DEPUTY SHIP DESIGN MANAGER, CARRIERS (ENGINEER 4)

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: Huntington Ingalls (HII)

Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations Management (Shipbuilding)

Date Posted: August 16, 2026

Experience Level: 7-9 years (with Bachelor's in Engineering)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the engineering product schedule for new construction aircraft carriers, ensuring timely delivery of critical design documentation.

• Oversee the processing and tracking of contractually mandated deliverables, deviations, and proposed changes to maintain compliance and project integrity.

• Facilitate cross-departmental problem resolution by acting as a key engineering liaison, driving efficient communication and solutions for complex technical issues.

• Serve as a direct interface with government customers, managing relationships and communications throughout all phases of the project lifecycle.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within engineering processes and products, enhancing efficiency and adherence to technical requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within the complex, high-stakes environment of U.S. Navy aircraft carrier construction. The "Deputy Ship Design Manager" title, coupled with "Engineer 4" and the specific responsibilities, indicates a senior position focused on operational execution and project management within the engineering design domain. The emphasis on schedule, contract deliverables, and government interface highlights the critical need for strong process management and stakeholder engagement skills, bridging the gap between design intent and physical construction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and ensure adherence to the overall engineering product schedule, including product model files, drawings, diagrams, inspection reports, scopes, liabilities, and other essential support products.

• Coordinate the processing and tracking of Deviations from Specification (DFS), contract data deliverables, and evaluations of proposed contract changes, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

• Oversee and facilitate the resolution of engineering issues and concerns within the contract scope, acting as a central point for cross-departmental communication and problem-solving.

• Represent the engineering division in critical 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.

• Serve as a primary engineering representative interfacing directly with government customers at all stages of work, from initial tasking to managing contract changes and deliverables.

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

• Oversee the development and implementation of new engineering processes under the contract, and review/update existing processes to drive continuous improvement in engineering products and methodologies.

• Monitor and report on engineering progress against the contract to program office and company leadership, including departmental staffing levels, budget adherence, and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) performance.

• Lead and support reviews of technical specifications (Contract, letters, ship specifications) to ensure Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) processes and procedures meet the contract's technical requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are extensive and require a highly organized individual with a strong understanding of large-scale project management within a defense manufacturing context. The emphasis on "overseeing" and "coordinating" suggests a role that manages rather than directly executes all tasks, requiring strong leadership and delegation skills. The mention of EVMS performance and budget monitoring points towards a need for financial acumen in addition to technical engineering oversight.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program.

• Master's Degree or Ph.D. in engineering or a related field is advantageous. Experience:

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

• Alternatively, 7 years of relevant professional experience with a Master's degree, or 4 years with a Ph.D.

• Familiarity with NNS New Construction processes, Ford-class Ship Specifications, and general U.S. Navy ship construction, repair, and modernization specifications and processes.

• 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. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to plan, schedule, and manage complex engineering projects and product deliveries.

• Contract Management & Compliance: Deep understanding of government contracts, including managing deviations, change orders, and ensuring adherence to specifications and deliverables.

• Technical Product Oversight: Expertise in reviewing and managing engineering documentation like product model files, drawings, and inspection reports.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively interface with government customers, internal departments, and company leadership.

• Process Improvement: Experience in developing, implementing, and refining engineering processes for efficiency and effectiveness.

• Problem Solving & Communication: Strong analytical skills for issue resolution and excellent verbal/written communication for cross-departmental coordination and customer interaction.

• Budget & Staffing Oversight: Experience in monitoring and reporting on departmental budgets, staffing levels, and performance metrics (e.g., EVMS).

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated project management skills and certifications such as PMP.

• Waterfront engineering experience within a shipyard environment.

• Previous experience interfacing with the Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SOS), NAVSEA05, and Program Executive Office for Carriers.

• Prior experience processing and implementing government change products such as Field Modification Requests (FMR’s) and Headquarters Modification Requests (HMR’s).

• Prior experience in scheduling drawing products and other engineering outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must Have" section clearly defines the educational and experience prerequisites. The "Nice to Have" section points to candidates who can hit the ground running with specific industry knowledge (waterfront engineering, government interfaces like SOS/NAVSEA05, and specific change products like FMR/HMR), indicating these are highly valued and could differentiate candidates. The requirement for an ABET-accredited engineering degree is standard for engineering roles in this sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Schedule Management: Showcase examples of how you've developed and managed complex project schedules for engineering deliverables, demonstrating your ability to meet deadlines in a demanding environment.

