About this role
Join DLBA Naval Architects, a division of Gibbs & Cox, Inc., and now part of Leidos — a leading firm in naval architecture, marine engineering, and small-craft design. We are seeking a Marine Engineer with hands-on design and construction experience in boat mechanical systems and marine electrical systems to join our team in Chesapeake, VA. The ideal candidate will have shipyard and design experience and will deliver technical solutions on challenging, fast-paced projects.
Why DLBA?
- Work on a wide variety of projects — from high-performance sportfishing boats to unique programs for clients such as DARPA.
- Collaborate with a technically respected team in the small-craft industry while enjoying the close-knit culture of a smaller group supported by the resources and stability of a larger organization.
- Continuous professional growth through engaging, diverse projects.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide marine engineering design expertise for high-speed and small craft throughout the design lifecycle — concept through detailed design for production.
- Independently develop technical specifications, analysis reports, and calculations, and create designs that meet client and regulatory requirements (ABS, RINA, LR, ISO, USCG). Domains of technical focus include:
- Rudder and steering gear
- Propulsion driveline
- Heating ventilation & cooling (HVAC), including machinery ventilation
- Bilge, ballast, & fire main fluid systems
- Fuel supply and transfer systems
- Seawater cooling systems
- Anchoring & mooring
- Hydraulic fluid power systems
- 12/24 VDC marine electrical
- Single phase and 3-phase low voltage AC marine electrical
- Mentor junior staff.
- Perform quality-control reviews of calculations and drawings prepared by peers.
- Communicate technical attributes to marine designers for CAD 3D models and production drawings.
- Prepare status updates, technical reports, high-level briefings, proposals, specifications, and cost estimates in response to client requests.
Basic Qualifications:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Eligible for Secret DoD security clearance
- B.S. Degree or higher in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field
- 5+ years experience in marine engineering design
- Broad knowledge of marine engineering principles and practices, with deep expertise relevant to small craft and high-speed vessels
- Knowledge of marine electrical engineering, including ability to prepare electric plant load analysis (EPLA), cable schedule, one-line diagram, and electrical bill of material
- Strong familiarity with regulatory requirements (ABS/RINA/LR/ISO/USCG/ABYC)
- Experience developing calculations and drawings for Class and Flag review and approval
- Strong time management and organization skills as an independent contributor
- Demonstrated ability to solve technical problems using first principles hand calculations
- Proficiency in using industry-standard CAD software, including AutoCAD and Rhino
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills
- Proficient with MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Shipyard or boatyard experience
- Professional Engineering License
- Professional certificates of competency in applicable CAD & engineering software
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
January 26, 2026For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
Other facts
About Leidos
Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's global workforce of 48,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023.
Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos.
Your most important work is ahead, visit careers.leidos.com for our latest opportunities.
What you'll do
- Provide marine engineering design expertise for high-speed and small craft throughout the design lifecycle. Develop technical specifications, analysis reports, and calculations while mentoring junior staff.
Ready to join Leidos?
Take the next step in your career journey