Steam Main Propulsion Engineering & Control Systems Subject Matter Expert; SMP&C SME

The Steam Main Propulsion Engineering & Control Systems Subject Matter Expert (SMP&C SME) provides technical oversight, engineering expertise, and maintenance support for Navy steam propulsion systems and associated auxiliary equipment aboard surface warships and military auxiliary vessels. This position is contingent upon contract award. The SME supports shipboard engineering operations, maintenance planning, technical assessments, and propulsion plant readiness initiatives while ensuring compliance with Navy engineering, operational, and safety standards.

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for steam propulsion plant operations, maintenance activities, and engineering support efforts.
• Serve as subject matter expert for steam turbine propulsion systems, steam turbine generators, associated control systems, and auxiliary engineering equipment.
• Support planning, execution, and oversight of organizational-level and depot-level maintenance activities involving steam propulsion systems.
• Monitor propulsion plant operational performance and maintenance activities to ensure mission readiness and compliance with Navy engineering standards.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering personnel, maintenance staff, and shipboard operators.
• Analyze engineering data, maintenance trends, and operational reports to identify improvement opportunities and support propulsion plant reliability.
• Coordinate with ship’s force personnel, maintenance activities, and government representatives to resolve technical and operational issues.
• Support development and implementation of engineering procedures, maintenance strategies, technical documentation, and readiness initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with Navy engineering, maintenance, operational, and safety requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering assessments, maintenance evaluations, and readiness status updates for leadership review.

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of supervisory-level watch standing experience aboard warships or military auxiliary vessels with steam propulsion systems, including service as:
  • Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW),
  • Propulsion Plant Watch Officer,
  • Chief Engineer, or
  • Equivalent engineering leadership positions responsible for overall propulsion plant operations and associated control and auxiliary systems.
• Direct operational and maintenance experience within the last five (5) years involving:
  • Steam turbine main propulsion systems,
  • Steam turbine generators,
  • Associated control systems, and
  • Auxiliary systems currently utilized by the U.S. Navy.
• Extensive knowledge of steam propulsion plant operations, engineering systems, maintenance processes, and Navy operational procedures.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and technical problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to effectively interface with senior military leadership, civilian personnel, maintenance organizations, and technical stakeholders.

• Prior experience supporting Navy fleet readiness, maintenance, modernization, or lifecycle sustainment programs.
• Experience supporting shipyard maintenance, depot-level engineering activities, or waterfront operations.
• Familiarity with Navy engineering documentation systems, maintenance databases, and readiness reporting tools.
• Experience supporting technical assessments, inspections, or engineering evaluations.
• Bachelor’s or associate degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.

• Equivalent Navy engineering training, qualifications, certifications, and operational experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

• Work may be performed in office environments, shipboard locations, waterfront operations areas, maintenance facilities, or shipyards.
• Position may require travel to fleet concentration areas, operational commands, maintenance facilities, and shipboard locations in support of inspections, maintenance activities, and operational readiness efforts.

• Active DoD security clearance (Secret or higher) required.