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

Date Posted: August 16, 2026

Experience Level: 7-9 Years (relevant exempt experience)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage and ensure adherence to engineering product schedules, including product model files, drawings, diagrams, and inspection reports, critical for new construction carriers.

• Coordinate the processing and tracking of contract data deliverables, deviations from specification, and evaluations of proposed changes to maintain project integrity.

• Oversee resolution of engineering issues and concerns, facilitating cross-departmental communication and problem-solving to ensure smooth project execution.

• Serve as a key engineering representative for the division, actively participating in critical meetings and client interactions.

• Drive continuous improvement for engineering products and processes, ensuring alignment with contract technical requirements and NNS standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Aircraft Carrier Engineering (ACE) Division, specifically focusing on New Construction Carriers. The "Engineer 4" title, combined with the required experience level and responsibilities, indicates a senior-level engineering management position with a strong emphasis on project delivery, contract compliance, and stakeholder management within a complex, large-scale manufacturing environment. The focus on "product model files, drawings, diagrams, Inspection Reports, scopes, liabilities" highlights a need for robust engineering documentation and process control.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive schedules for all engineering products, ensuring timely delivery of critical documentation such as product model files, drawings, diagrams, inspection reports, and scopes.

• Manage the lifecycle of deviations from specification, contract data deliverables, and evaluations of proposed changes, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and technical standards.

• Lead problem-solving initiatives to address engineering issues and concerns, fostering collaboration between various departments to achieve efficient and effective resolutions.

• Represent the engineering division in key meetings, including Plan of the Week, construction/planning agendas, technical issues meetings, quality reviews, and new work kickoffs, ensuring engineering perspectives are integrated.

• Act as the primary engineering liaison with government customers across all project phases, from initial tasking to managing contract changes and ensuring client satisfaction.

• Review, coordinate, and oversee the implementation of all contractual changes, including Field Modification Requests (FMRs), Headquarters Modification Requests (HMRs), Government Furnished Information (GFI) updates, and change orders.

• Drive the development and implementation of new engineering processes under the contract, while also reviewing and updating existing processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

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

• Conduct thorough reviews of technical specifications (Contract, letters, ships specifications) to ensure NNS processes and procedures align with and meet contract technical requirements.

• Support program initiatives and continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to optimize engineering products and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of direct project oversight, process management, and stakeholder engagement. The explicit mention of "product model files, drawings, diagrams, Inspection Reports, scopes, liabilities" points to a need for meticulous attention to detail in engineering documentation and a strong understanding of the full engineering product lifecycle in a shipbuilding context. The inclusion of EVMS and budget monitoring suggests a financial accountability aspect to the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Engineering is preferred and may reduce the years of experience required. Experience:

• A minimum of 9 years of relevant exempt experience is required for a Bachelor's degree holder.

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience is required for a Master's degree holder.

• A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience is required for a Ph.D. holder. Required Skills:

• 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.

• Strong understanding of project management principles and the ability to manage engineering product schedules effectively.

• Proven ability to coordinate and track complex deliverables and changes within a contractual framework.

• Excellent cross-departmental communication and problem-solving skills to facilitate issue resolution.

• Experience interfacing with government customers and stakeholders in a professional capacity.

• Ability to review and ensure adherence to technical specifications and contract requirements. Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated project management skills and certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional).

• Waterfront engineering experience.

• 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 scheduling drawing products and other engineering output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an ABET-accredited engineering degree and specific years of experience are standard for senior engineering roles. The emphasis on "NNS New Construction processes, Ford-class Ship Specifications" indicates a need for domain-specific knowledge. The preferred skills, particularly PMP certification and experience with specific government entities (SOS, NAVSEA05), suggest a career path geared towards large-scale government contracting and project leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successfully managed engineering product schedules, demonstrating on-time delivery of complex documentation sets.

• Present case studies of how you have managed deviations from specification, contract data deliverables, and change orders, highlighting process adherence and problem-solving.

• Include documentation illustrating your experience in process improvement initiatives within an engineering or manufacturing context.

• Provide examples of how you have facilitated cross-departmental communication and resolved complex technical issues.

• Demonstrate experience in reviewing and interpreting technical specifications and ensuring compliance. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to developing and maintaining engineering process documentation for complex projects, such as ship design.

• Provide examples of how you have implemented or improved engineering workflows to enhance efficiency and product quality.

