Undersea Acquisition Lead

Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to support a myriad of Maritime acquisition and prototyping efforts, taking technologies to a fieldable prototype level of maturity and transitioning to operational entities in the DoW. Acting as a trusted advisor to a fast-paced DoW Research & Development (R&D) Office, SETA will provide independent technical oversight, program risk assessment, and operational guidance across the entire prototype development life cycle—from initial capability definition through rapid testing and transition planning.

SETA will lead the execution of complex technical tasks, to include definition of technical requirements, evaluation of technical proposals, monitoring of program technical execution, review of deliverables, coordination of test events, and coordination with mission partners to ensure project requirements are maintained and risk is minimized.

• Provide technical oversight and assessment of performer technologies, with a focus on undersea prototype capability development.
• Help define and manage performance and system integration requirements.
• Support the government team in designing and executing technology demonstrations and operational test and evaluation events.
• Analyze areas needing attention and advise the PM on recommended courses of action (COAs).
• Stakeholder & Vendor Coordination: Serve as a primary technical and programmatic liaison between the government program office and capability development vendors. Facilitate clear and consistent communication to ensure vendor efforts are aligned with government requirements and project milestones. Assist in the on-boarding and management of new performers.
• Represent the program office in technical discussions with DoW, Intelligence Community (IC), and inter-agency stakeholders, and Theater Special Operations Command (TSOC) / Geographic Combatant Command (GCC) transition partners.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance. Active CI Polygraph preferred.
• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, Marine Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10–15 years of combined experience in naval weapons systems, subsea engineering, or maritime robotics. At least 3+ years specifically supporting UUV programs or advanced undersea system prototyping initiatives.
• Demonstrated understanding of the DoW acquisition process and program management principles.
• Deep understanding of one or more critical UUV subsystems: autonomous mission planning, underwater communication (acoustic telemetry), inertial navigation systems (INS), or payload launch and recovery mechanisms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience briefing senior government officials.
• Able to travel approximately 25%, with some travel on short notice.
• Able to work full time in a Chantilly VA office within SCIF/SAPF spaces.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior SETA or Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) experience
• PMP or DAWIA Level II/III certification in Program Management or Engineering.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment with minimal supervision.