Combat Systems Engineering (448, 445, 442, 440, 488, 702)
Disciplines: Computer, Computer Science, Electrical
Combat Systems Engineering applies highly diversified skills to produce Non -Propulsion Electronic
Systems (NPES) for US Navy nuclear submarines. Leveraging the latest in state -of-the-art technologies,
NPES systems are provided for Sonar, Combat Control, Ship Control, Total Ship Monitoring, Tactical and
Non-Tactical Data Processing, Exterior Communications, Navigation, ESM, Radar, Imaging, Periscope,
Weapon Launch Control, and Weapons Shipping and Handling. Engineering opportunities range from
initial system design through development, hardware/software integration, test, delivery and
implementation of the systems aboard nuclear submarines. After delivery to the nuclear submarines,
engineering efforts extend to the analysis and resolution of fleet identified problems, assessment of
obsolescence issues, and identification of components for technical refresh. Additional challenges include
the design and development of simulation/stimulation systems used during the de velopment and test of the
NPES, the development of operational and maintenance trainers used to train the crews, and system and
subsystem level configuration management to ensure quality, safety, and reliability standards are met
throughout the life cycle of the products. Integrated Product Teams, consisting of Electric Boat and Navy
representatives, are formed to ensure systems and revisions are completely and effectively planned for
current and future products. Mentors are assigned to new engineers to educate them on processes and
policies and to guide career development. Engineering opportunities are available for new and
experienced engineers in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and
Computer Science. Operational submarine experience is also desirable.
Tactical Software Engineering (454, 737)
Disciplines: Computer, Computer Science, Electrical
Engineers in these departments are responsible for the innovative computer technology and computer
software used in the design of systems on the submarines for shipboard equipment operation and control.
The software engineering development environment consists of a network of UNIX-based and Windows
workstations and state of the art software development tools. The environment is used for software
engineering and development of embedded real-time computer systems and associated trainers that are
installed and used aboard all classes of nuclear submarines. Candidates must be able to work with
Capability Maturity Model Integrated Level 4 processes. Skills in Ada, C, C++, Java, CMS -2Y, and
FORTRAN, along with relational and object-oriented databases are desirable. Skills developing graphics,
simulations, safe code, and interfacing with submarine electronics are preferred and networking
knowledge is highly desirable. Familiarity with configuration management and quality assurance is a
must. Engineers in this group will be involved in: systems analysis, systems management, system test,
open architectures, middleware, simulation-based product design and material acquisition, hull,
mechanical and electrical systems, nuclear systems, and training systems. Successful candidates for this
group should possess the interpersonal skills necessary to energetically embrace the challenges of the
disciplined application of engineering, scientific, and mathematical principles, methods, and tools to the
economical production of high quality safe software.
Dept 425: Instrumentation and Electronic Systems
Disciplines: Computer, Computer Science, Electrical, Mathematics
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Engineering personnel are responsible for the design, development and deployment of test instrumentation
and data acquisition systems to support design validation and acceptance testing applications. Engineering
personnel perform instrumentation system, hardware and software development work involving a
diversity of disciplines including measurement applications technology, analog signal conditioning, digital
interfacing, computer system networking, fiber optics, real-time software applications and data reduction
programs. Projects provide an opportunity for end-to end responsibility (e.g. from functional definition of
requirements through system integration to test conduct). Engineering personnel work closely in a team
relationship with Union-Represented Instrumentation and Electronic Technicians in development,
fabrication, installation and test functions. Design, Shipyard and Navy customer interfaces include
NAVSEA, KAPL/Bettis/BPMI, RPCO, NRRO, SSPO, Northrop Grumman Newport News, PCU and
Commissioned Vessel Ship's Force. A minimum of a BS degree or equivalent Navy S ubmarine expertise
is required for engineering positions, AS degree or equivalent Navy/Industrial training for technicians.