• Contract Deliverable Tracking: Provide evidence of systems or processes you've implemented for tracking and ensuring the timely submission of contractually required documents, such as drawings, reports, and deviations.

• Change Management Process: Present case studies or documentation illustrating your experience in managing changes (FMRs, HMRs, change orders), including assessment, coordination, and implementation phases.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Include examples of how you've identified inefficiencies in engineering workflows and implemented changes that led to measurable improvements in output, quality, or timeliness.

• Stakeholder Interface Examples: Demonstrate through case studies your ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government representatives and internal cross-functional teams, to achieve project goals.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Highlight your experience in mapping existing engineering workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and redesigning processes to enhance efficiency, reduce lead times, and improve product quality.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you've overseen the implementation of new engineering processes or leveraged technology to automate tasks, improve data accuracy, and streamline operations.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase your proficiency in defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for engineering processes, collecting data, and analyzing performance to report on progress and identify areas for further improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list responsibilities but demonstrate impact. Candidates should be prepared to present specific examples of how they've managed schedules for large engineering projects, handled complex contract changes, improved processes, and managed relationships with government clients. The focus is on demonstrating practical application of project and process management skills within a shipbuilding context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $124,000.00 to $153,000.00 annually.

Benefits:

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

• Wellness & Health Support: Access to on-site health centers, tele-medicine services, and various wellness resources.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Support for personal and professional challenges.

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

• Life Insurance: Provided to offer financial security.

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and employee discounts for ongoing learning.

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

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (Full-Time, 1st Shift).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within the typical band for an Engineer 4 level in a specialized, high-demand field like naval shipbuilding engineering management in a high-cost-of-living area like Newport News, Virginia. The benefits package is extensive and reflects a large, established corporation prioritizing employee well-being and professional development, which is standard for major defense contractors. The "No - Not eligible for telework" status confirms this is an on-site role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Shipbuilding and Defense Technology. Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is a major player in designing, building, and refuelling U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines, and providing defense technology solutions.

Company Size: Over 25,000 employees at Newport News Shipbuilding division alone, classifying it as a very large enterprise. This scale implies structured processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for specialization.

Founded: While the founding date for HII isn't explicitly stated in the input, Newport News Shipbuilding has a long history, dating back to 1886. This legacy suggests a culture steeped in tradition, craftsmanship, and long-term commitment to national defense.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Context: The role is within the Aircraft Carrier Engineering (ACE) Division, specifically focused on New Construction Carriers. This team likely comprises various engineering disciplines, project managers, schedulers, and technical writers.

• Reporting Structure: As a Deputy Ship Design Manager (Engineer 4), the role likely reports to a Ship Design Manager or Director of Engineering within the ACE Division. The position also implies managing or closely supervising a team of engineers and support staff responsible for specific aspects of ship design product delivery.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role necessitates extensive collaboration with production departments (planning, construction), quality assurance, government representatives (Supervisor of Shipbuilding), program management, supply chain, and potentially R&D for new technologies.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Operations within this division rely heavily on accurate data for scheduling, budgeting, and performance tracking (EVMS). Decisions are informed by technical specifications, contract requirements, and progress reports.

• Process-Centric Approach: Given the complexity and criticality of shipbuilding, a strong emphasis is placed on standardized processes for design, change management, quality control, and stakeholder communication.

• Continuous Improvement: The role is tasked with driving ongoing enhancements to engineering products and processes, indicating a culture that values efficiency, innovation, and learning from past projects.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding HII's position as a primary defense contractor is key. The culture will be highly professional, safety-conscious, and focused on mission accomplishment. The sheer size of the organization means established hierarchies and clear lines of authority, but also opportunities for career advancement within a large, stable industry. The historical context of Newport News Shipbuilding adds a layer of heritage and pride.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Engineer 4" position represents a senior individual contributor or a first-level management role within the engineering operations of a major shipbuilding enterprise. It signifies a high degree of technical expertise, project oversight capability, and leadership potential. The responsibilities involve managing significant aspects of a large-scale, complex project's engineering output.

Reporting Structure: The Deputy Ship Design Manager likely reports to a Ship Design Manager or a higher-level engineering director within the Aircraft Carrier Engineering (ACE) division. They will also be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of engineers, drafters, and technical specialists involved in ship design product development. This role acts as a critical bridge between design leadership and the execution teams.

