DEPUTY SHIP DESIGN MANAGER, CARRIERS (ENGINEER 4)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Deputy Ship Design Manager, Carriers (Engineer 4)

Company: Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII)

Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations Management (Naval/Defense Industry)

Date Posted: July 18, 2026

Experience Level: 7-9 Years (Post-Bachelor's Degree)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the engineering product lifecycle for new construction aircraft carriers, ensuring adherence to schedules and contract specifications.

• Facilitate critical cross-departmental communication and problem-solving to resolve engineering and construction challenges.

• Serve as a key engineering representative in various project and quality review meetings, interacting with internal leadership and external stakeholders.

• Directly manage and interface with government customers throughout all project phases, ensuring contract compliance and client satisfaction.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for engineering products and processes, focusing on efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness within a large-scale defense manufacturing environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a highly specialized sector of engineering and project management, focusing on complex defense contracts. The "Deputy Ship Design Manager" title, combined with "Engineer 4" designation and the specific responsibilities, indicates a senior-level position requiring significant technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and experience in managing large-scale, government-contracted projects. The emphasis on product model files, deviations, and customer interface points towards a strong need for operations and project management acumen within an engineering context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and meticulously track the schedule for engineering products, including product model files, drawings, diagrams, inspection reports, scopes, liabilities, and other crucial support documentation.

• Coordinate the processing, tracking, and resolution of all Deviations from Specification, contract data deliverables, and evaluations of proposed changes to maintain project integrity.

• Oversee the development and implementation of effective solutions to address issues and concerns within the contract scope that require engineering involvement, actively facilitating cross-departmental communication and problem resolution.

• Act as a primary engineering representative for the division, attending and contributing to key meetings such as Plan of the Week, construction/planning agendas, technical issues meetings, recurring project and quality reviews, Operations Control Center (OCC) reviews, and new work kickoffs.

• Directly interface with government customers at all phases of work, from initial tasking and requirement definition to the comprehensive management of contract changes.

• Review and coordinate the implementation of all changes under the contract, encompassing Field Modification Requests (FMR)/Headquarters Modification Requests (HMR) changes, Government Furnished Information (GFI) updates, deliverables, key events, Schedule A & C, change orders, cost improvement initiatives, obsolescence management, and trades requests.

• Drive the development and implementation of new engineering processes under the contract, while also reviewing and updating existing processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Champion continuous improvement for engineering products and processes.

• Review and report on engineering progress against the contract to program office and other company leadership, closely monitoring departmental staffing, budget adherence, and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) performance. Support any Program initiatives as requested.

• Lead and support rigorous reviews of technical specifications (including Contract requirements, letters, and ship specifications) to ensure HII's processes and procedures align with and meet the contract's technical requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily emphasize project and program management within an engineering framework. Terms like "product model files," "deviations from specification," "contract data deliverables," and "EVMS performance" point to a need for strong operational oversight, process adherence, and financial accountability akin to a Revenue Operations or Sales Operations Manager, but applied to complex engineering projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program is mandatory.

• Master's Degree and 7 years of relevant professional experience, or Ph.D. and 4 years of experience, can be considered as alternatives or supplementary qualifications. Experience:

• A minimum of 9 years of relevant exempt experience with a Bachelor's Degree.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with engineering products such as drawings, scopes, inspection reports, material procurement, departures from specification, work deferral requests, contract data requirements, and technical variance documents.

• Familiarity with HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) New Construction processes, Ford-class Ship Specifications, and general U.S. Navy ship construction, repair, and modernization specifications and processes.

• A strong willingness to interact professionally with a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve outcomes beneficial to NNS and its government customers. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to plan, execute, and monitor complex engineering projects, manage schedules, and ensure timely delivery of products. PMP certification is a strong asset.

• Engineering Design & Product Management: Deep understanding of engineering product development, including drawings, 3D modeling (product model files), and technical documentation.

• Contract Management & Compliance: Expertise in managing government contracts, understanding contract data deliverables, and processing changes like FMRs and HMRs.

• Process Improvement & Optimization: Ability to review, develop, and implement new engineering processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives for efficiency and quality.

• Stakeholder & Customer Interface: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective interaction with internal teams, leadership, and government customers.

• Budget & Performance Management: Experience with monitoring departmental staffing, budgets, and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) performance.

Preferred Skills:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification: Formal certification demonstrating advanced project management capabilities.