• Showcase your ability to monitor and report on process performance, using metrics to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be explicitly requested in the traditional sense for this role, candidates are expected to demonstrate their experience and capabilities through their resume, interview discussions, and potentially through specific examples of past projects and process improvements. The emphasis on "engineering products" and "processes" suggests that candidates should be prepared to discuss their involvement in the lifecycle of technical documentation and workflow optimization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $124,000.00 to $153,000.00 annually. The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range.

Benefits:

• Medical insurance

• Prescription drug plan

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• On-site health centers

• Tele-medicine

• Wellness resources

• Employee assistance programs

• 401k savings plan

• Financial education and planning tools

• Life insurance

• Tuition reimbursement

• Employee discounts

• Early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically 1st shift. This is an on-site role and not eligible for telework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a senior engineering management role in the Newport News, Virginia area, reflecting the specialized nature of shipbuilding and defense contracting. The extensive benefits package offered by HII is comprehensive, covering health, financial planning, education, and employee well-being, which is typical for large industrial employers. The "1st shift" designation indicates a standard daytime work schedule.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Shipbuilding and Defense Technology. Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is a leading provider of naval ships and defense solutions, with a significant focus on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and submarines.

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

Founded: Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) has a long history, with HII itself having roots tracing back to the early 20th century. This implies a culture steeped in tradition, expertise, and long-term commitment to national defense.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Aircraft Carrier Engineering (ACE) Division, specifically focusing on New Construction Carriers.

• The team likely consists of a mix of experienced engineers, project managers, technical specialists, and support staff involved in the design and engineering phases of carrier construction.

• Reporting to a Ship Design Manager or higher leadership within the ACE Division, with direct interface to program management and government representatives.

• Collaboration is expected across various engineering disciplines, production, planning, quality assurance, and government oversight entities. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the mention of Earned Value Management System (EVMS) performance monitoring and reporting.

• Process optimization is a key theme, with responsibilities focused on improving engineering products and workflows.

• Strong emphasis on adherence to contractual requirements, technical specifications, and quality standards, typical of defense contracting.

• Collaborative problem-solving is essential, requiring effective communication and coordination across diverse teams and stakeholders.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: HII's culture is deeply rooted in its history as a critical defense contractor, emphasizing safety, quality, and national service. For operations professionals, this means a highly structured environment, a focus on long-term projects, and a commitment to rigorous standards and compliance. The scale of operations suggests ample opportunities for career advancement and specialization within engineering and project management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Engineer 4," indicating a senior-level position. It sits below senior management but above entry to mid-level engineering roles. It requires significant experience in engineering management, project execution, and stakeholder interaction within the shipbuilding or heavy industry sector. The Deputy Ship Design Manager title signifies a leadership role with direct responsibility for key project deliverables and team coordination.

Reporting Structure:

• The Deputy Ship Design Manager will report to a Ship Design Manager or a higher-level engineering director within the Aircraft Carrier Engineering (ACE) Division.

• This role will involve direct interaction with program office leadership, government customer representatives (e.g., Supervisor of Shipbuilding), and cross-functional department heads.

• The position requires leading and influencing teams, even without direct line management authority over all individuals, through coordination and oversight of engineering products and processes. Operations Impact:

• The Deputy Ship Design Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the successful and timely delivery of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, which are vital national assets.

• Their work directly impacts the engineering schedule, budget, and quality of the final product, influencing program performance and client satisfaction.

• Effective management of engineering products and processes contributes to cost savings, risk mitigation, and adherence to complex contractual obligations, thereby impacting the company's financial performance and reputation. Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in naval shipbuilding processes, Ford-class carrier specifications, and advanced project management techniques. Potential to gain certifications like PMP if not already held.

• Leadership Development: Transition to a full Ship Design Manager role, leading larger teams and more complex projects. Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and develop leadership capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into other senior engineering management roles within HII, or into program management, operations management, or strategic planning roles across different HII divisions or defense sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Deputy Ship Design Manager at HII is clearly defined within large-scale project management and engineering leadership. The role is a stepping stone to more senior management positions, offering significant opportunities for professional growth in a high-stakes, mission-critical industry. The emphasis on government contracting and complex engineering projects provides a strong foundation for future leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, requiring the employee to work from Huntington Ingalls' Newport News Shipbuilding facility. The environment will be a mix of office-based work (for planning, coordination, and reporting) and potentially some interaction with the shipyard floor or design studios.