Operations Impact: The operations of this role directly impact the successful and timely delivery of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. This includes ensuring that engineering designs are accurate, compliant with contracts, and executable by the production floor. Efficient management of schedules, budgets, and changes directly contributes to cost control, risk mitigation, and the overall mission readiness of naval assets. The role's effectiveness is measured by the quality and timeliness of engineering outputs that enable construction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to Ship Design Manager, Director of Engineering, Program Manager, or other senior leadership roles within HII's shipbuilding divisions.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of naval architecture, marine engineering, systems engineering, or advanced manufacturing technologies relevant to carrier construction.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related roles in program management, business development, or operations management across HII's diverse portfolio.

• Professional Development: Continued access to training, certifications (e.g., advanced PMP, specialized engineering certifications), and opportunities to lead strategic initiatives or process improvement projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Engineer 4" title, combined with "Deputy Manager" responsibilities, suggests a clear path toward direct management. The career trajectory within a company like HII is typically well-defined, offering stability and significant growth potential for individuals who excel in project execution and leadership. The emphasis on complex government contracts provides unique experience valuable across the defense industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, with no telework eligibility. The work environment will be a professional office setting within the Newport News Shipbuilding complex.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Newport News, Virginia. This location is known for its extensive shipyard facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires extensive interaction with colleagues across multiple engineering disciplines, project teams, production floor liaisons, and government representatives. This will likely involve a mix of individual work, team meetings, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, specialized engineering design and project management tools (e.g., CAD software interfaces, project scheduling software, EVMS systems, document management systems).

• Operations Team Interaction: Frequent engagement with engineering teams, project managers, and potentially direct reports to oversee progress, provide guidance, and resolve issues. Proximity to production areas may also be required for site visits or coordination.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (40 hours/week), 1st Shift. While the core hours are defined, the nature of project management may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical deadlines or address urgent issues, though formal telework is not an option.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "No - Not eligible for telework" is a critical detail for candidates. This role demands a consistent physical presence to interface with teams, understand site-specific challenges, and represent the engineering division on-site. The environment will be fast-paced and demanding, characteristic of large defense manufacturing projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with company culture.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely the Ship Design Manager) to evaluate technical expertise, project management skills, and understanding of shipbuilding processes. Expect questions on previous roles, responsibilities, and problem-solving approaches.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with other engineers, project managers, or potential direct reports to assess collaboration style, technical depth, and cultural fit within the ACE division.

• Senior Leadership Interview (Potentially): For a role of this seniority, an interview with a Director or VP of Engineering may be part of the process to assess strategic thinking and overall leadership potential.

• Offer & Background Check: Standard offer process including background checks and potentially a drug screening.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project or initiative presented, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the actions you took (processes implemented, decisions made), and the quantifiable results (e.g., schedule improvements, cost savings, risk reduction).

• Highlight Contractual Expertise: Showcase specific examples of managing government contracts, handling change requests (FMR/HMR), and ensuring compliance with technical specifications.

• Demonstrate Process Improvement: Present evidence of how you've optimized workflows, implemented new systems, or improved efficiency in engineering product delivery. Use metrics to back up your claims.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Include examples of successful cross-functional collaboration and communication with diverse stakeholders, especially government representatives.

• Tailor to Shipbuilding: If possible, use examples directly related to complex engineering projects, construction, or manufacturing environments, even if not directly shipbuilding.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions like: "How would you handle a major design change request that impacts the project schedule and budget?" or "Describe a time you had to resolve a conflict between engineering and production teams."

• Process Design Exercise: You might be asked to outline a process for managing engineering deviations or to propose improvements to a given workflow.

• Technical Specification Interpretation: Questions testing your ability to understand and apply technical specifications from a contract.

• EVMS Understanding: Be ready to discuss your experience with Earned Value Management Systems and how you've used EVMS data to manage projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role at this level in a defense contractor will be thorough. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only technical competence but also strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for showcasing practical experience and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Scheduling Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar advanced scheduling platforms is essential for managing complex engineering timelines.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) / Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing engineering data, drawings, revisions, and workflows (e.g., Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA, Siemens Teamcenter, or proprietary NNS systems).

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools for team communication and document sharing (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Confluence).

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) / Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Systems: Familiarity with systems that integrate project management with broader business operations, potentially including SAP or Oracle modules.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Earned Value Management System (EVMS): Direct experience with EVMS tools and principles for project performance tracking and reporting is critical.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with tools that can aggregate data from various systems for reporting and analysis (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or internal reporting dashboards).