• Waterfront Engineering Experience: Hands-on experience with engineering work performed on naval vessels or in a shipyard environment.

• Government Agency Interface: Prior experience interacting with specific defense entities like the Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SOS), NAVSEA05, and Program Executive Office for Carriers.

• Change Product Processing: Specific experience processing and implementing government change products such as Field Modification Requests (FMR’s) and Headquarters Modification Requests (HMR’s).

• Schedule Management: Proven ability to schedule drawing products and other engineering outputs effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirement specifies an ABET-accredited engineering degree, which is standard for engineering roles in the defense sector. The experience level (9 years with a Bachelor's) clearly places this as a senior-level or management-track position, demanding practical, hands-on experience in shipbuilding and government contracting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Showcase examples of managing complex engineering projects, detailing scope, timelines, resources, challenges, and successful outcomes. Highlight projects involving government contracts or large-scale industrial manufacturing.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Document instances where you identified inefficiencies in engineering workflows or product development processes and implemented solutions that led to measurable improvements in speed, cost, or quality.

• System Implementation & Integration: Present examples of contributing to or managing the implementation of new engineering software, design tools, or project management systems, demonstrating an understanding of integration challenges and benefits.

• ROI Demonstration: For any process or system improvement you present, be prepared to articulate the return on investment (ROI), quantifying benefits such as cost savings, schedule acceleration, or risk reduction.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide examples of how you have designed or optimized engineering workflows, detailing the methodologies used (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma principles applied to engineering processes) and the resulting improvements.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase experience in implementing new engineering processes or automation solutions, detailing the rollout strategy, training provided, and how adoption was managed to ensure success.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for engineering products and processes, and how you have used data analysis to track performance, identify trends, and report on progress to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should not just list accomplishments but demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving and process management. Candidates should be ready to walk through their portfolio, explaining the "why," "how," and "what" of their contributions, particularly focusing on quantifiable results and adherence to rigorous industry standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $124,000.00 to $153,000.00 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plan choices.

• On-site Health & Wellness: Access to on-site health centers and tele-medicine services.

• Wellness Resources: Programs and resources to support employee well-being, including Employee Assistance Programs.

• Retirement Savings: 401K savings plan with financial education and planning tools.

• Financial Support: Life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and employee discounts.

• Educational Opportunities: Early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships.

Working Hours:

• Full-Time, 1st Shift.

• Standard work hours are expected to be 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary range ($124,000 - $153,000) is competitive for a senior engineering management role in the Newport News, Virginia area, considering the specialized nature of defense shipbuilding. This range aligns with industry benchmarks for positions requiring significant experience and technical leadership. The provided benefits package is robust, typical for large defense contractors, offering comprehensive coverage and support for employees and their families.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Shipbuilding & Defense Manufacturing. Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is a leading provider of naval ships and advanced defense technology solutions, playing a critical role in national security.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Over 25,000 employees at Newport News Shipbuilding alone). This indicates a structured organization with established processes and significant resources.

Founded: Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) has a long and storied history, dating back to 1886. HII itself was formed in 2011. This legacy suggests a culture of deep expertise, tradition, and long-term commitment to the industry.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The role sits within the Aircraft Carrier Engineering (ACE) Division, specifically focused on New Construction Carriers. This suggests a specialized team dedicated to the design and engineering aspects of shipbuilding projects. The team likely comprises various engineering disciplines and project managers.

• Operations Team Aspect 2: The Deputy Ship Design Manager will report to a Ship Design Manager and will likely oversee a team of engineers and technical staff responsible for specific aspects of ship design and product delivery. The structure is hierarchical, common in large defense contractors.

• Operations Team Aspect 3: Significant cross-functional collaboration is expected with production, planning, quality assurance, government representatives, and other engineering departments involved in the shipbuilding process.

Methodology:

• Operations Process 1: Data analysis and insights are critical for tracking project progress, budget performance (EVMS), and identifying areas for process improvement.

• Operations Process 2: Workflow planning and optimization are core to managing the engineering product lifecycle, ensuring adherence to schedules and contract requirements.

• Operations Process 3: While not explicitly stated as automation-focused, the drive for "continuous improvement" implies an openness to adopting new technologies and methodologies that enhance efficiency and quality in engineering and product delivery.

