The Defense Sector at Leidos, supporting the Overlord Unmanned Surface Vessel (OMUSV) Program, is seeking a Chief Engineer with a USCG 4000hp or greater license to support a dynamic high growth organization. The O/MUSV program is based in Port Hueneme, CA, and is responsible for delivering cutting edge autonomous vessel technology to the US Navy. The program operates and maintains prototype autonomous vessels for test and evaluation of the vessels as well as developing operations, maintenance, logistics and training procedures for the autonomous Fleet of the future.
The Chief Engineer will supervise, coordinate, advise troubleshooting, and conduct maintenance aboard the Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) in addition to making administrative reports ashore. The Chief Engineer will travel and work onboard the USV at sea and in port, operating and maintaining the USV and support vessels.
Duties include primary responsibility for the USV propulsion system in port and underway, in addition to preparation, preservation, and cleanliness of navy watercraft, and pre/post mission craft readiness functions. Provides facility maintenance expertise and leadership responsibility. Crew will work rotating shifts of approximately 28 days, while on rotation crew should expect to work 12 hour shifts daily.
Primary Responsibilities
- Report to USV Master and Port Captain for pier side and afloat USV operations.
- Take responsibility for first-line maintenance and repairs of USV propulsion system. Perform/ supervise scheduled and corrective maintenance, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and automated control systems.
- Participate in basic seamanship duties as required.
- Assist in preparation, preservation, and cleanliness of assigned vessel, and any associated equipment.
- Coordinate and assist in pre/post mission craft readiness functions.
- May assist in vessel security and visitor control function.
- Participate in Leidos and Government safety programs.
- This position will require close cooperation and working relationships with active-duty military and other Government personnel.
Basic Qualifications
- USCG Merchant Mariner credentials: 4000hp Chief Engineer or greater with corresponding STCW certificates
- Position requires the ability to perform in an arduous duty environments.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to lift 40lbs
- Individuals must possess the ability and demeanor to share common spaces over lengthy deployment periods and work closely with others in a small working area and in a shipboard environment
- Must be able to communicate effectively
- Must pass a background check and be able to gain access to US Navy Facilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working aboard US Government vessels
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:July 21, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
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