Lead Deck SME
Job ID: 2026-273
Date Posted: 2026-06-26T00:00:00
Location: San Diego, California
Minimum Experience: 15 years
Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent

Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. is seeking a full-time Lead Deck SME to support U.S. Navy surface ships and military auxiliary vessels in San Diego, CA.

The Lead Deck SME provides enterprise-level expertise for shipboard deck systems while leading team training, technical assessments, and operational readiness initiatives.

This position serves as the senior subject matter expert for seamanship, deck operations, cargo handling, amphibious operations, and maintenance programs supporting mission readiness and safe ship operations.

The Lead Deck Operations & Systems SME oversees technical projects, operational analyses, maintenance coordination, and personnel supervision related to deck systems and equipment identified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The position also provides guidance to shipboard personnel, maintenance activities, and government stakeholders regarding operational procedures, inspection standards, maintenance planning, and lifecycle support for deck-related systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise technical teams supporting deck operations, maintenance activities, engineering analyses, and implementation of technical projects.

• Provide senior-level oversight and coordination for shipboard deck operations aboard Navy warships and military auxiliary vessels.

• Serve as the subject matter expert for:

  • Anchor and windlass systems

  • Mooring systems

  • Boat handling operations

  • Crane operations

  • Stern gate operations

  • Amphibious operations

  • Underway replenishment systems

• Support planning, execution, and evaluation of maintenance activities associated with deck equipment and seamanship systems.

• Ensure compliance with Navy operational procedures, maintenance standards, and safety requirements.

• Analyze operational performance and maintenance data to identify trends, deficiencies, and process improvement opportunities.

• Coordinate with ship's force personnel, waterfront maintenance activities, government representatives, and program stakeholders to resolve technical and operational issues.

• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training support to deck operations personnel and maintenance teams.

• Assist in the development and implementation of maintenance strategies, inspection procedures, and operational readiness programs.

• Prepare technical reports, readiness assessments, operational evaluations, and maintenance documentation for leadership review.

• Support shipboard testing, inspections, certifications, and readiness assessments related to deck systems and operations.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of supervisory experience in:

  • Operational analyses

  • Information system operations

  • Implementation of technical projects

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of supervisory-level experience aboard warships or military auxiliary vessels serving as a Ship's Boatswain or equivalent leadership role responsible for overall deck operations.

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience involving the technical operation and maintenance of:

  • Anchor systems

  • Windlass systems

  • Mooring systems

  • Boat handling equipment

  • Crane systems

  • Stern gate systems

  • Amphibious operations systems

  • Underway replenishment systems

• Demonstrated experience in a management role.

• Direct operational and maintenance experience with deck systems currently employed by the U.S. Navy.

• Demonstrated expertise in seamanship operations, deck equipment maintenance, and shipboard operational safety.

• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and technical problem-solving skills.

• Ability to effectively interface with senior military personnel, civilian leadership, maintenance activities, and technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Twenty-five (25) or more years of experience is highly desirable.

• Prior experience supporting Navy waterfront operations, fleet readiness programs, or depot-level maintenance activities.

• Experience supporting amphibious ships, auxiliary vessels, or underway replenishment operations.

• Familiarity with Navy maintenance databases, technical manuals, and shipboard operational reporting systems.

• Experience managing large-scale operational or maintenance support programs.

• Bachelor's degree in Maritime Operations, Marine Transportation, Engineering Technology, Business Management, or a related field preferred.

• Equivalent Navy training, qualifications, certifications, and operational experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Pay Range

The pay range for this role is $90,000.00-$130,000.00 annually. This is a reasonable estimate for this role. Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

ADA Notations

• 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.

Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.