Port Engineer

The Defense Sector at Leidos, supporting the OMUSV Program, is seeking a Vessel Port Engineer to support a dynamic high growth organization. The OMUSV program is based in Port Hueneme CA and is responsible for delivering cutting edge autonomous vessel technology to the US Navy. The Vessel Port Engineer will be locally based in Port Hueneme CA to support this Program and will require some site travel and time spent underway aboard the vessel. The program operates and maintains prototype autonomous vessels for test and evaluation of the vessels as well as developing operations, maintenance, logistics and training procedures for the autonomous Fleet of the future. 

The Vessel Port Engineer will serve as the shore side leg of the command triad, alongside the Master and Chief Engineer, to manage the material readiness and technical oversight of an autonomous and crewed maritime vessel. This role requires strategic coordination, in-depth marine engineering expertise, and proactive leadership to ensure all vessels are maintained in a state of operational excellence. Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief Port Engineer, you will administer fleet-wide planned maintenance systems, oversee repair schedules, manage critical spares, and ensure compliance with ABS classification requirements, the Safety Management System (SMS) and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.

Duties include overseeing the production and submission of Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), manage technical documentation, and ensure that deliverables meet U.S. Government contractual standards. You will be responsible for working directly with the Captain and Chief Engineer to maintain vessel readiness and documentation via the vessel management system. You will coordinate with shipyard teams, vendors, and contractors to ensure timely execution of maintenance and repair activities, resolving technical issues that may impact schedule or performance. Additionally, you will analyze and submit failure reports, lead root cause analyses, and implement corrective actions across the fleet. You will provide mentorship to vessel engineers and technicians, develop and enforce maintenance protocols, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the engineering department. As a member of your assigned vessel’s command triad your work will be critical to maintaining fleet readiness, ensuring regulatory compliance, and upholding Leidos' commitment to safety, reliability, and maritime excellence.

Primary Responsibilities

• Report to Deputy Chief Port Engineer.

• Lead the execution of vessel maintenance programs, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and alignment with mission readiness objectives.

• Coordinate/track/manage project tasks, deliverables, and deadlines

• Develop contractual deliverables including CDRLs, technical reports, and failure analysis documentation in accordance with U.S. Government contract requirements.

• Direct the resolution of technical deficiencies, oversee root cause analyses, and implement corrective actions to sustain fleet material readiness.

• Coordinate with shipyards, contractors, and internal stakeholders to schedule and oversee complex repair and refit operations.

• Serve as the technical liaison between vessel crews, Leidos corporate leadership, and government clients, ensuring transparent communication and operational alignment.

• Participate in Leidos and Government safety programs.

• Must be able to communicate effectively (written and verbal); this position will require close cooperation and working relationships with active-duty military and other Government personnel. 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Marine Engineering discipline or an engineering degree with experience working in the maritime industry. May accept sea time as a licensed engineer or licensed deck officer in lieu of a degree .

• 4 Years of Prior Relevant Experience to include but not limited to:

  • Shipboard experience: operating as an engineer or deck officer

  • Shipyard experience: Coordinate with shipyards, contractors, and internal stakeholders to schedule and oversee complex repair and refit operations.

  • Experience managing contractual deliverables including CDRLs, technical reports, and failure analysis documentation

• Ability to lift 40lbs

• Position requires the ability to perform in an arduous duty environment.

• Individuals must possess the ability and demeanor to share common spaces over lengthy deployment periods and work closely with others in a small working area and in a shipboard environment

• Must be a US Citizen

• Must pass a background check and be able to gain access to US Navy Facilities

• Must have Secret Clearance or be able to qualify for Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• USCG Engineering Officer License with OICEW

• Experience as an Engineering Officer

• Experience on Government Contracts

• Experience working with shipyards or ABS

• PMP Certification

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.