Combat Systems Radar Engineer

This full-time Combat Systems Radar Engineer role supports a major U.S. Navy program focused on combat system integration for surface ships. You will provide technical expertise on radar and combat systems, contributing to the physical design, installation, testing, and maintenance of complex shipboard systems. The position is based on-site in Dahlgren, VA, and offers the opportunity to work on non-AEGIS platforms, including amphibious ships, submersibles, and aircraft carriers, helping ensure the safety and readiness of the nation’s warfighters.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate actively with a team of engineers, technicians, and support personnel to provide ship integration services covering physical design, installation, testing, and maintenance of U.S. Navy combat systems.
• Perform detailed technical reviews of planned ship upgrades and coordinate Ship Integration Liaison Action Records (LARs), providing clear written comments on potential system and ship integration or installation issues and impacts.
• Generate and conduct technical reviews of integration and engineering Ship Change Documents (SCDs) to support combat system modifications and ship alterations.
• Review proposed combat system changes to identify potential conjunctive alteration impacts with other ship systems and recommend mitigation approaches.
• Participate in assessment events related to the integration and testing of ship systems, including radar and associated combat system components.
• Conduct ship checks to document existing compartment arrangements, system configurations, and installation conditions to support accurate design and integration planning.
• Support and participate in program reviews, teleconferences, working groups, and other technical meetings, providing subject matter expertise on combat system radar and ship integration topics.
• Utilize ship installation drawings and ship system design processes, including SCDs, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), and Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), to support integration activities.
• Apply knowledge of Navy radars and ship specification documents during technical reviews and integration planning to ensure compliance with applicable standards and requirements.
• Use tools such as AutoCAD and related technical documentation to review and interpret block wiring diagrams, line diagrams, and ship installation drawings for combat system equipment.

• Minimum of 6 years of experience as a Fire Control Technician (FC) or Electronic Technician (ET), or at least 5 years of experience in ship design or integration in a relevant defense or naval environment.
• Proven experience with ship system design processes, including Ship Change Documents (SCDs), Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), and Engineering Change Requests (ECRs).
• Familiarity with combat system block wiring and line diagrams, including the ability to interpret and review complex electrical and system schematics.
• Hands-on experience with Navy radar systems and their integration into shipboard combat systems.
• Familiarity with U.S. Navy ship specification documents, such as General Specifications (GSO), ship specifications, and applicable standards.
• Specific experience in one or more radar or sensor systems, such as AN/SPS-73(V)18 NGSSR, SPQ-9B, EASR AN/SPY-6(V), INTERROGATOR SET AN/UPX-45(C) IFF.
• Experience in one or more combat system domains, such as Command and Control (C2), Electronic Warfare (EW), Ship Self Defense System (SSDS), or Exterior Communication Systems (Excoms).
• Ability to perform thorough technical reviews of ship installation drawings, technical documentation, and Ship Change Documents.
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. SECRET security clearance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to document findings, provide written comments, and participate effectively in meetings and working groups.

• Recent and verifiable experience supporting Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) ship integration efforts is preferred.
• Experience working with combat system integrations on non-AEGIS platforms, including amphibious ships, submersibles, and aircraft carriers, is highly beneficial.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar computer-aided design tools to review and interpret technical drawings and ship installation documentation.
• Familiarity with ship installation drawings and the overall ship integration lifecycle, from design through testing and maintenance.
• A current SECRET security clearance is a plus.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 10% of the time; possession of a valid U.S. passport is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify integration impacts and propose practical solutions.
• Comfort working in cross-functional teams, including engineers, technicians, and program support personnel, in a structured defense environment.

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Dahlgren, VA. You will work in a collaborative environment alongside engineers, technicians, and support staff focused on U.S. Navy ship integration and combat systems engineering. The role involves regular interaction with ship installation drawings, ship specification documents, and technical data, as well as use of tools such as AutoCAD and other engineering software. Occasional travel, estimated at up to 10%, may be required for ship checks, integration events, and program reviews. The work centers on modern naval platforms, including non-AEGIS ships such as amphibious vessels, submersibles, and aircraft carriers, supporting complex radar and combat system technologies in a professional defense-oriented setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Dahlgren, VA.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Dahlgren,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $30 - $35