The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), under the Department of the Navy, invites applications from qualified professionals for anticipated openings in its Systems of Systems Engineering Branch, Warfare Architecture and Engineering Division. This opportunity is ideal for engineers and scientists driven by innovation, national defense, and cutting-edge research.
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About the Role
The Engineer/Scientist will play a pivotal role in advancing combat system integration efforts for some of the Navy’s most complex programs, including AEGIS, DDG 1000, LCS, and SSDS. The selected professional will contribute to the design, development, and evaluation of next-generation surface combat systems while providing technical and leadership support to NSWCDD’s mission-critical operations.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead advanced systems engineering and integration initiatives for surface combat systems.
- Develop and manage system architectures, requirements, and design documentation.
- Support the development of integration concept models, performance assessments, and cost analyses.
- Oversee systems engineering process management and architecture engineering for multi-system environments.
- Collaborate with sponsors and stakeholders on capability upgrades and new weapon integrations.
- Provide programmatic oversight to ensure compliance with technical and security standards.
Professional Background
Applicants should demonstrate hands-on experience applying systems engineering principles to software-intensive systems. They must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the ND-03 pay band (GS-09 to GS-11) within the federal service or equivalent private-sector expertise.
Key areas of expertise include:
- Systems engineering analysis and design.
- Agile development, data analytics, and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
- Prototyping and collaborative development with government, industry, and research partners.
- Application of systems engineering best practices for operational value delivery.
- Engineering design and performance analysis aligned with warfighter needs.
Education Criteria
Candidates must meet one of the following educational standards:
For Engineering Roles (0801 or 0850):
A bachelor’s or higher degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution, or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates thorough knowledge of physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering.
For Mathematics Roles (1520):
A degree in mathematics or equivalent coursework totaling at least 24 semester hours in mathematics.
For Computer Science Roles (1550):
A degree in computer science, or a related degree with at least 30 semester hours in mathematics, statistics, and computer science (15 of which include calculus or equivalent).
Essential Requirements
- U.S. citizenship.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance (Sensitive Compartmented Information level).
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test and participation in random testing.
- Registration for Selective Service (if applicable).
- Certification under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) within required timeframes.
- Availability for occasional domestic and overseas travel.
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Compensation & Employment Details
- Pay Range: $101,401 – $156,755 per year.
- Appointment Type: Permanent.
- Schedule: Full-time.
- Work Location: Dahlgren, Virginia.
- Telework: Eligible for ad-hoc or situational telework.
- Promotion Potential: None.
- Security Level: Special-Sensitive (High Risk).
Why Join NSWCDD
The Dahlgren Division is at the forefront of defense technology innovation, integrating advanced systems for naval superiority. Joining this team means working in a high-impact environment where technical excellence shapes national security outcomes. The role offers opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with top-tier scientists and engineers, and involvement in projects of global defense significance.
Application Process
Interested applicants must follow the directions outlined in the official flyer’s How to Apply section. Applications will not be accepted directly through this notice. Only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.
Open Date: November 3, 2025
Closing Date: November 2, 2026
Additional Notes
This position falls under the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project (ND-4 Pay Band), equivalent to the GS-12/GS-13 pay band. Federal annuitant employment will follow Department of Defense policy. Veterans’ preference does not apply under this specific hiring authority.
Organization: Naval Sea Systems Command, NSWCDD
Service Type: Competitive Federal Service
Announcement Number: DE-12828058-26-JLM
Location: Dahlgren, VA