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

CDIT•Portsmouth, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRV), Pressurized Rescue Modules (PRM), and 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), and designed for life-critical, zero-failure missions.

Requirements

Direct, hands-on experience with Deep Submergence Systems (DSSP environment strongly preferred)
Demonstrated experience with one or more: Submarine rescue systems (DSRV, SRDRS, PRM), Deep submergence vehicles or subsea systems, Hyperbaric / pressurized systems engineering
Extensive experience supporting NAVSEA programs or submarine systems
Extensive experience supporting Shipyard, waterfront, or operational Navy environments
Proven ability to author/review technical work packages, test procedures, and engineering documentation
Proven ability to provide senior-level technical direction across multidisciplinary teams

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with NAVSEA DSSP Program Office
Prior experience with Submarine escape and rescue systems
Prior experience with Undersea warfare or ocean engineering programs
Background as U.S. Navy submarine officer or enlisted (engineering, salvage, or rescue background)
Background as Shipyard senior engineer or test authority
Active DoD Secret Clearance (or higher)

Responsibilities

Serve as SME for submarine rescue systems (DSRV, SRDRS, PRM), deep submergence vehicles (DSV), and hyperbaric and pressurized systems.
Provide expert guidance on system design, integration, and sustainment, as well as operational limitations and environmental constraints (pressure, depth, temperature).
Review and approve Technical Work Documents (TWDs), test procedures and certification packages, and engineering change documentation.
Ensure systems meet performance requirements, safety and certification standards.
Support shipboard and off-board system testing and validation of rescue system interfaces and mating operations.
Ensure compliance with NAVSEA deep submergence certification standards (e.g., P-9290), SUBSAFE and controlled material programs (as applicable).
Support audits, certifications, and technical reviews.
Provide expertise in disabled submarine (DISSUB) rescue operations, rescue system deployment and recovery, and system interfaces with submarines and support vessels.
Support planning and execution of rescue exercises and operational readiness demonstrations.
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.
Lead hazard analysis and risk mitigation for deep submergence operations and pressurized system interfaces.
Ensure all work reflects a zero-defect / zero-failure mindset and safety-of-life engineering standards.