Chief Engineer Limited Tonnage O/MUSV

Leidos; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 107,900 - 195,050; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Chief Engineer for the Overlord Unmanned Surface Vessel program based in Port Hueneme, CA. The role involves supervising propulsion systems, maintenance aboard USVs, and performing administrative reporting ashore.

Expect sea-going duties, 12-hour shifts during 28‑day rotations, and close cooperation with military and government personnel. Eligible candidates must hold a USCG 4000hp Chief Engineer credential, pass background checks, and be a US citizen.

Qualifications

• USCG Merchant Mariner credentials: 4000hp Chief Engineer or greater with STCW certificates.
• Ability to perform in arduous duty environments.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must pass a background check and gain access to US Navy Facilities.

Responsibilities

• Report to USV Master and Port Captain for pier side and afloat USV operations.
• Take responsibility for first-line maintenance and repairs of USV propulsion system.
• Perform/ supervise scheduled and corrective maintenance, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and automated control systems.
• Participate in basic seamanship duties as required.
• Assist in preparation, preservation, and cleanliness of assigned vessel, and any associated equipment.
• Coordinate and assist in pre/post mission craft readiness functions.
• May assist in vessel security and visitor control function.
• Participate in Leidos and Government safety programs.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

The Defense Sector at Leidos, supporting the Overlord Unmanned Surface Vessel (OMUSV) Program, is seeking a Chief Engineer with a USCG 4000hp or greater license 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 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 Engineer will supervise, coordinate, advise troubleshooting, and conduct maintenance aboard the Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) in addition to making administrative reports ashore. The Chief Engineer will travel and work onboard the USV at sea and in port, operating and maintaining the USV and support vessels.

Duties include primary responsibility for the USV propulsion system in port and underway, in addition to preparation, preservation, and cleanliness of navy watercraft, and pre/post mission craft readiness functions. Provides facility maintenance expertise and leadership responsibility. Crew will work rotating shifts of approximately 28 days, while on rotation crew should expect to work 12 hour shifts daily.

Primary Responsibilities

• Report to USV Master and Port Captain for pier side and afloat USV operations.
• Take responsibility for first-line maintenance and repairs of USV propulsion system. Perform/ supervise scheduled and corrective maintenance, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and automated control systems.
• Participate in basic seamanship duties as required.
• Assist in preparation, preservation, and cleanliness of assigned vessel, and any associated equipment.
• Coordinate and assist in pre/post mission craft readiness functions.
• May assist in vessel security and visitor control function.
• 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

• USCG Merchant Mariner credentials: 4000hp Chief Engineer or greater with corresponding STCW certificates
• Position requires the ability to perform in an arduous duty environments.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working aboard US Government vessels

Original Posting

July 21, 2026

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.

Pay Range

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay And Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.