Dept 426: VIRGINIA CLASS HM&E Electrical Systems
Disciplines: Computer, Computer Science, Electrical, Mathematics
The D426 Electrical Hull Penetrator (EHP) and Outboard Cable Group provide engineering support and
design of EHPs, outboard cables and external cableways supporting all submarine programs for Electric
Boat. System requirements are collected and evaluated from each system owner and used to determine the
electrical requirements of each EHP and outboard cable. Requirements such as current and voltage for
electrical signals and number of paths (single or multiple) and wavelength for fiber optic signals are
factors in the design of an EHP. Sonar, weapons, lighting, communications, indication and power are
among the many systems that are supported. The EHP group is also the SUBSAFE lead for Auxiliary
Electrical providing direction in SUBSAFE matters. This group is home to the electrical representative
for SUBSAFE. SUBSAFE Design Reviews are performed for each class and each individual ship to
certify all EHPs installed meet the invoked requirements. The group is part of the Cable Integrated
Product Team (IPT) and takes part in the Cable Working Group to develop next generation molding
techniques and cable assembly methods.
The D426 Instrumentation/IC Systems group provides alarm, monitoring, and safety circuits that transmit
data concerning ship systems and equipment conditions to command and control areas. Conditions such as
temperature, pressure, and fluid levels must be available on a continuing basis for proper operation of the
ship. Efficient methods to transmit, receive and display data from sensors (e.g. programmable logic
controllers, VME cards) are also explored by the IC systems grou p. This group also engineers the
advanced sensing technologies and instrumentation used to supply all HM&E systems with data. The IC
systems group also provide for on-ship voice transmission by sound-powered telephones, amplified
communication circuits, submarine wire free communications system, telephone services between the ship
and shore, and the ship's entertainment system. The IC Systems group is responsible for the newly
designed and is Cc-In Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) for the Integrated Communications System
(ICS) that is used on VIRGINIA Class and Moored Training Ship. D426 develops LED lights to be used
with diver safety systems and outboard video systems. This group also engineers video monitoring and
recording equipment consisting of COTS underwater cameras, underwater LED lights, LCD flat panels
and state of the art video switching and recording devices. The Instrumentation/IC Systems group also
acts as the lead electrical group for Diver Safety Systems-Scope of Certification (DSS-SOC) issues for the
Electrical Design and Engineering directorate.
D426 Auxiliary systems engineering group is responsible for lighting systems, motor driven auxiliaries,
electrical installation methods, active and passive cathodic protection systems, seconda ry propulsion
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systems and Circuit “D. Responsibilities include: development of engineering system diagrams, system
and equipment specifications, ship installation drawings, test procedures; design and qualification of
electrical equipment and the procurement of engineered components.
Dept 428: OR Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) Electrical Systems
Disciplines: Computer, Computer Science, Electrical, Mathematics
The D428 Fiber and Underwater Electromagnetic (UEM) Systems Group provides engineering
developmental and application services for Fiber Optic Communication networks supporting all Electric
Boat submarine programs. This group has deployed fiber optic backbone networks which permit multiple
ships to avail themselves of a pre-engineered shipwide fiber optic “highway” for data exchange. The Fiber
group also is responsible for ongoing improvement programs to facilitate efficient installation of optical
fiber into the demanding shipboard environment. This group is also responsible for the development of
three Electromagnetic non-acoustic signature related systems on OHIO Replacement: Circuit D,
Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) and Active Shaft Grounding System (ASGS). Circuit D
provides active ship DC magnetic field degaussing, ICCP provides cathodic protection of the hull and
electric field reduction and ASGS modifies shaft current to minimize EM signature.
The D428 Data & Voice Communication Systems Group is an OHIO Replacement Program -dedicated
group responsible for development of the HM&E Monitoring and Control (HMC) System which provides
signal conditioning and electrical flow paths for control, indication, monitoring, alarm, and safety circuits
throughout the ship. HMC features comprehensive use of programmable logic controllers and provides
system display panels throughout the ship for HM&E system monitoring. This group also engineers the
advanced sensing technologies and instrumentation used to supply HMC with data. The Data & Voice
Comms group is responsible for the on-ship Integrated Voice Communications System which permits
normal and casualty control voice transmission via sound-powered telephones, amplified communication
circuits, submarine wire-free communications as well as telephone services between the ship and shore.
The D428 Energy Storage and Auxiliary Systems Group provides the OHIO Rep lacement Program’s
technology and support for emergency energy for reactor plant safety and emergency power to select
shipboard systems , as well as performing electrochemical energy storage emerging technology
assessments. The group is also responsible for engineering ship’s general illumination, security lighting,
navigation lighting and receptacle power. The Secondary Propulsion System (SPS), which provides an
alternate means of propulsion to the ship in the event that the main propulsion train is unavailable, is also
under the cognizance of this engineering team. Other work includes HM&E systems that provide for the
habitability of the ship’s force onboard the submarine and also includes auxiliary systems such as
hydraulics, air systems and distilling plant controls.
