Marine Engineer

Sayres Defense•Washington, DC

1d•$110,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Sayres is seeking an experienced Marine Engineer with an active SECRET clearance, verifiable in DISS, to support the PMS 300/325 Ship Design Management team in Washington, DC. The role provides subject-matter expertise for technical and engineering efforts on assigned hulls, including T-AGOS, T-AO, T-ATS, T-AOL, T-ARC, and service craft. The Marine Engineer supports shipbuilding from concept and feasibility studies through preliminary, contract, and detail design, construction, in-service engineering, and shipboard installation. The position also conducts design reviews, participates in special studies, and provides technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff. Work includes engineering and integration of marine machinery, auxiliary systems, electrical systems, piping, and shipboard equipment, with attention to applicable safety, emissions, and classification requirements. The anticipated salary range is $110,000 to $150,000 per year. Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, certifications, geographic location, work arrangement, and other relevant factors. Sayres describes an atmosphere that supports employees’ personal and professional development while exceeding customers’ expectations.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering or a similar engineering discipline.
At least seven years of ship design and construction experience, including design experience in development of work packages, in-service modifications, detail design drawings and analysis, implementation of ABS and military specifications and requirements, 3D modeling, and/or ship system integration.
Experience with deck systems, structures, and shipboard auxiliary systems.
Understanding of hull integration, mechanical stress, and equipment placement.
Familiarity with corrosion-resistant materials suitable for harsh marine environments.
Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and marine power engineering.
Comfort with CAD (AutoCAD MEP), 3D piping/layout tools, and electrical schematic design.
Familiarity with shipboard electrical networks, switchboards, and PLC/SCADA control systems for automation and monitoring.
Knowledge of FMEA, fault-tree analysis, and vibration analysis for diagnosing machine health issues.
Experience managing electrical power generation, distribution boards, and emergency generators.
Experience monitoring engine-room automation, feedback loops, and digital control systems.
Excellent interpersonal and customer relation skills.
Superior organizational skills.
Active SECRET clearance verifiable in DISS/JPAS, or ability to obtain an interim SECRET clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
Possession of a 2nd Assistant Engineer Steam or Diesel license, or a 2nd Mates Marine Navigation License Unlimited Tonnage USCG (active or inactive).
Practical expertise in marine operations.

Responsibilities

Provide marine engineering and technical support throughout shipbuilding, including concept studies, feasibility studies, and preliminary design activities.
Collaborate on contract design, detail design, and construction activities.
Conduct independent design reviews to assess and optimize the efficiency and safety of ship systems and equipment.
Provide technical expertise for in-service ship design and engineering activities.
Support shipboard installation and integration of equipment and systems.
Participate in special studies related to ships, boats, craft, and shipboard equipment.
Apply marine engineering knowledge to the design, installation, and maintenance of marine diesel engines, reduction gears, shafts, and propellers.
Specify pumps, compressors, generators, HVAC systems, and hydraulic power units for shipboard uses.
Coordinate mechanical, electrical, and piping systems in constrained engine-room spaces while ensuring maintenance accessibility.
Ensure systems meet applicable SOLAS, MARPOL, and classification-society requirements for machinery spaces, fire safety, and emissions.
Support ship operations and/or shipboard testing, including testing and evaluation of marine systems and equipment.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior marine engineering staff.
Liaise with shipyards, classification societies, and cross-disciplinary teams.