The Department of the Navy is seeking talented professionals for a high-impact Engineer/Scientist role at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) in Dahlgren, Virginia. This permanent, full-time opportunity in the Warfare Architecture and Engineering Division offers a salary range of $101,401 – $156,755 (ND-4 pay band, equivalent to GS-12/GS-13) and the chance to shape the future of U.S. Navy surface combat systems.
Posted as a public notice flyer (announcement DE-12828058-26-JLM), this opening targets experts in systems engineering, combat systems integration, and emerging technologies like AEGIS, LCS, DDG 1000, and SSDS. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through November 2, 2026, making it an excellent time for qualified candidates to apply.
Why This Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Job Stands Out
NSWCDD plays a critical role in developing and integrating advanced warfare capabilities for the U.S. Navy. As an Engineer/Scientist in the Systems of Systems Engineering Branch, you’ll lead technical efforts in:
- Performing advanced combat system integration and requirements engineering
- Executing systems engineering processes, architecture development, and initial design for next-generation integration concepts
- Providing leadership and direct engineering support for capability upgrades across major Navy platforms
- Developing architecture models, requirements, and integration options — including concept papers, performance analysis, and cost evaluations
- Collaborating with sponsors, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams (government, industry, FFRDCs, and UARCs) on fast-paced prototyping and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) initiatives
- Applying agile development, data analytics, and innovative methodologies to deliver warfighter capabilities
This position supports mission-critical work in surface combat systems and new weapon integration, offering meaningful contributions to national defense.
Key Qualifications and Requirements for This Federal Engineering Job
To qualify, you need at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the ND-03 (GS-09–11) level, demonstrating:
- Application of systems engineering principles to research, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and develop software-intensive systems
- Hands-on experience in systems engineering analysis and design, agile methodologies, data analytics, and MBSE tools
- Leadership in rapid prototyping with cross-functional teams
- Knowledge of systems engineering best practices to deliver value on complex tasks
- Ability to conduct engineering design, development, and analysis that identifies and recommends functionality to meet warfighter needs
Education Requirements (must meet OPM standards for one of these series):
- 0801/0850 (Engineering): Bachelor’s degree in engineering (ABET-accredited preferred) or equivalent combination of education/experience, including calculus and advanced engineering/physics courses
- 1520 (Mathematics): Degree in mathematics (or equivalent with 24+ semester hours in math)
- 1550 (Computer Science): Degree in computer science or bachelor’s with 30 semester hours in math/statistics/computer science (including calculus)
Additional must-haves:
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance
- Willingness to complete a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) and random testing
- Occasional travel (CONUS/OCONUS, including remote sites via military/commercial aircraft)
Telework: Ad-hoc/situational telework eligible at management’s discretion.
How to Apply for This Dahlgren, VA Navy Engineer/Scientist Role
This is a public notice flyer — applications aren’t accepted directly through the announcement. Instead:
- Prepare a concise resume (limited to 2 pages) highlighting relevant experience, duties, accomplishments, employers, dates (Mo/Yr), hours/week, and federal pay plan/series/grade if applicable.
- Email your resume/application package to: DLGR_NSWC_jobinfo@navy.mil
- Use subject line: DE-12828058-26-JLM
- Submit by November 2, 2026 (applications reviewed as vacancies arise)
Required supporting documents may include transcripts (for education-based qualification), DD-214/veterans docs if claiming preference, professional licenses/certifications, etc. Full details on required documents and evaluation are in the original announcement.
Pro Tip: Tailor your resume to mirror the specialized experience keywords (e.g., “systems engineering,” “MBSE,” “agile development,” “combat systems integration”) to strengthen your package.
Benefits of a Career at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren
Joining the Department of the Navy means access to a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching
- Paid leave, holidays, and flexible work options
- Professional development opportunities in a high-tech defense environment
No relocation expenses are authorized, but the role offers stability, purpose, and competitive pay in a scenic Virginia location near historic sites and the Potomac River.
Ready to Advance Your Career in Defense Systems Engineering?
If you have expertise in systems engineering for combat systems, AEGIS integration, or MBSE/agile prototyping, this could be your next big opportunity. Don’t wait — prepare your 2-page resume and email it today to DLGR_NSWC_jobinfo@navy.mil with the correct subject line.
For the full official details, visit the USAJOBS announcement: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/849215100