Lead Diesel Engine Inspector (DEI)

About the role

Lead Diesel Engine Inspector (DEI)

Responsibilities

• Lead/Manage/Support inspection teams in planning, preparing, and conducting comprehensive diesel engine assessments across multiple ship classes.
• Support fleet readiness by verifying material condition, identifying systemic issues affecting diesel propulsion performance, and guiding ship engineering departments toward corrective actions that strengthen operational availability.
• Collaborate with shipboard engineering teams, maintenance activity personnel, ISIC/TYCOM representatives, and fleet technical authorities to synchronize inspection schedules and align propulsion improvement efforts with fleet readiness priorities.
• Work alongside Diesel Engine Inspectors, EOOWs, and engineering leadership to develop shared solutions that improve maintenance and operational outcomes.
• Drive meaningful improvements in diesel propulsion system performance by applying decades of engineering experience to diagnose complex failures, analyze maintenance trends, and recommend sustainment strategies that increase reliability.
• Champion innovative inspection practices, root-cause analysis techniques, and engineering approaches that help ships resolve persistent diesel engine challenges and maintain safe, dependable operations.
• Utilize extensive hands-on experience with diesel main propulsion systems, diesel generators, control systems, and auxiliary equipment — including recent operational exposure — to conduct high-fidelity inspections and deliver authoritative technical recommendations.
• Leverage deep knowledge of depot-level maintenance processes, configuration accuracy, and engineering watchstanding practices (EOOW/PPWO/Chief Engineer roles) to assess propulsion readiness and mentor engineering teams.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Associate degree, Navy technical schooling, or equivalent service experience may also qualify).
• Experience: 5+ years of related experience, with more than fifteen years of supervisory and technical leadership supporting Navy engineering operations, propulsion systems, or shipboard maintenance programs (25+ years highly desirable).
• Technical skills: Extensive experience as EOOW on diesel-propelled ships; at least two tours as a certified Navy Diesel Engine Inspector; hands-on experience within the past five years with diesel main propulsion systems, diesel generators, control systems, and auxiliaries; strong understanding of depot-level maintenance processes and configuration management; proficiency in propulsion system analysis, root-cause determination, and shipboard engineering assessments; broad experience in supervising engineering teams and conducting shipboard inspections.

Qualifications

• Security clearance level: DoD Secret (or higher).
• US citizenship required.

Skills

• Marine engineering, propulsion, and diesel inspection expertise.
• Drive for innovation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Competitive pay and paid time off.
• Short and long-term disability benefits.
• Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace.

Pay

$161,500 - $218,500

Schedule

40 hours per week

Telecommuting Options

Onsite Work Location: USA CA San Diego - 2841 Rendova Rd, Bldg 11, Rm 216 (CAC081)

Additional Work Locations: Total Rewards At GDIT: Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.