The D428 Electromagnetics Group’s responsibilities consist of electromagnetic analysis, electrostatic
discharge (ESD) analysis, electromagnetic testing and underwater electromagnetic signature analysis
supporting all submarine programs for Electric Boat. The analytical side of the group provides computer
based modeling services to assess electromagnetic compatibility issues between shipboard systems, and
works with the Navy on ship electromagnetic signature minimization systems and equipment d esign
approaches. The Electromagnetics group also operates the Electric Boat Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMC) Lab which provides a cost effective, in-house option for EMC qualification testing. The Lab is
equipped and staffed to perform EMC & DC magnetic field qualification testing and to provide expert
troubleshooting. Personnel from this lab are often called to on-site submarine locations to troubleshoot and
to resolve EMC-related problems.
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Dept 429: Commissioned Ships, Prototypes, and MMP Electrical Systems
Disciplines: Computer, Computer Science, Electrical, Mathematics
Engineers are responsible for supporting a wide variety of electrical systems and equipment for 688 Class,
OHIO Class, SEAWOLF Class, NR-1, MTS, land based prototypes. Specific programs also supported are
SSGN, OHIO Class Modernization, MMP/Port Payload, TRIDENT UK, Maintenance and
Modernization/NRMD and DDG1000. Duties include but are not limited to: (1) Development of
modernization design packages for commissioned ships; (2) Evaluation and disposition of system and
component related questions, trouble calls and liaison inquiries from Naval shipyards, Navy forces afloat,
land based prototypes, nuclear prime contractors and NAVSEA; (3) engineering activities supporting
creation and revision of technical documents such as technical manuals, ship syste m and component
drawings, operating instructions, component repair parts documentation, preventive maintenance, etc.; and
(4) performance of technical evaluations in support of repair, upgrade or replacement of existing
ship/prototype components. Engineers are required to fulfill the responsibilities of a project engineer
overseeing all aspects of the development of complex tasks such as ship/prototype modifications and
upgrades. This includes maintaining budgets and schedules, interfacing with design and other engineering
organizations and the technical review and oversight of all products produced for the assigned tasks.
Dept 443: Common Missile Compartment (CMC) Power Distribution & Instrumentation,
Monitoring and Control Systems
Disciplines: Computer, Computer Science, Electrical, Mathematics
Engineers will work closely with UK engineers, UK Ministry of Defense, US engineers and the US Navy
to achieve a common US/UK design. Engineers are responsible for developing functional and
performance requirements, coordinating requirements, performing technical studies, developing system
descriptions and system diagrams, providing recommendations concerning advanced technology relative
to shipboard electrical power and instrumentation and control systems, developing system and equipment
specifications, interfacing with fluids engineers to assure specification requirements are met, coordinating
supplier proposals, working closely with vendors, reviewing and approving vendor component drawings,
reviewing and approving vendor test procedures and test reports and witnessing vendor component tests.
Power distribution engineers are also responsible for the development of power distribution and lighting
system designs.
Instrumentation and control system engineers are also responsible for developing network based
distributed process control, information management systems, display pages used for control, digital
controls and monitoring and modeling/simulation of system operation/behavior for the Strategic Weapon
System Test Facility.
Engineering opportunities are available for supporting the development of electrical processes and
software required to design the OHIO Replacement submarine. Work includes defining requirements,
designing software, working with developers to write appropriate code to implement the software designs
and developing standards/procedures for the user community.
Dept 486: Power & Auxiliary
Disciplines: Computer, Computer Science, Electrical, Mathematics
Engineers are responsible for electrical system and component design, development, qualification, and
procurement for new applications using existing and modified technologies. Duties include design and
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development of propulsion plant and non-propulsion plant systems and components including analysis,
development of specifications, technical evaluation, coordination of supplier proposals, and coordination
of design services and supplier work to design, manufacture, and test submarine systems and components.
Interfacing with the customer, shipyard, suppliers, Computer Aided Design designers and other electric
drive propulsion engineers occur on a daily basis. Material selection, circuit analysis, and component
integration are key responsibilities. Opportunities are in the area steam and electric plant system and
components, specifically the areas of power distribution, solid state power conversion, and switchboards.
