Mechanical Engineer, Marine Small Craft

Leidos; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 87,100 - 157,450; Full time

Job summary

DLBA Naval Architects, a division of Gibbs & Cox and part of Leidos Gibbs & Cox, seeks a Mechanical Engineer to support US Navy small craft programs with on-site design, analysis and testing. You will work within NSWCCD Code 83, contributing to life-cycle support for a diverse fleet.

The role requires a DoD clearance, a mechanical engineering degree, and senior technical skills in hand calculations, CAD tools, and teamwork to deliver timely solutions on complex vessels.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Active DoD secret security clearance is required.
• B.S. degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum seven years of mechanical engineering experience (non‑nuclear).
• Broad knowledge of marine engineering and related technologies.
• Knowledge of specifications and regulatory requirements (BS/RINA/LR/ISO/USCG/ABYC).
• Strong time‑management and organization skills as an independent contributor.
• Experience solving technical problems using first‑principles hand calculations.
• Proficiency with industry CAD software, including AutoCAD and Rhino.
• Interpersonal, collaborative team member with strong communication and MS Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and detailed engineering calculations using first-principles hand calculations.
• Guide client teams in designing boats and marine craft; develop new techniques as needed.
• Lead client teams to develop engineering solutions.
• Mentor and coach junior teammates.
• Complete engineering assignments accurately and on a timely basis using standard engineering programs.
• Provide on-site mechanical engineering service to NSWCCD Code 83 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story.

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Professional Engineering license

Active DoD secret security clearance

Strong analytical and communication skills

CAD: AutoCAD, Rhino

Tools

AutoCAD

Rhino

Job description

Mechanical Engineering Opportunity at DLBA Naval Architects – A Division of Gibbs & Cox

DLBA Naval Architects, formerly Donald L. Blount and Associates, is a leading naval architecture and marine engineering firm, a division of Leidos Gibbs & Cox. DLBA offers innovative consulting services for designing a diverse range of boats, from sleek, high-performance fiberglass recreational boats like Mastercraft’s Aviara series to rugged, aluminum workboats such as the Kayak Express. We pride ourselves on advanced design and engineering for high-speed and commercial vessels, pushing the boundaries of marine craft design.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be embedded in a client team with the US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) Code 83, Combatant Craft Division (CCD). You’ll provide on‑site support and perform mechanical engineering design, analysis, research, and testing for mechanical systems on US Navy small craft (<300 ft). Services include full life‑cycle support for the Navy’s small‑craft inventory.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and detailed engineering calculations using first‑principles hand calculations.
• Guide client teams in designing boats and marine craft, applying existing design skills, techniques, and procedures; develop new techniques as needed.
• Lead client teams to develop engineering solutions.
• Mentor and coach junior teammates.
• Complete engineering assignments accurately and on a timely basis using standard engineering programs.
• Provide on‑site mechanical engineering service to US Navy Combatant Craft Division (Code 83) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story.

Basic Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship.
• Active DoD secret security clearance.
• B.S. degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum seven years of mechanical engineering experience (non‑nuclear).
• Broad knowledge of marine engineering and in‑depth knowledge of principles, practices, and related technologies.
• Knowledge of specifications and regulatory requirements (BS/RINA/LR/ISO/USCG/ABYC).
• Strong time‑management and organization skills as an independent contributor.
• Experience solving technical problems using first‑principles hand calculations and devising new approaches.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard CAD software, including AutoCAD and Rhino.
• Interpersonal skills as a collaborative multidisciplinary team member.
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent MS Office skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Preferred Qualifications

• Shipyard or boatyard experience.
• Professional Engineering license.
• Professional certificates of competency in applicable CAD and engineering software.

Pay Range

$87,100.00 – $157,450.00.

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.