Office Location(s): Newport News, Virginia. This location is a major hub for shipbuilding and defense contracting, offering a specific regional context for operations professionals.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with various engineering disciplines, project managers, production teams, and government representatives. Expect frequent meetings, design reviews, and problem-solving sessions.

• Tools and Technology: Access to sophisticated engineering design software, project management tools, and internal company systems for documentation, scheduling, and reporting will be provided. Familiarity with these types of systems is expected.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with a dedicated team of engineers and support staff, as well as regular engagement with stakeholders across different departments and external agencies. The environment will be fast-paced and demanding, given the nature of shipbuilding.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typically during the 1st shift (daytime). While not eligible for telework, the company offers comprehensive benefits and a stable work environment. Occasional overtime may be required to meet critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving direct oversight of large-scale manufacturing and construction projects. The blend of office and potential on-site interaction means candidates should be comfortable with both analytical/planning work and engaging with operational teams. The emphasis on collaboration and stakeholder management is paramount in this environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager (likely the Ship Design Manager) to evaluate technical expertise, project management capabilities, leadership style, and fit with the team's culture. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with other members of the engineering team or cross-functional stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, technical knowledge, and cultural fit.

• Potential Technical Assessment/Case Study: While not explicitly stated, for senior engineering management roles, there's a possibility of a technical challenge or case study related to schedule management, process improvement, or issue resolution in a shipbuilding context.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership within the division or department.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume as a Portfolio: Your resume should act as your primary portfolio, clearly detailing your experience with engineering products, schedule management, contract compliance, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement. Use quantifiable achievements whenever possible.

• Case Study Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific projects where you managed engineering schedules, resolved complex technical issues, implemented process improvements, or interfaced with government clients. Structure your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight experience directly related to shipbuilding, defense contracts, large-scale project management, and engineering product lifecycle management. Emphasize familiarity with NNS processes or similar environments.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Showcase your ability to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and drive results, even if not in a direct line management capacity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Optimization Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach optimizing engineering workflows, improving the delivery of technical documentation, or managing change requests in a large, complex project.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to articulate your approach to resolving technical conflicts, addressing deviations from specifications, or managing budget and staffing challenges.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice explaining how you would communicate with diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, senior management, and various engineering teams, to achieve project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to articulate their experience with detailed examples, focusing on their ability to manage complex engineering projects within a regulated and demanding environment. The absence of explicit "portfolio" requirements means that the resume and interview responses are key. Highlighting experience with government contracts and large-scale engineering projects will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Likely includes tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar enterprise-level systems).

• CAD/CAM Software (Familiarity): While not a designer, understanding the output and workflow of CAD/CAM systems (e.g., CATIA, AutoCAD, SolidWorks) used for product model files and drawings is beneficial.

• ERP/MRP Systems: Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning or Material Requirements Planning systems for managing resources, procurement, and production planning.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Earned Value Management System (EVMS) Tools: Proficiency in using or interpreting data from EVMS for project performance tracking and reporting is essential.

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools that can process and analyze project data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement (e.g., Excel with advanced functions, potentially BI tools like Tableau or Power BI).

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating or utilizing dashboards to communicate project status, KPIs, and performance metrics to various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While less direct for this engineering management role, understanding how CRM systems might interface with project data (e.g., customer feedback, contract details) could be advantageous.

• Automation in engineering processes: Familiarity with how automation is applied in engineering documentation, workflow management, or data processing within shipbuilding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily geared towards project management, engineering documentation, and large-scale industrial operations. While deep technical expertise in specific design software might not be required, understanding the output and integration of these systems is crucial for effective management. EVMS proficiency is a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: HII places a paramount emphasis on safety in all operations, especially in a shipyard environment. Expect a culture that prioritizes safe work practices and environmental responsibility.

• Quality & Precision: Given the critical nature of naval vessels, a strong commitment to high-quality engineering and manufacturing is fundamental. Precision in execution and adherence to specifications are non-negotiable.

• Integrity & Ethics: As a defense contractor, HII operates under strict ethical guidelines and a commitment to integrity in all dealings, particularly with government clients.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: The complexity of shipbuilding requires extensive collaboration across diverse teams. A culture that values teamwork and open communication is essential for success.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: While traditional, HII also fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to enhance efficiency, adopt new technologies, and meet evolving defense requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly integrated approach where engineering, production, planning, and quality assurance teams work closely together. The Deputy Ship Design Manager will be a key facilitator of this integration.