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, modeling, and ad-hoc reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, understanding how customer (government) requirements are managed and tracked within project management systems is key.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Experience with tools that can automate routine tasks within engineering processes or document management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools mentioned are inferred based on industry standards for large-scale engineering and manufacturing projects, particularly in defense. Candidates should highlight any experience with systems used for managing complex documentation, project schedules, and financial performance tracking (EVMS). Knowledge of shipyard-specific software or systems would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest standards in dealing with government contracts, data reporting, and ethical decision-making.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality engineering products and services that meet stringent naval standards.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering an environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve common goals, emphasizing open communication and mutual support.

• Safety & Responsibility: Prioritizing the safety of personnel and the reliability of the ships being built, recognizing the critical impact of their work.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve processes within the engineering and shipbuilding operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative style where engineers work closely with production, planning, quality assurance, and government representatives. This involves active participation in meetings, joint problem-solving sessions, and clear communication channels.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on processes and designs to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to best practices.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing technical expertise and lessons learned across teams and projects to build organizational knowledge and prevent recurring issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at a company like HII will reflect its mission-critical work. Values will align with professionalism, accountability, and a deep sense of purpose tied to national security. Collaboration will be essential but also structured due to the complexity and regulatory environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Schedules: Balancing competing priorities, potential design changes, and external dependencies to maintain aggressive project timelines for aircraft carriers.

• Government Interface Complexity: Navigating the intricacies of government contracting, regulations, and customer expectations, which can be demanding and subject to change.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and coordination between diverse teams (engineering, production, supply chain, quality) that may have different priorities or perspectives.

• Technical Problem Solving: Addressing unforeseen technical challenges that arise during the design or early construction phases of highly complex systems.

• Process Evolution: Adapting and improving established engineering processes to meet new contract requirements or incorporate technological advancements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to pursue PMP certification or advanced training in EVMS and project controls.

• Shipbuilding Specialization: Deepening knowledge in specific naval architecture, marine engineering, or systems engineering aspects critical to carrier design.

• Leadership Development Programs: HII likely offers structured programs for leadership training, talent development, and career pathing for senior roles.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to professional development events and specialized training relevant to defense manufacturing and engineering.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within the ACE division or to mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are significant due to the scale, complexity, and criticality of the projects. However, these challenges also present substantial opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and career advancement within a leading defense contractor.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing the engineering product schedule for a large-scale, complex project like a new aircraft carrier. How do you ensure alignment with overall program objectives and contractual deadlines?" (Focus on your planning, tracking, and risk mitigation strategies).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Tell me about a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between different departments or resolve a significant technical issue involving multiple stakeholders, including government representatives. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills).

• Problem-Solving & Process Improvement: "Describe a process you identified as inefficient within an engineering workflow. What steps did you take to analyze it, propose changes, and implement improvements? What were the quantifiable results?" (Showcase your analytical skills and ability to drive change).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about HII and Newport News Shipbuilding's role in U.S. naval defense? How does that mission resonate with your professional goals?" (Demonstrate your research and alignment with company values).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing environment within an engineering team, especially when working with diverse disciplines and external partners like the government?" (Discuss your leadership and team-building philosophy).

• "How do you measure the success of engineering operations and the impact of your team's work on a major shipbuilding project?" (Focus on KPIs, EVMS, and linking engineering output to construction progress). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with the project's objective and your specific role. Clearly outline the challenge, your actions (processes, tools, decisions), and the measurable results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work – e.g., "reduced schedule variance by 15%", "processed 50+ FMRs on time," "improved drawing approval cycle by 10%."

• Visual Aids: Use simple, clear visuals for charts, process flows, or timelines if presenting slides. Keep them uncluttered and focused on key takeaways.

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize examples that directly relate to project management, contract compliance, process improvement, stakeholder management, and engineering product delivery within complex environments.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about the specifics of your examples – the tools used, the challenges encountered, and alternative approaches considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical knowledge but also leadership capabilities, a strategic mindset, and a deep understanding of the defense contracting and shipbuilding environment. The ability to articulate past successes with quantifiable results and to connect them to the requirements of this role will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Huntington Ingalls Careers portal via the provided URL.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in this job description, such as "ship design management," "engineering product scheduling," "contract compliance," "EVMS," "government customer interface," and "process improvement." Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather specific examples of your work that demonstrate your project management skills, experience with contract deliverables, process optimization initiatives, and stakeholder management. Be ready to walk through your most relevant case studies.

• Research HII & NNS: Thoroughly understand Huntington Ingalls Industries' mission, its role in naval shipbuilding, and the specific challenges and opportunities within the Aircraft Carrier Engineering division. Familiarize yourself with their values and culture.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on your experience in complex project management, engineering operations, and government contracting environments.

⚠️ 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.