Req ID: 49728
Team: E01 ENGRG & DESIGN
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: 1st
Relocation: No relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirements: Yes, 10%-25% of the time
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: $83,000.00 to $104,000.00
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range
The RoleThe role:
The Engineering, Technology, and Design (ET&D) Division is hosting an invite-only hiring event for qualified candidates. While onsite, all candidates will have an opportunity to learn about the division. If you enjoy being part of a team that connects their employees to one another and our mission, holds true to the company's core values of Engagement, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Performance and Safety, then know there is a place for you here! Please, apply today to be invited to the next hiring event!
The Designer Level 4 role is a senior-level technical and leadership position responsible for the coordination, development, and execution of highly complex ship system and component designs. Level 4 Designers serve as technical experts within their discipline, providing advanced design support, mentoring, and oversight to junior designers and cross-functional teams.
This position requires a deep understanding of ship design integration, system interfaces, regulatory compliance, and production processes. Level 4 Designers often serve as discipline leads or key contributors on large-scale projects, ensuring that all design products meet stringent performance, safety, and manufacturability standards.
Positions will support the following areas within the Engineering, Technology, and Design Division -
• Design and Construction of Virginia and Columbia-Class submarines
• Design of next generation fast attack submarine (SSNX)
• Design and collaboration work through international agreement to provide submarines to Australia with the AUKUS agreement
• Design, Construction, and Overhaul of Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers
• Design and Construction of the first new battleship since World War II (BBGN)
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead the design and development of complex 2D and 3D models for ship systems, structures, or components using AutoCAD, Inventor, NX, or similar 2D/3D design software .
• Solve complex design issues while meeting system and ship-level requirements
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert and resource for designers and engineers within assigned design discipline.
• Oversee and coordinate multi-discipline design integration, ensuring proper system interfaces and alignment across ship compartments and modules.
• Review and approve detailed arrangement, fabrication, and installation drawings for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with engineering requirements.
• Manage and implement design changes, redlines, and engineering revisions through configuration control systems.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to Level 1-3 Designers, supporting training and development within the design organization.
• Collaborate with engineering, planning, production, and supply chain to resolve complex technical issues
• Ensure design intent is maintained through construction.
• Participate in and often lead design reviews, readiness meetings, and production support discussions.
• Support standardization and continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process enhancements and developing design best practices.
• Apply advanced knowledge of materials, manufacturing methods, welding, and shipyard practices to optimize designs for performance, safety, and cost.
• Capable of managing and tracking products within assigned areas of responsibility (AOR), representing the team in meetings, and providing management updates as required
Physical/Work Environment:
Primarily office or design lab environment with occasional visits to shipyard and production areas.
Must be able to wear required PPE and comply with shipyard safety procedures when in industrial areas.
Must HaveAssociate's Degree and 6 years of relevant experience
One of the following may be used as equivalent to Associate's Degree to meet minimum qualifications:
- NNS Apprentice School graduate
- Navy Nuclear Power School (NNPS) graduate
- High School/GED and 2 years of related Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Trades, Military experience
- High School/GED and 4 years of non-related Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Trades, Military experience
Nice to HaveNice to have:
Experience in naval or marine ship design, particularly with Navy or DoD programs.
Expertise in one or more design disciplines: structural, piping, electrical, arrangements, HVAC, or mechanical systems.
Working knowledge of NAVSEA, MIL-SPEC, ANSI, and ASME standards.
Experience with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems and configuration control tools.
Previous experience as a lead designer or design team coordinator.
Demonstrated experience in research, design, and complex problem-solving
Strong computer skills/experience using computer based software
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Extensive experience in reading and interpreting written instructions, drawings, tech manuals or other technical documents, and following processes and procedures
The candidate should have the ability to manage and track the products in their AOR, represent the team in meetings, and be prepared to brief management with status updates if needed.
This person may also serve as an advisor to management, other leads, and other various customers when needed.