Company Website: https://www.huntingtoningalls.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on naval shipbuilding for the U.S. Navy dictates a culture that values precision, safety, reliability, and long-term planning. The sheer scale of operations means that process adherence and rigorous quality control are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position ("Engineer 4," "Deputy Manager") within a specialized engineering division. It requires significant technical depth, project management experience, and leadership capability. The role acts as a critical bridge between design engineering and the practical realities of large-scale production and government contract management.

Reporting Structure: The Deputy Ship Design Manager reports to a Ship Design Manager and is responsible for overseeing a team of engineers and technical staff. This position likely involves reporting upwards to program management and external government stakeholders.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the successful delivery of complex naval vessels. Effective management of engineering schedules, budgets, and customer relations is crucial for meeting contract milestones, controlling costs, ensuring quality, and maintaining strong relationships with the U.S. Navy. The efficiency and accuracy of engineering products directly influence the downstream production and overall project success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Successful performance in this role can lead to advancement to Ship Design Manager, Program Manager, or other senior leadership positions within HII's engineering or program management functions.

• Specialized Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of naval architecture, naval engineering, defense contracting, and advanced shipbuilding technologies.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into related roles in program management, operations leadership, quality assurance, or business development within the defense sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path within HII for this role is clearly defined within the defense shipbuilding sector. Growth is typically achieved through demonstrating mastery of complex project management, deepening technical expertise in naval systems, and successfully managing high-stakes government contracts.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, likely within a corporate office environment at Newport News Shipbuilding. This setting facilitates direct collaboration with engineering teams, project managers, and access to necessary project documentation and systems.

Office Location(s): Newport News, Virginia. This location is a major hub for naval shipbuilding in the United States.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires frequent interaction with diverse teams, including engineers, planners, production supervisors, and government representatives. An open and communicative workspace or regular scheduled meetings would be essential.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to advanced engineering design software (e.g., CAD/CAM, product modeling tools), project management platforms, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and communication tools will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Daily engagement with the direct reports, project leads, and senior management to discuss progress, resolve issues, and align on strategic objectives.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week (1st shift) is the baseline. However, given the nature of large-scale defense projects, there may be expectations for flexible hours or overtime to meet critical deadlines, manage unforeseen issues, or attend important meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Not eligible for telework" designation is standard for roles requiring hands-on oversight, direct team management, and frequent on-site collaboration in a manufacturing and design environment like a shipyard.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and salary expectations.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (Ship Design Manager) focusing on technical expertise, leadership style, project management experience, and understanding of shipbuilding processes. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your resume and portfolio.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with other members of the engineering or project management team to assess cultural fit, collaboration skills, and technical synergy.

• Potential Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio or tackle a hypothetical problem related to ship design management, schedule adherence, or customer issue resolution.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level management to confirm suitability and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that directly align with the responsibilities listed.

Focus on projects demonstrating leadership in engineering design, complex project management, government contracting, and process improvement.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The Challenge: What was the problem or objective?
  • Your Role & Actions: What specific steps did you take? What methodologies did you employ?
  • The Solution/Outcome: What was the result? Quantify achievements (e.g., % reduction in schedule, $ cost savings, improved quality metrics).

• Highlight Process Expertise: Showcase your ability to manage workflows, implement improvements, and document processes. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Demonstrate Customer Focus: Include examples of successful client or government stakeholder management, problem resolution, and communication.

• Prepare to Present: Be ready to articulate your contributions clearly and concisely, answering questions about your decision-making process and the impact of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions asking how you would handle specific situations (e.g., a critical design deviation, a conflict between engineering and production, managing a budget overrun, a demanding government request).

• Process & Methodology: Be prepared to discuss your approach to project planning, risk management, stakeholder communication, and continuous improvement in an engineering context.

• Technical Acumen: Refresh your knowledge of shipbuilding processes, naval engineering principles, and relevant contract management terms (FMR, HMR, EVMS, PMP).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for senior roles in defense contracting is typically thorough. Emphasizing quantifiable results and demonstrating a structured, data-driven approach to problem-solving will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Likely systems for managing product data, design revisions, and engineering documentation. Examples might include PTC Windchill, Siemens Teamcenter, or similar enterprise PLM solutions.

• Project Management Software: Tools for scheduling, resource allocation, progress tracking, and reporting. Examples include Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or specialized defense project management suites.

• CAD/CAM/CAE Software: Familiarity with the output and integration of design tools used by engineers (e.g., CATIA, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Ansys) is beneficial.

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Systems like SAP or Oracle for managing finances, procurement, and supply chain, which are integrated with project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Earned Value Management System (EVMS) Tools: Software and methodologies for tracking project performance against budget and schedule (e.g., Cobra, EcoSys).

