Shipboard Systems Engineer/Technical Operations

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries take on some of the nation’s toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to critical missions across defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors.

About the role

The NSWCPD Machinery Control Systems (MCS) group (Code 552) is seeking a Systems Engineer/Technical Operations staff member to support shipboard and LBES testing efforts for the DDG HM&E Mid-Life Upgrades Program. The role provides lifecycle support, system design, installation, and verification/validation for fielded and modernized Machinery Control Systems (MCS) on the USS ARLEIGH BURKE class of destroyer. This includes configuring, monitoring, and testing DDG51 MCS software. The position is fully onsite, based in Norfolk, VA—working out of the shipyard and on the Naval station.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot control systems using system documentation and electrical schematics.
• Provide test support for all variants of fielded systems at LBES and shipboard.
• Support shipboard software and hardware installation of all variants of fielded systems at LBES and shipboard.
• Provide documented status updates on a regular basis.
• Act as a liaison between the shipboard test team and technical leads in Philadelphia.
• Maintain a personal source of information between jobs and tasking.
• Aid in test procedure development, edits, and implementation.
• Review technical documentation related to all variants of fielded and future systems.
• Provide engineering input to the design of future MCS systems.

Working Conditions

The work is typically performed onboard US Navy ships (pier side, shipyard, and at sea), requiring proper safety precautions and the ability to navigate shipboard stairways (ladders). The role may require physical effort in handling light materials, boxes, or equipment up to 50 lbs per person. Workspaces include shared trailers for meetings and reports, with home office use permitted during ship installation downtime on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 0 years of experience, or Associate’s degree with 3 years of experience, or High School Diploma/Trade/Industrial School Diploma (or GED equivalent) and/or 6+ years of military/professional experience.
• US citizenship and ability to obtain a Secret Clearance.
• Experience tracing signals and diagnosing or isolating electrical failures.
• Experience with grounded and ungrounded systems.
• Basic to advanced electrical troubleshooting skills, including the use of a digital multimeter.
• Understanding of basic electrical principles (current, voltage, resistance) and circuit troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and diagrams.
• Proficiency in using test tools for electrical system troubleshooting (e.g., multimeter, oscilloscope, signal generator).

Physical Requirements

• Capability to stand and walk for extended periods on uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces.
• Ability to climb vertical ladders, stairs, and steep inclines while carrying tools or equipment.
• Work in confined spaces with limited ventilation, including crawling through narrow passageways and overhead/below-deck areas.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and grip strength to operate hand/power tools and handle materials up to 50 lbs regularly (heavier objects with assistance).
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach overhead repeatedly.
• Adequate vision to read technical manuals, identify color-coded systems, and detect safety hazards.
• Hearing capability to perceive warning signals, alarms, and verbal communications in noisy environments (with or without hearing protection).
• Stamina to work extended shifts and maintain balance/coordination on moving vessels.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies, including evacuating confined spaces.

Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Qualifications (Desired)

• Active Secret Clearance.
• Knowledge of industrial control systems concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Experience with Versa Module Eurocard (VME) systems and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems.
• Advanced computer skills, including HyperTerminal, Putty, or equivalent serial interfaces.
• Proficiency with oscilloscopes, signal generators, and Wireshark for network analysis.
• US Navy shipboard experience in an engineering department.
• Basic knowledge of network troubleshooting tools.
• Basic technical writing ability and practical problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and meticulous logging of testing/troubleshooting steps.

Pay

Posted salary range: USD $53,280.00 – $83,320.00 per year (full-time). Part-time or on-call compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked.

Benefits

• Health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits.
• Paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs.
• Award programs for exceptional performance and demonstration of service standards.
• Eligibility for full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week.