Navy Surface Ship Maintenance & Readiness SME

Position Summary:

Life Cycle Engineering has contingent openings for multiple Ship Maintenance & Readiness Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on the Organic Repair Capability Assessment (ORCA) Team, supporting services for the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) Readiness Assistance Training Team (RATT). The ORCA SMEs serve as experienced technical coaches and assessors who conduct 3- to 4-day shipboard assessments focused on a ship's organic repair capability for Industrial Plant Equipment (IPE). Performing approximately 42 CONUS and 11 OCONUS assessments per year on a 3-year visit cycle per hull. ORCA SMEs work alongside the ship's force personnel to identify IPE material deficiencies, assess maintenance program health, identify training gaps, and provide actionable recommendations that improve the crew's ability to conduct organic repairs. The coaching-based model — advisory, not inspectorial — requires SMEs to establish credibility rapidly with both junior enlisted and senior officers and to translate deep operational expertise into transferable knowledge at the deckplate level. This contract has a contingent start of September 2026.

Security Clearance Requirements: (STANDARD)

• U.S. citizenship required
• Active U.S. DoD Secret security clearance required (Security clearance eligibility may be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
• Ability to maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance
  
  

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: (Provide details of priority/key tasking.)

• Support pre-visit coordination with ship leadership; contribute to tailored assessment planning for assigned hull type and CSMP data review.
• Conduct assigned workshop and IPE assessments during ORCA visits; complete ORCA Workshop Functionality Score Sheets for assigned spaces.
• Document material deficiencies with sufficient specificity to support AWR generation; prepare technically sound draft AWRs for Team Lead review.
• Solicit fleet feedback on workshop configuration adequacy — safety, physical arrangement, material handling, and support services.
• Identify prerequisite Navy training (JQR, PQS, A/C school) for assigned IPE; contribute inputs to the Training/IPE Matrix.
• Provide actionable recommendations for identified discrepancies; identify the appropriate responsible party (ship, ISIC, or TYCOM) for each corrective action.
• Contribute to ORCA contractual deliverables: Final Visit Report, Shipboard Training Summary, and Material Deficiency Report (due five working days post-trip).
• Provide ORCA assessment data to the Team Lead and Analyst for monthly submission to NSWC Corona; ensure data is complete, accurate, and formatted to program standards prior to delivery.
• Conduct CONUS and OCONUS travel in support of the ORCA visit schedule, including extended OCONUS engagements of 4-6 weeks.
  
  

Required Education, Skills, and Experience: (Provide LCAT requirements & must haves.)

• Minimum fifteen (15) years of operational and maintenance experience in one of the below technical specialties aboard Navy surface ships:
• Gas Turbine Main Propulsion and Control Systems
• Diesel Main Propulsion and Control Systems
• Damage Control
• Electrical Systems
• Auxiliaries Systems
• Deck Operations and Systems
• Maintenance, Material Management, and Logistics
• Direct operational and maintenance experience within the last five (5) years with systems and equipment currently in use by the Navy in the assigned specialty area.
• Available for CONUS and OCONUS travel, including extended engagements of 4-6 weeks.
  
  

Preferred Education, Skills and/or Experience: (Provide nice-to-haves.)

• Twenty-five (25) or more years of experience in listed technical specialties.
• Prior RATT or ORCA visit participation as team member or observer.
• Maintenance and training staff experience at ISIC, TYCOM, or Afloat Training Group level.
• Familiarity with NAVSEA AWR preparation standards and format requirements.
• Experience supporting government contract deliverables in a Navy maintenance or training environment .
  
  

Physical Demands and Expectations: (STANDARD)

• Ability to work in an industrial shipboard/shipyard environment, climb shipboard ladders and wear all required safety equipment.
• Able to lift (up to 50lb), carry, and transport heavy equipment and materials required. Able to meet U.S. Navy shiprider requirements
• Must be willing to travel up to 40% of the year to CONUS/OCONUS locations.
• Ability to speak, read, hear and write, with or without assistance
• Ability to use phone and computer systems, copier, fax, and other office equipment.
  
  

This position description re present s a summary of the major components and requirements of the outlined job. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or required as business needs dictate. Questions regarding this description should immediately be addressed to the department manager or to Human Resources.

LIFE CYCLE ENGINEERING

Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) is a privately held, employee-owned company with an emphasis on "doing the right thing the right way”, which applies to the way we treat our customers and employees. We are proud to have been recognized as a "Best Place to Work” in Engineering and in many states and local communities in which we work! Learn more below and at www.lce.com .

Mission

Our mission is to enable people and organizations to achieve their full potential.

As a professional services organization, our mission is focused on our clients' people and organizations. It is our company's cornerstone belief that we will not lead the industry in assisting our clients unless we excel at helping our own people and teams reach their full potential.

Culture

Our corporate culture encourages personal and professional growth because LCE's success depends on the talent, innovation, professionalism, and commitment of its employees. LCE is a strengths-based organization focused on turning individual talents into strengths and then turning individual strengths into organizational performance that supports our clients' success.

Benefits

• Affordable Medical/Dental/Vision Plans for employees and their families
• Free Employee Life and Disability Insurance, with supplemental coverage options available
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Savings Account options
• Company matched 401(k) & company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Paid Vacation, Holiday, Sick Leave
• Continuing Education and Professional Development programs at all levels
• Flexible Schedules and Relaxed Dress Code
• Employer-sponsored events, social collaboration, and open communication
• Free access to an extensive online training library, including certification prep
• Bonus Program for outstanding contributions, Employee Referral Program, numerous Recognition Opportunities, and more...
  
  

*Benefits may vary by business unit and location.

Life Cycle Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, application for or service in the military or status as a disabled veteran or veteran, because of or on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation, and any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.