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Potentially used for generating dashboards and reports on project status, resource utilization, and financial performance. Examples could include Tableau or Power BI, though custom internal tools are also common.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: While not a traditional sales CRM, systems for managing communication and interaction with government customers might be in place.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how to leverage tools or processes to automate repetitive tasks within engineering documentation or project reporting is a plus, contributing to continuous improvement.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or specialized internal platforms for document sharing, team communication, and task management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with enterprise-level project management and engineering data management systems is crucial. The ability to interpret data from EVMS and other performance tracking tools is a key requirement for this management role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: Paramount in a shipyard environment. A commitment to safe work practices and adherence to safety protocols is non-negotiable.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings, especially with government contracts and sensitive defense technology.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to delivering high-quality products that meet stringent military specifications and performance requirements.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams work together effectively towards common project goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methods to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands a highly collaborative approach, working closely with design engineers, production teams, quality assurance, supply chain, and government representatives.

• Process Review Culture: A willingness to engage in regular reviews of engineering processes, solicit feedback from stakeholders, and drive iterative improvements based on lessons learned.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in knowledge sharing sessions, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to the collective expertise of the engineering division.

📝 Enhancement Note: HII's culture is deeply rooted in its long history and its critical mission. Candidates should expect a professional, disciplined environment where accountability, technical rigor, and a commitment to national security are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Schedules: The sheer scale and complexity of aircraft carrier construction involve intricate, multi-year schedules with numerous interdependencies. Delays in one area can have significant ripple effects.

• Navigating Government Contracts: Working with government clients involves strict regulations, evolving requirements, and rigorous oversight, requiring meticulous documentation and communication.

• Technical Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in naval technology, materials, and design methodologies while ensuring legacy systems and processes are effectively managed.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and coordination between diverse departments (engineering, production, supply chain, QA) with potentially different priorities and perspectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to gain deeper certifications and experience in managing large-scale, high-value defense projects.

• Naval Architecture & Engineering: Continuous learning on the latest advancements in ship design, naval systems, and shipbuilding technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: HII likely offers internal programs for leadership training, strategic thinking, and people management.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to specialized training and industry events related to defense manufacturing, engineering management, and government contracting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are significant but also present substantial opportunities for professional growth. Overcoming these challenges demonstrates a high level of competence and leadership potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a critical engineering schedule for a large project. What was your approach, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on your planning, risk mitigation, and communication strategies.)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between engineering teams and production/manufacturing departments?" (Highlight your experience with cross-functional teams and conflict resolution.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing changes to a contract, particularly when dealing with government specifications or customer requests." (Emphasize your understanding of contract compliance, documentation, and stakeholder management.)

• "Tell me about a situation where you identified an opportunity for process improvement within an engineering workflow. What steps did you take, and what was the result?" (Showcase your analytical skills and proactive approach to efficiency.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Huntington Ingalls Industries and our role in national defense?" (Demonstrate research into the company's mission and impact.)

• "How do you align with our company values of safety, integrity, and excellence?" (Provide specific examples of how you embody these values in your work.)

• "How do you approach managing and motivating a team of engineers?" (Discuss your leadership philosophy and experience in team development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Prepare a presentation that clearly outlines 2-3 key projects. Aim for 15-20 minutes of presentation, leaving ample time for Q&A.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, decisions, and leadership. Avoid "we" if the action was primarily yours.

• Quantify Everything: Use numbers, percentages, and dollar figures to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "Reduced design cycle time by 15%," "Managed a budget of $X million," "Successfully implemented Y new features").

• Highlight Process & Methodology: Show your structured approach to problem-solving, planning, and execution. Mention specific tools or methodologies you employed.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate follow-up questions on any aspect of your presented projects. Be prepared to discuss challenges, lessons learned, and alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for evidence of leadership, strategic thinking, technical acumen, and the ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects within a regulated environment. Your portfolio should serve as tangible proof of these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Deputy Ship Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Huntington Ingalls Careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights experience in shipbuilding, naval engineering, project management, government contracting, and any relevant certifications (PMP). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your qualifications. Focus on quantifiable achievements in schedule management, process improvement, and stakeholder relations.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact. Be ready to discuss your role, methodology, and results.

• Research HII: Familiarize yourself with Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News Shipbuilding, their history, mission, and recent projects. Understand their values and culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.