Lead Diesel Engine Inspector (Lead DEI)

This position is contingent upon contract award

The Lead Diesel Engine Engine Inspector (DEI) is responsible for providing expert leadership, technical oversight, and engineering support for Navy diesel propulsion systems, diesel generators, and associated auxiliary equipment aboard surface warships and military auxiliary vessels. 

This position serves as the senior technical authority for diesel propulsion operations, maintenance, inspections, and readiness support activities in accordance with Navy standards and mission requirements.

The Lead DEI directs complex technical projects, supervises engineering and maintenance personnel, and provides subject matter expertise for propulsion plant operations, maintenance planning, inspection programs, and engineering system performance. The position also serves as a key advisor to government leadership, maintenance organizations, and fleet stakeholders supporting operational readiness and lifecycle maintenance efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise teams supporting engineering analyses, information system operations, and implementation of technical projects.
• Provide senior-level technical management and operational oversight across multiple Navy surface ships and military auxiliary vessels utilizing diesel propulsion systems.
• Serve as subject matter expert for diesel main propulsion systems, diesel generators, control systems, and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Support planning, coordination, and execution of organizational-level and depot-level maintenance activities for diesel propulsion plants.
• Conduct and oversee diesel engine inspections in accordance with Navy maintenance procedures, standards, and certification requirements.
• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and operational support to engineering personnel, inspectors, operators, and maintenance teams.
• Analyze propulsion plant performance, maintenance data, and operational trends to improve reliability, efficiency, and mission readiness.
• Coordinate with government representatives, shipboard personnel, maintenance activities, and program stakeholders to resolve engineering and operational issues.
• Support development and implementation of engineering procedures, inspection criteria, maintenance strategies, and operational standards.
• Ensure compliance with Navy engineering, safety, operational, and maintenance requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, inspection findings, readiness assessments, and program status updates for leadership and stakeholders.

  Required Qualifications

• Minimum of fifteen (15)  years of supervisory experience (25+ years is highly desirable) in:
  • Analyses,
  • Information system operations, and
  • Implementation of technical projects.
• Minimum two (2) tours as Navy Diesel Engine Inspector.
• Extensive Navy technical management experience supporting multiple ships.
• Extensive operational experience serving as Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) aboard multiple Navy diesel-powered ships.
• Extensive experience, including multiple tours, serving as a Navy Diesel Engine Inspector supporting Navy surface ship maintenance processes.
• Minimum of fifteen (15)  years of supervisory-level watchstanding experience aboard warships or military auxiliary vessels with propulsion systems, including service as:
  • Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW),
  • Propulsion Plant Watch Officer,
  • Chief Engineer, or
  • Equivalent engineering leadership positions responsible for overall propulsion plant operations and associated auxiliary systems.
• Extensive experience conducting diesel engine inspections aboard surface warships or military auxiliary vessels  with qualifications and certification as or equivalent to a U.S. Navy Diesel Engine Inspector. Experience of twenty-five (25) or more is considered highly desirable.  .
• Direct operational and maintenance experience within the last five (5) years involving:
  • Diesel main propulsion systems,
  • Diesel generators,
  • Associated control systems, and
  • Auxiliary systems currently utilized by the U.S. Navy.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with senior military personnel, civilian leadership, and technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting Navy fleet readiness, modernization, lifecycle maintenance, or waterfront engineering programs.
• Experience supporting depot maintenance, shipyard operations, or fleet technical assistance activities.
• Familiarity with Navy engineering documentation systems, maintenance databases, and technical reporting tools.
• Experience managing engineering or maintenance support contracts and multidisciplinary technical teams.

Education Requirements

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent Navy engineering training, certifications, and operational experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Work Environment

• Work may be performed in office settings, shipboard engineering spaces, maintenance facilities, shipyards, and waterfront operational environments.
• Position may require travel to fleet concentration areas, maintenance facilities, and operational locations in support of inspections, maintenance activities, and engineering readiness assessments.

Security Clearance

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