Chief Port Engineer

The Defense Sector at Leidos, supporting the OMUSV Program, is seeking a Chief Port Engineer to support a dynamic high growth organization. The O/MUSV program is based in Port Hueneme, CA, and is responsible for delivering cutting edge autonomous vessel technology to the US Navy. The Chief Port Engineer will be remotely based in support of this Program but will require on site travel and some time spent underway aboard the vessel. The program operates and maintains prototype autonomous vessels for test and evaluation of the vessels as well as developing operations, maintenance, logistics and training procedures for the autonomous Fleet of the future. 

The Chief Port Engineer will serve as the senior leader responsible for managing the material readiness and technical oversight of a fleet of autonomous and crewed maritime vessels. This role requires strategic coordination, in-depth marine engineering expertise, and proactive leadership to ensure all vessels are maintained in a state of operational excellence. Reporting directly to Program Manager, you will administer fleet-wide planned maintenance systems, oversee repair schedules, manage critical spares, and ensure compliance with ABS classification requirements, the Safety Management System (SMS) and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
 

Duties include overseeing the production and submission of Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), managing technical documentation, and ensuring that deliverables meet U.S. Government contractual standards. You will coordinate with shipyard teams, vendors, and contractors to ensure timely execution of maintenance and repair activities, resolving technical issues that may impact schedule or performance. Additionally, you will analyze and submit failure reports, lead root cause analyses, and implement corrective actions across the fleet. You will provide mentorship to junior engineers and technicians, develop and enforce maintenance protocols, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the engineering department. As the direct counterpart to the Port Captain, you will be personally responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance and upholding Leidos' commitment to safety, reliability, and maritime excellence

Primary Responsibilities

• Report to Program Manager.

• Lead the execution of fleet-wide maintenance programs, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and alignment with mission readiness objectives.

• Manage contractual deliverables including CDRLs, technical reports, and failure analysis documentation in accordance with U.S. Government contract requirements.

• Direct the resolution of technical deficiencies, oversee root cause analyses, and implement corrective actions to sustain fleet material readiness.

• Coordinate with shipyards, contractors, and internal stakeholders to schedule and oversee complex repair and refit operations.

• Write Shipyard Packages and QA 3rd party vendor work

• Serve as the technical liaison between vessel crews, Leidos corporate leadership, and government clients, ensuring transparent communication and operational alignment.

• Mentor and supervise engineering personnel across the fleet, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Participate in Leidos and Government safety programs.

• This position will require close cooperation and working relationships with active-duty military and other Government personnel.

Basic Qualifications

• Position requires the ability to perform in an arduous duty environments.

• Bachelor’s degree in a Marine Engineering discipline or an engineering degree with experience working in the maritime industry. May accept sea time as an Engineering Officer in lieu of a degree.

• 5 Years of Prior Relevant Experience

• Ability to lift 40lbs

• Individuals must possess the ability and demeanor to share common spaces over lengthy deployment periods and work closely with others in a small working area and in a shipboard environment

• Must be able to communicate effectively

• Must be a US Citizen

• Must pass a background check and be able to gain access to US Navy Facilities

• Must have Secret Clearance or be able to qualify for Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• USCG Chief Engineer License with OICEW

• Experience as an Engineering Officer

• Experience on Government Contracts

• Experience with ABS and Shipyards

• PMP Certification

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.