ENGINEER 5

Huntington Ingalls Industries; Virginia; On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport News Shipbuilding seeks an Engineer 5 to lead in submarine launcher and payload designs for the SSN(X) program. You will guide program execution, mentor engineers, and coordinate with Navy, HII and supplier teams to advance innovative submarine technologies.

The role requires extensive engineering leadership across mechanical, electrical and systems interfaces, with strong communication skills and willingness to travel up to 25%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• Advanced degrees signal higher qualification: Master’s or PhD preferred.
• Senior-level experience with submarine launcher/payload systems and program leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject-matter leadership for submarine launcher and payload design programs.
• Act as embedded representative of the NNS Chief Engineer's Office in the Future Submarine Design Program.
• Mentor and coach engineering staff and contribute to program planning to meet long-term goals.
• Lead Navy working groups and Integrated Product Teams related to submarine design.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Submarine systems knowledge

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (ABET accredited)

Master's Degree in Engineering

Ph.D. in Engineering

Job description

ENGINEER 5

Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date: Aug 7, 2026

Req ID: 48147

Team: E35 SUBMARINE ENGINEERING - ADVANCED CAPABILITIES

Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding

US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes

Full-Time

Shift: 1st

Relocation: Relocation assistance will be available

Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework

Travel Requirements: Yes, 10%-25% of the time

Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start

Salary Range: $150,000.00 to $185,000.00

The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range

Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding

With more than 25,000 employees - including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We're the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world.

The Role

Newport News Shipbuilding is hiring an Engineer 5 to serve in the role of "Associate Technical Fellow for Submarine Payload Systems". This position will be within the Future Submarine Design program primarily supporting the SSN(X) next-generation attack submarine program. Qualified candidates will have an extensive background in engineering leadership of submarine launcher/payload/weapon system projects and a passion for advancements in submarine design. Exceptional leadership ability, judgment, and experience is necessary to succeed in this role.

Job Responsibilities

• Support submarine design programs as a subject matter expert in undersea systems, particularly for launcher and payload systems.
• Act as an imbedded representative of the NNS Chief Engineer's Office within the Future Submarine Design Program.
• Provide mentorship/coaching to engineering supervisors, managers, and individual contributors.
• Represent NNS as a lead in Navy working groups and integrated product teams.
• Integrate and coordinate efforts between multiple organizations within the Navy, HII, industry and other participating activities.
• Engage in frequent communication with Navy experts and program managers.
• Serve as lead NNS representative to customers for major submarine design contracts.
• Oversee program execution, ensuring near term work aligns with long term goals.
• Guide programmatic planning of ship design from concept formulation to sea trials.
• Bolster critical system prototype development efforts for innovated submarine technologies.
• Coordinate work ongoing across multiple projects and programs to improve efficiency and knowledge sharing.

Must Have

• Bachelor's Degree and 14 years of relevant exempt experience
• Master's Degree and 12 years of relevant professional experience
• Ph.D. and 9 years of experience.
• Newport News Shipbuilding requires a Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.

Nice to Have

• Detailed knowledge of submarine launchers and payload systems (torpedoes, missiles, countermeasures, unmanned vehicles).
• Robust, multidisciplinary background in mechanical engineering and across interfaces with electrical, structural, systems, fluids, shock, and acoustics disciplines.
• Program management experience for undersea system design.
• Strong working relationships with NAVSEA Warfare Centers, Program Offices, and Tech Warrant Holders.
• Understanding of submarine-specific special emphasis programs (e.g. SUBSAFE).
• Adept presentation and communication skills, with an ability to coach others.
• An active SECRET clearance is preferred, the ability to obtain a clearance is required.
• Frequent travel to Navy and supplier facilities (up to 25%).

General Expectations

• Knowledge Skills and Ability - Applies advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts. Contributes to the development of new principles and concepts.
• Problem Solving - Works on unusually complex technical problems and provide solutions which are highly innovative and ingenious.
• Discretion Latitude - the ability to work under loose direction toward predetermined long-range goals and objectives. Assignments as well as the course of action necessary to obtain desired results are often self-initiated or proposed. Work is checked through consultation and review with supervisor.
• Liaison - Serves as organization spokesperson on adv