Deck Operations and Control Systems SME (Amphibious/Steam)

Prevailance, Inc.; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Prevailance, Inc. is looking for a Deck Operations and Control Systems Specialist in Virginia Beach. This role involves providing technical expertise and operational oversight for Navy shipboard deck equipment, ensuring mission readiness through maintenance support and safety compliance.

Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in deck operations systems, with the ability to lead teams and interface with military leadership for operational readiness. An active DoD security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of twenty years of experience with technical operations and maintenance.
• Direct operational and maintenance experience with deck operations and seamanship systems.
• Extensive knowledge of Navy seamanship operations and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for deck operations systems aboard Navy vessels.
• Conduct technical assessments and operational evaluations of deck equipment.
• Coordinate with maintenance activities to ensure operational readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Technical problem-solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or associate degree in Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, Engineering Technology, Naval Science, or Logistics

Job description

Overview

The Deck Operations and Control Systems Specialist (DECK OPS) provides technical expertise, operational oversight, and maintenance support for shipboard deck equipment and seamanship systems aboard Navy warships and military auxiliary vessels. This position serves as a subject matter expert responsible for supporting operational readiness, maintenance planning, safety compliance, and lifecycle sustainment of deck operations systems currently employed by the U.S. Navy. The Deck OPS Specialist provides guidance and oversight for anchor handling systems, mooring equipment, boat operations, crane systems, stern gate operations, amphibious operations equipment, and underway replenishment systems. The position works closely with ship’s force personnel, maintenance organizations, waterfront activities, and government representatives to ensure safe, effective, and mission‑ready operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and operational support for deck operations systems aboard Navy warships and military auxiliary vessels.
• Serve as subject matter expert for:
  • Anchor systems
  • Windlass systems
  • Mooring equipment
  • Boat handling
  • Crane operations
  • Stern gate systems
  • Amphibious operations equipment
  • Underway replenishment systems
• Support planning, execution, and oversight of maintenance activities involving deck and seamanship systems.
• Conduct technical assessments, inspections, and operational evaluations of deck equipment and associated systems.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to shipboard personnel, maintenance teams, and operational staff regarding deck operations and maintenance procedures.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of operational and maintenance issues affecting deck equipment and seamanship systems.
• Coordinate with ship’s force personnel, maintenance activities, waterfront organizations, and government representatives to ensure operational readiness and maintenance compliance.
• Analyze equipment performance, maintenance trends, casualty reports, and operational data to identify improvement opportunities and enhance mission readiness.
• Ensure compliance with Navy operational procedures, maintenance requirements, engineering standards, and safety regulations.
• Support development and implementation of maintenance procedures, operational instructions, readiness initiatives, and technical documentation.
• Prepare technical reports, readiness assessments, inspection findings, and maintenance evaluations for leadership review.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of twenty (20) years of experience with the technical aspects of operations and maintenance involving:
  • Anchor systems
  • Windlass systems
  • Mooring systems
  • Boat handling systems
  • Crane operations
  • Stern gate operations
  • Amphibious operations systems
  • Underway replenishment systems aboard warships or military auxiliary vessels
• Direct operational and maintenance experience with deck operations and seamanship systems currently employed by the U.S. Navy.
• Extensive knowledge of Navy seamanship operations, deck equipment maintenance processes, operational procedures, and safety requirements.
• Demonstrated experience supporting operational readiness and maintenance activities aboard Navy surface ships or military auxiliary vessels.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and technical problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to effectively interface with senior military leadership, civilian personnel, maintenance organizations, and operational stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting Navy waterfront operations, amphibious operations, or fleet readiness programs.
• Experience supporting shipyard maintenance, depot-level maintenance, or modernization activities involving deck systems and seamanship equipment.
• Familiarity with Navy maintenance databases, technical documentation systems, and readiness reporting tools.
• Experience supporting training programs or operational assessments related to seamanship and deck operations.
• Bachelor’s degree or associate degree in Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, Engineering Technology, Naval Science, Logistics, or a related technical field.

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.