Lead Combat Systems SME

This position is contingent upon contract award

The Lead Combat Systems SME serves as the senior functional lead for all Combat Systems SME activities across Readiness Assisteance Training Teams (RATT). 

This position oversees combat systems maintenance initiatives, technical assessments, operational readiness activities, and engineering support efforts associated with AEGIS and Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) platforms.

The C/S Lead serves as the principal advisor for combat systems maintenance processes, operational performance, training coordination, and depot-level maintenance integration. The role requires extensive experience with Navy combat systems operations, maintenance management, and supervisory oversight aboard surface warships and military auxiliary vessels.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise combat systems maintenance operations, technical projects, and engineering support activities associated with Navy surface ships.
• Provide technical oversight and subject matter expertise for AEGIS and SSDS combat systems operations and maintenance programs.
• Support planning, coordination, execution, and assessment of depot-level combat systems maintenance activities.
• Oversee combat systems operational readiness evaluations, maintenance inspections, and corrective action programs.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to combat systems personnel, maintenance technicians, and engineering teams.
• Coordinate with government representatives, ship’s force personnel, maintenance activities, training organizations, and fleet stakeholders.
• Analyze combat systems operational performance, maintenance trends, and casualty reports to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support development and implementation of maintenance procedures, training initiatives, and operational standards.
• Ensure compliance with Navy combat systems maintenance requirements, technical directives, and safety standards.
• Prepare technical reports, readiness assessments, maintenance evaluations, and program status briefings for leadership.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of complex combat systems operational and maintenance issues.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years supervisory experience supporting Navy surface ship combat systems maintenance processes.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of supervisory experience in analyses, information system operations, and implementation of technical projects (25+ years of experience is considered highly desirable).  
• Extensive experience serving in one or more of the following positions aboard multiple AEGIS and SSDS-equipped ships:

     * Systems Test Officer (STO),

     * Combat Systems Maintenance Manager (CSMM), or

     * Combat Systems Officer of the Watch (CSOOW).

• Extensive operational experience supporting Navy surface ship combat systems operations aboard multiple AEGIS and SSDS platforms.
• Maintenance and training staff experience within organizations such as:

     * Immediate Superior In Charge (ISIC),

     * Type Commander (TYCOM), or

     * Afloat Training Group.

• Extensive maintenance staff experience supporting combat systems readiness and sustainment programs.
• In-depth knowledge of Navy ship depot-level combat systems maintenance processes.
• In-depth knowledge of the theory, operation, integration, and maintenance of surface ship combat systems.
• Direct operational and maintenance experience with combat systems currently employed aboard U.S. Navy warships and military auxiliary vessels.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively interface with senior military personnel, government representatives, and technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting fleet modernization, combat systems integration, or readiness improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting shipyard, depot maintenance, or waterfront engineering activities.
• Familiarity with Navy combat systems maintenance databases, readiness reporting systems, and technical documentation.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams in operational or maintenance environments.

Education Requirements

• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electronics, Information Systems, Computer Science, Military Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Equivalent Navy technical training, certifications, and operational experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Seven (7) years demonstrated experience in a management role.

Work Environment

• Work may be performed in office environments, shipboard locations, waterfront operations areas, maintenance facilities, or shipyards.
• Position may require travel to fleet concentration areas, operational commands, maintenance facilities, and shipboard locations in support of inspections, maintenance activities, and operational readiness efforts.

Security Clearance

• Active DoD security clearance (Secret or higher) required.