Submarine Quality Assurance Specialist

Noblis, Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Noblis, Inc. is seeking a Submarine Systems Quality Assurance Specialist to provide technical and quality oversight for submarine systems, ensuring SUBSAFE compliance across vendor facilities, repair activities, and shipboard work.

The role focuses on material compliance, welding/metallurgy, non-destructive testing, vendor oversight, shipboard/shop surveillance, and quality system audits with NAVY reporting lines.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering with 3+ years relevant experience or HS with 9 years submarine-related experience.
• GD&T training per ASME Y14.5; interpret drawings and assess inspection criteria.
• Travel ~10%; US citizen with active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.
• SUBSAFE experience: audits, testing, or certification.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vendor surveillance of manufacturing, assembly, repair, and testing; review OQE for NAVY acceptance.
• Perform material identification and inventory verification inspections; document results for NAVY.
• Evaluate vendor processes on-site for compliance with specs and quality standards.
• Provide technical evaluation and root-cause analysis of HM&E submarine discrepancies.
• Review and adjudicate non-conformances; propose corrective and preventive actions.
• Oversee shipboard and shop SUBSAFE work and testing per procedures.
• Develop and execute SUBSAFE audits/checklists for OII-MSD quality systems.

Skills

GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

Technical drawing

SUBSAFE experience

Navy/DoD OQE experience

Auditing (Quality Auditor)

SCEMS experience

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

High School diploma + 9 years submarine experience

Job description

Responsibilities

Noblis MSD supports the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD), in executing their mission to deliver safe, reliable, and combat-ready platforms to the Fleet. Our work spans research and development, test and evaluation, acquisition, systems engineering, integration, in-service and fleet engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, and total life-cycle cost reduction.

We are seeking a Submarine Systems Quality Assurance Specialist to support multiple U.S. Navy submarine classes, ensuring material integrity, system certification, and SUBSAFE compliance across vendor facilities, repair activities, and shipboard work.

Position Summary

The Submarine Systems Quality Assurance Specialist provides technical and quality oversight to ensure submarine systems, components, and processes comply with contractual, engineering, and SUBSAFE requirements prior to Fleet delivery. This role focuses on material compliance, welding and metallurgy, non-destructive testing, vendor oversight, shipboard and shop surveillance, and quality system audits, with direct interface and reporting to NAVY stakeholders.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and conduct vendor oversight and surveillance of in-process manufacturing, assembly, repair, and testing activities; review final Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) to verify compliance with contract, drawing, and performance requirements, and provide recommendations for acceptance to NAVY.
• Perform material identification and inventory verification inspections (kick-and-count style inspections) of manufactured equipment and components, documenting findings and reporting results to NAVY.
• Conduct on-site evaluations of vendor processes, including manufacture, assembly, repair, modification, and testing, to assess compliance with technical specifications, contractual requirements, and quality standards.
• Provide technical evaluation, troubleshooting, and investigation of Submarine Sail Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) systems and equipment discrepancies, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Review, investigate, and adjudicate non-conformances and discrepancies identified during disassembly, manufacture, repair/modification, assembly, and testing phases; develop recommended corrective and preventative actions.
• Perform surveillance and oversight of shipboard and shop SUBSAFE work and testing, ensuring compliance with approved procedures and certification requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and execute checklists and attribute guides used to perform SUBSAFE Functional and In-Process Audits of OII-MSD quality systems and SUBSAFE work/testing activities.

This is a hybrid position; however, candidates should be local to the Philadelphia area, as the role is expected to require onsite work approximately four days per week.

Required Qualifications

Education / Experience

Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Engineering and a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience, OR High School diploma and 9 years of progressive submarine-related experience, such as shipyard, maintenance activity, IMA, RMC, or fleet support roles supporting U.S. Navy submarines.

Formal training in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME Y14.5, with demonstrated ability to interpret technical drawings, apply geometric tolerances, and evaluate inspection and acceptance criteria for manufactured and repaired components.

Travel

Willingness and ability to travel approximately 10% in support of vendor facilities, shipyards, and Navy activities.

Security Clearance

U.S. Citizen with an active Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance prior to start.

Technical Drawing & Inspection Knowledge

Technical Drawing & Inspection Knowledge.

Desired Qualifications

SUBSAFE Experience

Demonstrated experience supporting SUBSAFE work, testing, inspections, audits, or certification, including familiarity with SUBSAFE boundaries, Re-Entry Control (REC), Objective Quality Evidence (OQE), and compliance with SUBSAFE program requirements.

Navy / DoD Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) Experience

Experience developing, reviewing, auditing, or validating Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) in accordance with Navy and DoD quality assurance requirements, including documentation packages supporting material certification, testing, inspections, and acceptance for Fleet delivery.

Certified Auditor

Qualification or certification as a Quality Auditor (e.g., internal, lead, or third-party auditor), with experience conducting process, product, or system audits against Navy, NAVSEA, or industry quality standards.

Submarine Communications and Electromagnetic Systems (SCEMS) Experience

Experience with Submarine Communications and Electromagnetic Systems (SCEMS), including inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, or quality oversight of submarine communication, navigation, or electromagnetic systems and associated equipment.

Submarine Quality Assurance Experience

Experience including oversight, inspection, surveillance, audits, and/or certification activities supporting submarine systems, equipment, or work processes (e.g., SUBSAFE, Level I/II material, HM&E systems).

Overview

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation’s toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers’ most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.

We work with a broad range of government agenciesin the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunitiesat careers.noblis.org

Why Work at Noblis

At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission‑driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.

Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well‑being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug‑free workplace.

Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.

EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work

Total Rewards

At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well‑being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.

Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis’ total compensation package.

Posted Salary Range

USD $78,900.00 - USD $123,300.00 /Yr.