• Process Review and Feedback: A culture that encourages regular review of processes and provides constructive feedback to drive improvements. Open dialogue and a willingness to adapt are valued.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at HII is shaped by its long-standing history, its role in national defense, and the inherent complexities of shipbuilding. Operations professionals will find a structured, safety-conscious, and quality-driven environment that demands strong collaboration and adherence to rigorous standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Schedules: Balancing multiple engineering deliverables, contract requirements, and potential shipyard disruptions for large-scale carrier construction projects presents a significant scheduling challenge.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Effectively managing the expectations and requirements of diverse stakeholders, including internal management, production teams, and government customers, requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Process Adaptation: Implementing and overseeing new engineering processes while ensuring compliance with existing contractual obligations and maintaining high quality can be demanding.

• Technical Issue Resolution: Diagnosing and facilitating the resolution of complex technical issues that may arise during design and construction, often under tight deadlines.

• Adapting to Evolving Requirements: Keeping pace with evolving naval requirements, technological advancements, and potential changes in government directives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Gain in-depth expertise in naval shipbuilding, specific carrier class designs (Ford-class), and advanced project/program management within a defense context.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue or enhance certifications such as PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or specialized defense industry accreditations.

• Leadership Development: Access to HII's leadership training programs, mentorship opportunities, and pathways to higher management roles within engineering and operations.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with advanced design and manufacturing technologies used in modern naval vessel construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are inherent to managing large, complex, and high-stakes projects in a specialized industry. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement within a leading defense contractor.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe how you would approach developing and managing the engineering product schedule for a new aircraft carrier construction project, considering potential risks and dependencies."

  • Preparation: Focus on your experience with detailed scheduling, risk assessment, critical path analysis, and your understanding of shipbuilding project lifecycles.

• Stakeholder Management: "How would you manage conflicting priorities between the engineering team, the production floor, and the government customer regarding a design change request?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize your communication skills, negotiation tactics, and ability to find mutually beneficial solutions, using examples of past cross-functional collaboration.

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a time you encountered a significant technical issue in a project that impacted schedule or budget. How did you identify the root cause, and what steps did you take to resolve it?"

  • Preparation: Use the STAR method. Highlight your analytical skills, problem-solving methodology, and ability to drive resolution in a complex environment.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations: "What do you understand about Huntington Ingalls' role in U.S. naval defense, and how do you see the Deputy Ship Design Manager role contributing to that mission?"

  • Preparation: Research HII's mission, recent projects, and its importance to national security. Connect your role's impact to this broader mission.

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster collaboration and accountability among engineering professionals."

  • Preparation: Align your response with HII's values of teamwork, safety, and quality. Discuss your leadership style and how you motivate teams.

• Operations Impact Measurement: "How have you measured the success of engineering processes or projects in your previous roles? What KPIs are most important to you?"

  • Preparation: Discuss metrics like schedule adherence, budget performance (EVMS), quality of deliverables, and stakeholder satisfaction.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume as a Guide: Be prepared to walk through your resume, highlighting key projects and responsibilities that demonstrate your suitability for this role.

• Case Study Deep Dive: Select 1-2 significant projects where you managed complex engineering deliverables, schedules, or process improvements. Clearly articulate the situation, your role, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results.

• Focus on Process and Impact: For each example, emphasize the processes you followed, the challenges you overcame, and the positive impact on the project (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, risk mitigation).

• Technical Specification Understanding: Be ready to discuss your experience in interpreting and working with technical specifications and contract documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of project management, engineering processes, and stakeholder engagement within a large-scale, government-contracted industrial environment. Specific examples and the ability to articulate past successes will be critical.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official Huntington Ingalls Industries careers portal via the provided URL.

• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to explicitly highlight experience in engineering product management, schedule adherence, contract data management, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement within complex industrial or defense sectors. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific projects that demonstrate your ability to manage engineering deliverables, resolve technical issues, and improve processes. Prepare concise case studies using the STAR method, focusing on your role and the impact of your actions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Huntington Ingalls Industries, its mission, its role in naval shipbuilding, and the specific challenges and opportunities within the defense industry. Understand the significance of the Ford-class carriers.

• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your experience and responses to common interview questions, particularly those related to project management, problem-solving, and stakeholder communication in large-scale engineering 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.