive innovation in undersea weapons production and sustainment. Based in Keyport, Washington, you will act as a premier technical authority, overseeing a portfolio of approximately $297M annually. This high-impact, Senior Scientific Technical Manager role is designed for a renowned expert capable of guiding national-level maintenance, modernization, and advanced technology transition strategies to ensure the lethality and reliability of the fleet.
Requirements for Distinguished Scientist/Engineer For Undersea Weapons Production And Sustainment Technologies
- Expertise in undersea weapons systems including life-cycle sustainment and ship/platform integration.
- Proven ability to lead advanced RDT&E, technology transition, and weapon system modifications.
- Must meet OPM positive education requirements for Engineering, Physical Science, Mathematics, or Computer Science series.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk security clearance.
- Must submit a resume strictly limited to two pages addressing specific Technical Qualifications.
- Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Financial disclosure reporting is required.
Preferred Qualifications for Distinguished Scientist/Engineer For Undersea Weapons Production And Sustainment Technologies
- Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in an engineering or scientific field.
- Recognized national or international reputation as an expert in undersea weapons and sustainment technology.
- Extensive experience in managing complex technical personnel and core organizational facilities.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement Programs
- ✓Paid Time Off and Federal Holidays
- ✓Professional Development and Training Opportunities
- ✓Relocation Assistance Available
💡 How to Apply Distinguished Scientist/Engineer For Undersea Weapons Production And Sustainment Technologies Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Distinguished Scientist/Engineer For Undersea Weapons Production And Sustainment Technologies Job
- Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less and does not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details evidence of Technical Qualifications (TQs).
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Gather supporting documentation including SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, and professional credentials.
- Upload all documents and verify they have passed the virus scan before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume, as this will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Explicitly map your work history to the Technical Qualifications listed in the announcement.
- Double-check that your resume includes employer names, job titles, start/end dates, and hours worked per week.
- Apply well before the deadline, as document virus scanning can take several hours.
- Submit all relevant supporting documents at once to avoid being rated ineligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the USAJOBS resume builder for this application?
No. The instructions explicitly state not to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder for this specific position.
What is an SSTM position?
A Senior Scientific Technical Manager (SSTM) is a high-level position exceeding the GS-15 equivalent, responsible for long-term technical leadership and capability stewardship.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Yes, relocation expenses may be authorized for the selected candidate.
What if I have more than two pages of experience?
You must condense your experience. Any resume exceeding the two-page limit will result in immediate disqualification.
Is a drug test required?
Yes, due to the high-risk and sensitive nature of this role, a pre-employment drug test is mandatory.
Job from Naval Sea Systems Command
Naval Sea Systems Command is one of the pillars of the Department of the Navy. Its mission is to design, build, deliver, and maintain ships and systems on time and on cost. By bridging the gap between civilian talent and military necessity, NAVSEA ensures that our sailors have the reliable, state-of-the-art tools they need to protect our national interests worldwide.