Systems Engineer

General Dynamics Mission Systems•McLeansville, NC

About The Position

The Marine Cable Planning and Operations Engineer develops and maintains ship plans and RPLs and provides technical support for marine cable operations. The role applies mathematics, engineering principles, and physics to cable planning and operational problem-solving. The position is approximately 70% office-based and 30% travel, including assignments aboard ships and at shore sites. Shipboard responsibilities are limited to technical planning and operational support; no additional vessel crew duties are required. The engineer develops, reviews, and maintains ship plans and RPLs using Makai Lay software; validates cable route positions, cable types, lengths, and related technical records; and uses GIS software to visualize and analyze route and spatial data. The role coordinates with engineering staff, shipboard personnel, and shore-site teams to prepare and update operational plans, and provides technical planning support during sea operations and shore-site activities. The engineer documents calculations, planning assumptions, revisions, and operational results and follows applicable safety, security, and information-handling requirements. Candidates need a bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or a related science, engineering, or mathematics field and at least two years of relevant experience, or a master's degree and at least six months of relevant experience. A Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at hire and must be maintained. U.S. citizenship is required. The role also requires the ability to complete STCW training and pass a U.S. Coast Guard physical examination, and willingness and ability to travel approximately 30% of the time. General Dynamics Mission Systems describes an exciting career path with continuous learning and development, research-oriented work alongside award-winning teams, and a flexible schedule with every other Friday off if desired (9/80 schedule). Benefits include 401(k) matching, flexible time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health and wellness programs, and employee resource and social groups.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or a related science, engineering, or mathematics field and at least 2 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree and at least 6 months of relevant experience.
Strong foundation in mathematics, engineering principles, and physics.
Ability to perform technical calculations, interpret engineering and positional data, and identify discrepancies.
Experience with GIS software or demonstrated ability to learn and apply GIS tools.
Ability to learn and use Makai Lay software.
Strong attention to detail and clear written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in office, shipboard, and shore-site environments.
Willingness and ability to travel approximately 30% of the time.
Ability to attend and successfully complete Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
Ability to pass the required U.S. Coast Guard physical examination.
Active Secret security clearance at the time of hire and ability to maintain that clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
Experience using Makai Lay software.
Experience developing ship plans and RPLs.
Experience supporting marine cable installation, subsea engineering, or related sea operations.
Experience using GIS software for route planning and spatial analysis.
Clear understanding of systems engineering concepts, principles, theories, and technical standards.
Clear understanding of requirements management and system modeling tools.
Creative thinking, ability to grasp and apply new information quickly, and ability to handle increasing responsibilities with growing complexity.
Collaborative team orientation and commitment to team success.
Commitment to ongoing professional development for yourself and others.
Ability to identify opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation.

Responsibilities

Develop, review, and maintain ship plans and RPLs using Makai Lay software.
Validate cable route positions, cable types, lengths, and associated technical records for accuracy and consistency.
Apply mathematics, engineering analysis, and physics to cable planning and operational problem-solving.
Use GIS software to visualize and analyze route information and supporting spatial data.
Coordinate with engineering staff, shipboard personnel, and shore-site teams to prepare and update operational plans.
Provide technical planning support during sea operations and shore-site activities.
Document calculations, planning assumptions, revisions, and operational results.
Follow applicable safety, security, and information-handling requirements.