Marine Engineer

Sayres Defense•Washington, DC

2d•$110,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Sayres is seeking an experienced Marine Engineer with an active SECRET clearance, verifiable in DISS, to work in Washington, DC. The role supports the PMS 300/325 Ship Design Management team as a subject-matter expert for technical and engineering work on assigned hulls, including T-AGOS, T-AO, T-ATS, T-AOL, T-ARC, and service craft. The Marine Engineer provides engineering support across shipbuilding, from concept and feasibility studies through preliminary design, contract design, detailed design, and construction. The position also supports in-service ship design and engineering, independent design reviews, shipboard installation, shipboard testing, and special studies concerning ships, boats, craft, and shipboard equipment. The role includes coordinating ship systems in constrained spaces, ensuring compliance with applicable standards, and providing technical guidance to junior engineering staff.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering or a similar engineering discipline.
At least seven years of ship design and construction experience, including work on work packages, in-service modifications, detailed design drawings and analysis, 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 metals and materials suitable for harsh marine environments.
Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and marine-power engineering.
Comfort with CAD, including 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.
Ability to use FMEA, fault-tree analysis, and vibration analysis to diagnose machinery 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-relations 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.
Active or inactive USCG license as 2nd Assistant Engineer Steam or Diesel, or 2nd Mate Marine Navigation License Unlimited Tonnage.
Practical expertise in marine operations.

Responsibilities

Provide marine engineering and technical support throughout shipbuilding, including concept studies, feasibility studies, and preliminary design.
Collaborate on contract design, detailed design, and construction activities.
Conduct independent design reviews to assess and improve ship-system and equipment efficiency and safety.
Provide technical expertise for in-service ship design and engineering activities.
Support shipboard installation and integration of equipment and systems.
Participate in special studies involving ships, boats, craft, and shipboard equipment.
Apply knowledge of the design, installation, and maintenance of marine diesel engines, reduction gears, shafts, and propellers.
Specify pumps, compressors, generators, and HVAC systems for ventilation, cooling, and accommodation spaces.
Specify hydraulic power units for steering gears, winches, and deck machinery.
Coordinate mechanical, electrical, and piping systems within constrained engine-room spaces while ensuring maintenance accessibility.
Ensure systems meet SOLAS, MARPOL, and classification-society requirements for machinery spaces, fire safety, and emissions.
Support ship operations and/or shipboard testing, including rigorous 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.