Director, Office of Shipyards and Marine Engineering (Supervisory Naval Architect)
What you'd do
You will serve as the Director of Shipyards and Marine Engineering within the Maritime Administration (MARAD), providing executive leadership and technical oversight for programs supporting U.S. shipbuilding, shipyard modernization, and marine engineering initiatives. Lead strategic planning, engineering evaluations, construction oversight, and stakeholder engagement while advancing innovative solutions that strengthen the nation's maritime industry and support agency priorities.
Major duties
The Director of Shipyards and Marine Engineer: Serves as MARAD's principal technical advisor on shipbuilding, shipyard modernization, and marine engineering matters, providing expert guidance on complex projects and initiatives affecting the U.S. maritime industry. Evaluates ship designs, shipyard modernization proposals, and maritime infrastructure projects submitted in support of loan guarantees, grants, and other federal financial assistance programs. Directs the review of ship construction schedules, contract delivery milestones, and shipbuilder performance to assess progress, identify risks, and support informed decision-making. Provides executive oversight of vessel construction, shipyard modernization, and related engineering activities, including cost evaluations, progress verification, and technical assessments. Leads the evaluation of shipyard grant applications and recommends project funding priorities that advance national maritime capabilities and industry competitiveness. Represents MARAD in engagements with industry leaders, regulatory organizations, and government partners while providing strategic leadership for programs that strengthen U.S. shipbuilding and marine engineering operations. The ideal candidate is an accomplished engineering executive with extensive experience in naval architecture, marine engineering, shipbuilding, or shipyard operations. They possess a proven ability to lead complex technical programs, advise senior leaders, manage multidisciplinary teams, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. The candidate excels at strategic planning, problem solving, and advancing Initiatives that enhance maritime capabilities and operational effectiveness.
What you need to qualify
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the mandatory education and specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the Grade 15, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14, it must include: Experience applying advanced naval architecture, marine engineering, and shipyard operations principles to evaluate ship designs, oversee vessel construction or modernization projects, conduct engineering analyses, and provide technical recommendations on maritime programs or initiatives. Experience leading and managing engineering or maritime programs involving strategic planning, project oversight, resource management, policy implementation, and the supervision of technical personnel to achieve organizational objectives. Experience providing authoritative technical advice and recommendations to senior executives, government officials, industry representatives, or other stakeholders; including presenting findings, negotiating solutions to issues, and preparing written reports, analyses, or policy recommendations. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): our qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Architecture – Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and practices used in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of buildings or other structures, taking into consideration aesthetic and functional concerns. General Engineering – Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of engineering and their practical applications. Leadership – Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations. Oral Communication – Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Written Communication – Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
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