Marine Engineer

Sayres and Associates Corporation; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sayres and Associates Corporation seeks an experienced Marine Engineer with an active SECRET clearance to support PMS 300/325 Ship Design Management in Washington, DC. You will provide SME expertise across hull systems, shipboard equipment, and design reviews, ensuring compliant, safe, and high-quality ship design and construction.

You will collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams, guide junior staff, and help optimize deck and propulsion systems while maintaining rigor in safety and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering and at least seven years of ship design experience.
• Experience with deck systems, structures, and shipboard auxiliary systems.
• Understanding hull integration, mechanical stress, and equipment placement.
• Familiar with corrosion-resistant materials for harsh marine environments.
• Proficient in CAD (AutoCAD MEP), 3D piping/layout tools, and electrical schematic design.
• Familiar with shipboard electrical networks, switchboards, and PLC/SCADA.
• Use FMEA, fault-tree analysis, and vibration analysis to diagnose issues.
• Managing electrical power generation, distribution, and emergency gens.
• Liaise with shipyards, classification societies, and cross-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relation skills.
• Superior organizational skills.
• Active SECRET clearance verifiable in DISS/JPAS or interim clearance.

Responsibilities

• Offer comprehensive marine engineering support throughout the shipbuilding process from concept studies to preliminary design activities.
• Collaborate on contract design activities and detail design and construction to ensure project success.
• Conduct independent design reviews to optimize efficiency, safety of ship systems and equipment.
• Provide technical expertise for in-service ship design and engineering activities.
• Offer shipboard installation support for seamless integration of equipment aboard vessels.
• Participate in special studies related to ships and shipboard equipment with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Provide mentorship to junior marine engineering staff.

Skills

Marine engineering

3D modeling

AutoCAD MEP

Electrical schematic design

FMEA/ fault-tree analysis

Mechanical systems integration

Interpersonal skills

Project collaboration

Education

Bachelor's of Science in Marine Engineering

7+ years ship design experience

Tools

AutoCAD MEP

3D piping/layout tools

PLC/SCADA

Electrical networks

Job description

Sayres is currently seeking an experienced Marine Engineer with an active SECRET clearance, verifiable in DISS in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities:

As a Marine Engineer, you will support the PMS 300/325 Ship Design Management team, providing SME expertise for technical and engineering efforts on the assigned Hull (e.g T-AGOS, T-AO, T-ATS, T-AOL, T-ARC, Service Craft). Your responsibilities will encompass, but are not limited to, the following:

• Offer comprehensive marine engineering and technical support throughout the shipbuilding process, including concept studies, feasibility studies, and preliminary design activities.
• Collaborate on contract design activities and detail design and construction activities to ensure the successful execution of shipbuilding projects.
• Conduct independent design reviews to assess and optimize the efficiency and safety of ship systems and equipment.
• Provide technical expertise for in-service ship design and engineering activities, contributing to the continued effectiveness of ships and their systems.
• Offer shipboard installation support, ensuring the seamless integration of equipment and systems aboard vessels.
• Participate in special studies related to ships, boats, craft, and shipboard equipment, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

• Knowledgeable in design, installation, and maintenance of marine diesel engines, reduction gears, shafts, and propellers.
• Specify pumps, compressors, generators, and HVAC systems for ventilation, cooling, and accommodation spaces.
• Specify hydraulic power units for steering gears, winches, and deck machinery.
• Coordinate mechanical, electrical, and piping systems within constrained engine‑room spaces, ensuring accessibility for maintenance.
• Ensure systems meet SOLAS, MARPOL, and classification‑society rules for machinery spaces, fire safety, and emissions.

• Demonstrate proficiency in ship operations and/or shipboard testing, conducting rigorous testing and evaluations to ensure the quality and safety of marine systems and equipment.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior marine engineering staff, fostering their professional development.

Minimum Skill Sets of Qualified Candidates:

• Bachelor's of Science in Marine Engineering or similar Engineering discipline and no less than seven (7) years of design experience in development of work packages, in‑service modifications, detail design drawings and analysis, implementation of ABS and military specifications and requirements, 3D modeling, and/or ship system integration. Experience shall be specific to ship design and construction.

• Experience with deck systems, structures, and shipboard auxiliary systems.
• Understanding hull integration, mechanical stress, and equipment placement.
• Familiar with corrosion-resistant metals and materials capable of withstanding harsh marine environments.
• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and marine‑power engineering.
• Comfortable with CAD (AutoCAD MEP), 3D piping/layout tools, and electrical‑schematic design.
• Familiar with shipboard electrical networks, switchboards, and control systems (PLC/SCADA) for automation and monitoring.
• Use FMEA, fault‑tree analysis, and vibration analysis to diagnose machine health issues.
• Managing electrical power generation, distribution boards, and emergency generators.
• Monitoring engine‑room automation, feedback loops, and digital control systems.
• Liaise with shipyards, classification societies, and cross‑disciplinary teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relation skills.
• Superior organizational skills.

• Active SECRET clearance verifiable in DISS/JPAS or the ability to obtain an interim SECRET clearance.

Preferred Skill Sets of Qualified Candidates:

• Master's degree in an Engineering discipline.
• Possession of 2nd Assistant Engineer Steam or Diesel or 2nd Mates Marine Navigation License Unlimited Tonnage USCG (Active or Inactive), and/or showcasing practical expertise in marine operations.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $110,000.00 to $150,000.00 per year. Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, certifications, geographic location, work arrangement, and other relevant factors. This range reflects the anticipated compensation for the position at the time of posting and may be adjusted as business needs or market conditions change.

The position description is only meant to be a representative summary of the major responsibilities and accountabilities performed by the incumbents of this position. The incumbents may be requested to perform position‑related tasks other than those stated in this description. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

At Sayres, our employees enjoy an atmosphere conducive to realizing their potential through personal and professional development while simultaneously exceeding customers' expectations.

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