For OHIO Replacement, engineers will develop components and perform system analyses for distribution
systems that operate at 6.9kVAC, 850VDC, 450VAC, 270VDC, and 120VAC. In the future, engineers
will act as a liaison between the shipyard and engineering when problems arise during the construction
and test phases of the submarine.
Dept 467: Manufacturing Engineering
Disciplines: Civil, Marine, Mechanical, Electrical
Opportunities exist for civil, mechanical, industrial, electrical or marine engineers with 0-5 years
experience. Using a design/build approach and working in a team environment, engineers will develop
special tools, fixtures and other manufacturing aids required to facilitate submarine construction. Primary
responsibilities will be identification and development of methods and tools required for fabricating and
assembling submarine components, structures, systems and modules. Developing efficient arrangements
of existing production facilities, layouts for new, expanded or upgraded facilities. Duties will include
active participation in Design/Build teams; review of Class drawings for manufacturing concerns;
development of concepts for tools and fixtures; preparation of Manufacturing Engineering Procedures for
sequence and alignment critical installations; preparation of handling procedures for rigging submarine
components and modules; and pro-active construction support. Requires BS or MS in civil, mechanical,
industrial, electrical or marine engineering with skills in written and verbal communication, and problem
solving. A mentor will be assigned and on-the-job training will be provided.
Dept 670: Process Engineering
Disciplines: All engineering and business disciplines
The Process Engineering group is engaged with all of the functional organizations of the company in
identifying and acting upon opportunities for improving our business processes, improving quality,
reducing cost, and improving cycle time. Green Belts, Black Belts, Master Black Belts, Process
Improvement Chiefs and the Process Engineering management team work with all levels of Electric Boat
management to establish measurable metrics for specific areas of the business. The Belts work with their
Process Improvement teams to analyze the metrics and identify opportunities to improve business
processes through implementation of the Lean Six Sigma DMAIC methodology. Tools such as Value
Stream Mapping, Process Modeling, Pareto Charts, and statistical analysis are used determine the few
critical inputs to the process that most affect the process output. The Belts and the team employ tools like
Design of Experiments (DOE) and Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA) to determine
improvements. The Belts are expected to work in a hands-on team environment and identify and remove
barriers that either slow or prevent the successful attainment of project goals. Belts will assist in the
planning, organizing, and execution of processes to run the Process Engineering group. Belts will mentor
and coach other Belts, employees, and management in Process Improvement methodologies. Green Belt
and Black positions are internally posted. Interested applicants should have a proficiency in basic algebra
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and be comfortable with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Good interpersonal, organizational,
planning, and project management skills are required. In addition, strong communication skills, written
and verbal, are essential. Candidates should be self starters with an attention to details. Positions are open
to all salaried and MDA represented personnel.
Dept 427: Nuclear Waterfront Engineering, Propulsion Plant Electrical
Disciplines: Computer, Computer Science, Electrical, Mathematics
This department provides engineering support of electrical components and systems used in the propulsion
plant for submarines in construction at the Electric Boat shipyard. This department also performs design
engineering activities for submarines in construction. Responsibilities include deck plate support,
troubleshooting and design upgrades for reactor plant instrumentation and control systems, steam plant
control and indication systems, and the electric plant. Major components supported by this group are
power electronic inverters and converters, power distribution switchboards and circuit breakers,
microprocessor based instrumentation and control equipment, electromagnetic controllers, transformers,
bus transfer devices and control stations. This department is also responsible for electric plant analysis
products, such as power systems analysis, fault current analysis, circuit breaker coordination, electric plant
stability analysis and voltage drop analysis. Engineers work in a fast paced, multi -discipline environment,
and interface with other engineering disciplines, senior management, shipyard trade and test personnel,
suppliers and customers on a frequent basis. Technologies that are supported by this department include
power distribution, power electronics, systems integration, integration of microprocessor control systems,
and integration of copper based and fiber optic based serial communications systems. Engineers in this
department have the opportunity to support the construction and test of nuclear powered sub marines from
procurement of equipment, through sea trials, and delivery.
This department is also cognizant of propulsion plant data acquisition systems used to collect data during
several test evolutions. These include communication systems used by watchstanders, server based data
acquisition systems, continuous monitoring of plant operation (similar to airplane "black boxes"), and
installation of temporary local area networks. The instrumentation services group designs and tests all
equipment used in the shipyard, installs the equipment, and supports all phases of testing.
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