Steam Main Propulsion Engineering & Control Systems Subject Matter Expert (SMP&C SME)

This position is contingent upon contract award

The Steam Main Propulsion Engineering & Control Systems Subject Matter Expert (SMP&C SME) provides technical oversight, engineering expertise, and maintenance support for Navy steam propulsion systems and associated auxiliary equipment aboard surface warships and military auxiliary vessels. This position serves as a subject matter expert responsible for supporting propulsion plant operations, engineering readiness, maintenance execution, and lifecycle sustainment activities in support of U.S. Navy fleet operations.

The SMP&C SME supports shipboard engineering operations, maintenance planning, technical assessments, and propulsion plant readiness initiatives while ensuring compliance with Navy engineering, operational, and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for steam propulsion plant operations, maintenance activities, and engineering support efforts.
• Serve as subject matter expert for steam turbine propulsion systems, steam turbine generators, associated control systems, and auxiliary engineering equipment.
• Support planning, execution, and oversight of organizational-level and depot-level maintenance activities involving steam propulsion systems.
• Monitor propulsion plant operational performance and maintenance activities to ensure mission readiness and compliance with Navy engineering standards.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering personnel, maintenance staff, and shipboard operators.
• Analyze engineering data, maintenance trends, and operational reports to identify improvement opportunities and support propulsion plant reliability.
• Coordinate with ship’s force personnel, maintenance activities, and government representatives to resolve technical and operational issues.
• Support development and implementation of engineering procedures, maintenance strategies, technical documentation, and readiness initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with Navy engineering, maintenance, operational, and safety requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering assessments, maintenance evaluations, and readiness status updates for leadership review.

Required Qualifications

•  A minimum of fifteen (15) years of supervisory-level watchstanding experience aboard warships or military auxiliary vessels with steam 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 control and auxiliary systems.
• Direct operational and maintenance experience within the last five (5) years involving:
  • Steam turbine main propulsion systems,
  • Steam turbine generators,
  • Associated control systems, and
  • Auxiliary systems currently utilized by the U.S. Navy.
• Extensive knowledge of steam propulsion plant operations, engineering systems, maintenance processes, and Navy operational procedures.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively interface with senior military leadership, civilian personnel, maintenance organizations, and technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting Navy fleet readiness, maintenance, modernization, or lifecycle sustainment programs.
• Experience supporting shipyard maintenance, depot-level engineering activities, or waterfront operations.
• Familiarity with Navy engineering documentation systems, maintenance databases, and readiness reporting tools.
• Experience supporting technical assessments, inspections, or engineering evaluations.
• Bachelor’s degree or associate degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.

Education Requirements

• Equivalent Navy engineering training, qualifications, certifications, and operational experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

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.