This position is contingent upon contract award

The  Deck Operations and  & Minesweeping Systems SME provides minesweeping systems training and assessment for MCM platforms; covers minesweeping deck gear and specialized MCM maintenance requirements. 

This position serves as a subject matter expert responsible for supporting operational readiness, maintenance planning, safety compliance, and lifecycle sustainment of deck operations systems currently employed by the U.S. Navy.

The Deck Ops SME provides guidance and oversight for anchor handling systems, mooring equipment, boat operations, crane systems, stern gate operations, amphibious operations equipment, and underway replenishment systems. The position works closely with ship’s force personnel, maintenance organizations, waterfront activities, and government representatives to ensure safe, effective, and mission-ready operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and operational support for deck operations systems aboard Navy warships and military auxiliary vessels.
• Serve as subject matter expert for:
  • Anchor systems,
  • Windlass systems,
  • Mooring equipment,
  • Boat handling,
  • Crane operations,
  • Sterngate systems,
  • Amphibious operations equipment, and
  • Underway replenishment systems (UNREP).
• Support planning, execution, and oversight of maintenance activities involving deck and seamanship systems.
• Conduct technical assessments, inspections, and operational evaluations of deck equipment and associated systems.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to shipboard personnel, maintenance teams, and operational staff regarding deck operations and maintenance procedures.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of operational and maintenance issues affecting deck equipment and seamanship systems.
• Coordinate with ship’s force personnel, maintenance activities, waterfront organizations, and government representatives to ensure operational readiness and maintenance compliance.
• Analyze equipment performance, maintenance trends, casualty reports, and operational data to identify improvement opportunities and enhance mission readiness.
• Ensure compliance with Navy operational procedures, maintenance requirements, engineering standards, and safety regulations.
• Support development and implementation of maintenance procedures, operational instructions, readiness initiatives, and technical documentation.
• Prepare technical reports, readiness assessments, inspection findings, and maintenance evaluations for leadership review.

Required Qualifications

•  Minimum of fifiteen (15) years operating experience assigned to warships/auxiliaries with minesweeping as primary mission
• Direct operational/maintenance experience within last 5 yrs with minesweeping systems, equipment, and deck gear currently employed by Navy
• Knowledgeable regarding specialized maintenance and life-cycle requirements for Navy Minesweeping hull types
• Extensive knowledge of Navy seamanship operations, deck equipment maintenance processes, operational procedures, and safety requirements.
• Demonstrated experience supporting operational readiness and maintenance activities aboard Navy surface ships or military auxiliary vessels.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively interface with senior military leadership, civilian personnel, maintenance organizations, and operational stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting Navy waterfront operations, amphibious operations, or fleet readiness programs.
• Experience supporting shipyard maintenance, depot-level maintenance, or modernization activities involving deck systems and seamanship equipment.
• Familiarity with Navy maintenance databases, technical documentation systems, and readiness reporting tools.
• Experience supporting training programs or operational assessments related to seamanship and deck operations.
• Bachelor’s degree or associate degree in Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, Engineering Technology, Naval Science, Logistics, or a related technical field.

Work Environment

• Work may be performed in office environments, shipboard locations, waterfront operations areas, maintenance facilities, or shipyards.
• Position may require travel to fleet concentration areas, operational commands, maintenance facilities, and shipboard locations in support of inspections, maintenance activities, and operational readiness efforts.

Security Clearance

• Active DoD security clearance (Secret or higher) required.