Deep Submergence Systems SME; DSSP​/Submarine Rescue & Undersea Systems

Deep Submergence Systems SME (DSSP/Submarine Rescue & Undersea Systems)

Kittery, United States | Posted on 06/25/2026

The Deep Submergence Systems Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides senior‑level technical leadership and domain expertise in support of the U.S. Navy’s Deep Submergence Systems Program (DSSP) and submarine lifecycle engineering efforts.

This role supports the design, integration, testing, certification, and sustainment of deep submergence and submarine rescue systems, including highly specialized undersea platforms, rescue vehicles, and associated support equipment.

The SME serves as the authoritative technical advisor across engineering, waterfront operations, and program leadership, ensuring all work complies with NAVSEA standards, safety‑critical requirements, and mission readiness objectives.

The Deep Submergence Systems Program (DSSP) ensures the Navy’s capability to locate, access, and rescue personnel from disabled submarines (DISSUB).

Systems supported include:

• Submarine Rescue Diving Recompression Systems (SRDRS)

These systems are:

• Rapidly deployable worldwide
• Capable of operating at extreme depths (up to ~5,000 ft / 1,500 m)
• Designed for life‑critical, zero‑failure missions

• 1. Deep Submergence Systems Technical Authority
  • Serve as SME for Deep submergence vehicles (DSV), hyperbaric and pressurized systems, system design, integration, and sustainment, and operational limitations and environmental constraints (pressure, depth, temperature)
  • Review and approve Technical Work Documents (TWDs), test procedures, and certification packages
  • Ensure systems meet performance requirements, safety and certification standards, shipboard and off‑board system testing, and validation of rescue system interfaces and mating operations
• 3. DSSP & NAVSEA Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with SUBSAFE and controlled material programs (as applicable)
  • Support audits, certifications, and technical reviews for disabled submarine (DISSUB) rescue operations, rescue system deployment and recovery, and system interfaces with submarines and support vessels
  • Support planning and execution of operational readiness demonstrations
• 5. Waterfront & Field Engineering Support
  • Interface directly with shipyard engineers, waterfront operations teams, and Navy program offices
  • Provide on‑site technical support for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of DSS systems, and resolution of complex engineering issues in operational environments
• 6. Risk, Safety & Mission Assurance
  • Lead hazard analysis and risk mitigation for deep submergence operations and pressurized system interfaces

• Direct, hands‑on experience with Deep Submergence Systems (DSSP environment strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated experience with one or more of: deep submergence vehicles or subsea systems, hyperbaric/pressurized systems engineering, NAVSEA programs or submarine systems, shipyard, waterfront, or operational Navy environments
• Proven ability to author/review technical work packages, test procedures, and engineering documentation, and provide senior‑level technical direction across multidisciplinary teams

• Prior experience with: NAVSEA DSSP Program Office, submarine escape and rescue systems, undersea warfare or ocean engineering programs
• Background as: U.S. Navy submarine officer or enlisted (engineering, salvage, or rescue background), shipyard senior engineer or test authority
• Active DoD Secret clearance (or higher)
• Location:
  
  Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and/or NAVSEA‑affiliated facilities
• Work setting includes a combination of: office‑based engineering and planning, waterfront, shipboard, and test facility environments
• May involve: work in confined spaces, exposure to operational submarine and rescue systems