Senior Marine Engineer - SECRET Clearance, Ship Design

sayresandassociates; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sayres is seeking an experienced Marine Engineer with an active SECRET clearance, based in Washington, DC. You will support PMS 300/325 Ship Design Management, providing SME expertise on hull systems and ship design.

Responsibilities include design reviews, in-service engineering, shipboard installation support, and collaboration with yards and classification societies. A BS in Marine Engineering and 7+ years of design experience are expected, with a strong safety and regulatory orientation.

Qualifications

• 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 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Marine engineering

Ship design

CAD AutoCAD

3D piping

FMEA analysis

Electrical systems

Project coordination

Interpersonal skills

Leadership mentorship

Regulatory compliance

Education

BS Marine Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD MEP

3D CAD tools

PLC/SCADA software

Job description

Sayres is seeking an experienced Marine Engineer with an active SECRET clearance, based in Washington, DC. You will support PMS 300/325 Ship Design Management, providing SME expertise on hull systems and ship design.

Responsibilities include design reviews, in-service engineering, shipboard installation support, and collaboration with yards and classification societies. A BS in Marine Engineering and 7+ years of design experience are expected, with a strong safety and regulatory orientation.