Chief Engineer (RSC)

Sa Techinc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Vacation and Sick Leave

Job summary

A defense contractor in San Diego seeks a full-time Designated Duty Engineer for naval operations. Responsibilities include maintaining engineering equipment on vessels, supervising personnel, and ensuring equipment readiness. Candidates must have a high school diploma and at least five years of relevant experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and a 401(k) match. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience as a Designated Duty Engineer required.
• Familiarity with maintenance programs and logging required.
• Ability to pass background screening including criminal investigation.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily preventative maintenance and operate equipment.
• Maintain logs and oversee Assistant Engineer.
• Ensure vessel readiness and troubleshoot onboard systems.

Skills

Preventative maintenance

Corrective maintenance

Supervising engine room personnel

Marine engineering documentation

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

USCG Designated Duty Engineer certification

Job description

Overview

SA-TECH is a DoD contractor specializing in range operations and maintenance, weapons testing, and technical support for the Army, Air Force, and Navy. The company operates multiple active test and training ranges and maintains a 36‑year heritage of high‑quality service.

At Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL), SA-TECH provides O&M support for home‑ported Range Support Crafts (RSC) vessels. NBPL is a major U.S. Navy base on the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego, housing over 70 tenant commands including submarines, a floating dry dock, and other military units.

This position requires applicants to live within an hour‑drive from Point Loma to satisfy government mission requirements.

Position Details

Position Type: Full‑time, Non‑exempt

Pay: $46.37/hr plus $7.50/hr (Health & Wellness through the Union)

Location: Naval Base Point Loma, CA

Responsibilities

• Perform daily preventative maintenance and operate the propulsion and auxiliary engineering equipment and systems while underway.
• Maintain daily, weekly, and monthly logs.
• Oversee the Assistant Engineer in daily assigned duties.
• Ensure the vessel is ready for operations at all times.
• Accurately document system parameters for all main and auxiliary engineering equipment and monitor equipment performance while in operation.
• Perform corrective maintenance and troubleshoot issues with onboard systems.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of onboard engineering department parts and supplies.

Work Conditions

• Work ashore and afloat on the RSC vessels.
• Overtime required.
• Vessels may stay out at sea for multiple days (but not weeks or months) in a row (occurs frequently).
• Operations conducted in a variety of weather conditions and sea states.
• Normal shipboard physical activity required.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of previous experience as a Designated Duty Engineer or higher is required; ten (10) years preferred.
• Familiarity with common preventative/corrective maintenance actions, maintenance programs, supervising engine room personnel, and accurate completion of routine marine engineering documentation, official logs, records and administrative procedures.
• USCG Designated Duty Engineer 4000 HP Upon Near Coastal Waters with valid medical certificate required.
• USCG Designated Duty Engineer Any HP or greater with valid medical certificate preferred.
• Current Driver’s License required; able to be insured through company’s vehicle insurance policy while driving work/government/rental vehicles during working hours and for the duration of employment.
• U.S. Citizenship required and ability to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance prior to hire date and maintain a SECRET clearance throughout employment.
• All candidates required to pass background screening including SSN, Driver Record, and Criminal Background Investigation.

Benefits Offered

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long‑Term Disability
• 401(k) match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• EAP
• Education Assistance
• Paid time off and Holidays
• Vacation and Sick Leave

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SA-TECH is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

SA-TECH participates in the United States Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify system and will verify information and photo submitted through the E‑Verify system to verify authorization to work within the U.S.

All responses will be handled with strict confidentiality.