Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) Combat Systems SME

About the Role

As a Lead Combat Systems Subject Matter Expert, you will play a crucial role in all Combat Systems SME activities across Readiness Assistance Training Teams (RATT). You will lead/manage/support day‑to‑day and long‑range combat systems maintenance and engineering activities, ensuring surface ship combat system readiness and reliability. Guide teams through complex technical efforts that directly enable fleet operational effectiveness and mission execution. Collaborate with shipboard crews, government program offices, depot maintenance teams, and training organizations to align maintenance priorities, coordinate technical actions, and maintain clear communication across all levels of the combat systems enterprise. Drive system performance by assessing operational outcomes, identifying recurring issues, and implementing corrective measures. Lead teams in overcoming challenging system casualties, advancing maintenance practices, and sustaining high readiness across all supported platforms. Utilize deep technical expertise in AEGIS and SSDS combat systems, advanced diagnostic tools, Navy maintenance management systems, engineering documentation, and technical directives to provide oversight, develop procedures, mentor technical personnel, and produce high-quality readiness assessments and program reports.

Responsibilities

• Support CRUDES teams; conduct combat systems assessments during RATT visits.
• Evaluate AEGIS/SSDS, EW, CIWS, VLS, sonar, SPY radar, networks, EW, countermeasures.
• Perform formal documentation of discrepancies, training reports, and combat‑systems portions of visit reports.
• Deliver tailored training and build combat systems training curricula.
• Expect 40–45 weeks travel annually; 30% OCONUS.

Qualifications

• Education: Undergrad, associates, or 7 years management experience.
• Experience: 15 years supervisory experience in analysis, IS operations, and implementation (25 years highly desired).
• Supervisory expertise overseeing Navy surface ship combat systems maintenance activities.
• Significant afloat experience serving as STO, CSMM, or CSOOW on multiple AEGIS and SSDS platforms.
• Extensive operational background with combat systems across numerous AEGIS and SSDS‑equipped ships.
• Maintenance and training staff experience within ISIC, TYCOM, or Afloat Training Group organizations.
• Broad maintenance staff proficiency supporting combat systems readiness and sustainment programs.
• Deep understanding of depot‑level combat systems maintenance workflows and requirements.
• Comprehensive knowledge of combat systems theory, functionality, integration, and lifecycle maintenance.
• Security clearance level: Active DoD Secret (or higher).
• US citizenship required.
• Ability to collaborate with senior military personnel, government engineering teams, shipboard crews, and maintenance facilities.
• Willingness to travel to fleet concentration areas, shipyards, and waterfront locations.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams in operational, maintenance, or modernization environments.
• Strong communication, planning, and organizational skills suitable for high‑visibility readiness and sustainment programs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts.
• Dental plan options and vision plan.
• 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.
• Full flex work weeks where possible.
• Paid time off plans including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave.
• Short and long-term disability benefits.
• Life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance.

Pay

The likely salary range for this position is $147,292 - $199,278. Salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Schedule

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40. Travel Required: 25-50%. Work Location: Onsite in San Diego, CA.