Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) Combat Systems SME

Public Trust: None

Requisition Type: Pipeline

Your Impact

Own your opportunity to support our nation's defense. Make an impact by connecting and securing critical operations across the globe, keeping our country safe and secure.

Job Description

Transform technology into opportunity as a Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) Combat Systems SME at GDIT. Shape what’s next for mission-critical government projects while shaping what’s next for your engineering career.

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT
As a Lead Combat Systems Subject Matter Expert, the work you’ll do at GDIT will be impactful to the mission of Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Pacific Fleet . You will play a crucial role in all Combat Systems SME activities across Readiness Assistance Training Teams (RATT) .
● Lead/Manage/Support day‑to‑day and long‑range combat systems maintenance and engineering activities, ensuring surface ship combat system readiness and reliability. Guide teams through complex technical efforts that directly enable fleet operational effectiveness and mission execution.
● Collaborate with shipboard crews, government program offices, depot maintenance teams, and training organizations to align maintenance priorities, coordinate technical actions, and maintain clear communication across all levels of the combat systems enterprise.
● Drive system performance by assessing operational outcomes, identifying recurring issues, and implementing corrective measures. Lead teams in overcoming challenging system casualties, advancing maintenance practices, and sustaining high readiness across all supported platforms.
● Utilize deep technical expertise in AEGIS and SSDS combat systems, advanced diagnostic tools, Navy maintenance management systems, engineering documentation, and technical directives to provide oversight, develop procedures, mentor technical personnel, and produce high-quality readiness assessments and program reports.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED
Bring your Combat Systems expertise along with a drive for innovation to GDIT. The Lead Combat Systems SME must have:
● Education: Undergrad, associates, or 7 years management experience
● Experience: 15 years supervisory experience in analysis, IS operations, and implementation (25 years highly desired)
● Technical skills:

• Supervisory expertise overseeing Navy surface ship combat systems maintenance activities

• Significant afloat experience serving as STO, CSMM, or CSOOW on multiple AEGIS and SSDS platforms

• Extensive operational background with combat systems across numerous AEGIS and SSDS‑equipped ships

• Maintenance and training staff experience within ISIC, TYCOM, or Afloat Training Group organizations

• Broad maintenance staff proficiency supporting combat systems readiness and sustainment programs

• Deep understanding of depot‑level combat systems maintenance workflows and requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of combat systems theory, functionality, integration, and lifecycle maintenance

● Security clearance level: Active DoW Secret (or higher)

● US citizenship required
● Role requirements:

• Ability to collaborate with senior military personnel, government engineering teams, shipboard crews, and maintenance facilities

• Willingness to travel to fleet concentration areas, shipyards, and waterfront locations

• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams in operational, maintenance, or modernization environments

• Strong communication, planning, and organizational skills suitable for high‑visibility readiness and sustainment programs

• Support CRUDES teams; conduct combat systems assessments during RATT visits.

• Evaluate AEGIS/SSDS, EW, CIWS, VLS, sonar, SPY radar, networks, EW, countermeasures.

• Perform formal documentation of discrepancies, training reports, and combat‑systems portions of visit reports.

• Required to deliver tailored training and build combat systems training curricula.

• Expect 40–45 weeks travel annually; 30% OCONUS.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE
At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.
● Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
● Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
● Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off
● Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore a career at GDIT and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your ambition to deliver your best work.

Work Requirements

Years of Experience

15 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification

Travel Required

25-50%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required