Project Engineer

Overview

D498, COLUMBIA Weapons & Mechanical Systems, is responsible for the COLUMBIA Class HM&E (Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical) design products. D498 engineers work as a team with D453 Mechanical Design to complete COLUMBIA Class Rev A design disclosures and COLUMBIA Class Design Changes. D498 engineers also work with vendors and shipyard personnel through the review and disposition of VIRs (Vendor Information Requests) and CNs (change notices), providing technical oversight throughout the build of products on our design disclosures, and resolving technical problems while also performing calculations to support these products.   D498 is seeking a mechanical engineer to support supplier oversight and procurement efforts for the Columbia Thin Line Towed Array Handling System (TLTAHS). The TLTAHS has recently experienced significant technical challenges requiring component redesign and resulting in delayed hardware delivery. This position will provide comprehensive technical and project management oversight of the supplier responsible for the design, manufacture, and qualification testing of the TLTAHS. The engineer will guide supplier activities, ensure execution of design and qualification tasking, and support procurement and test of shipset hardware. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide proactive, detailed oversight of supplier and sub-tier performance, including design, manufacturing, qualification testing, and delivery activities. 

• Work closely with the supplier’s program management team to understand program plans, assess feasibility, and ensure plans support program objectives. 

• Challenge supplier schedule assumptions, monitor progress, and identify risks and recovery opportunities. 

• Identify gaps or shortcomings in supplier engineering, manufacturing, or quality processes; coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to drive corrective actions and improvements. 

• Develop and execute project plans for upcoming design changes or new technical work. 

• Support problem resolution for procurement, manufacturing, and technical issues affecting component delivery or qualification. 

• Collaborate with shipyard personnel, vendors, and internal engineering teams to ensure technical alignment and timely issue resolution. 

• Adapt responsibilities as program needs evolve and new challenges emerge.  

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Marine engineering
• 1-5 years of post-graduate engineering experience

Preferred:

• Experience with vendor oversight is desired
• Project management experience is desired

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to multi-task in a dynamic environment and be capable of working in a team environment.
• Ability to drive clarity to ambiguous requests or requirements
• Ability to manage assignments and workload effectively in order to consistently meet quality, schedule, and budget requirements
• Proven problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work through complex technical issues.
• Comfortable working both independently and within a cross‑functional team.