Lead Diesel Engine Inspector (DEI)

Clearance Level
Secret
Category
Professional Engineering
Location
San Diego, California
(Onsite Workplace)
Key Skills For Success

Leadership

Military Personnel

Prioritization

Procedure Development

Strategic Objectives

REQ#: RQ223579
Public Trust: None
Requisition Type: Regular
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

Lead Diesel Engine Inspector (DEI)

Make meaningful contributions that fuel critical outcomes for some of the most complex government, defense, and intelligence projects. Join GDIT as a Lead Diesel Engine Inspector (DEI) for a career where your growth is just as important as the mission you support.

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT
As a Lead Diesel Engine Inspector (DEI), the work you’ll do at GDIT will be impactful to the Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Pacific Fleet mission. You will play a crucial role in ensuring diesel‑propelled ships maintain peak material readiness, improved propulsion reliability, and enhanced self‑sufficiency through accurate inspections, targeted engineering assessments, and elevated Sailor proficiency.

● Lead/Manage/Support inspection teams in planning, preparing, and conducting comprehensive diesel engine assessments across multiple ship classes. Support fleet readiness by verifying material condition, identifying systemic issues affecting diesel propulsion performance, and guiding ship engineering departments toward corrective actions that strengthen operational availability.

● Collaborate with shipboard engineering teams, maintenance activity personnel, ISIC/TYCOM representatives, and fleet technical authorities to synchronize inspection schedules and align propulsion improvement efforts with fleet readiness priorities. Work alongside Diesel Engine Inspectors, EOOWs, and engineering leadership to develop shared solutions that improve maintenance and operational outcomes.

● Drive meaningful improvements in diesel propulsion system performance by applying decades of engineering experience to diagnose complex failures, analyze maintenance trends, and recommend sustainment strategies that increase reliability. Champion innovative inspection practices, root‑cause analysis techniques, and engineering approaches that help ships resolve persistent diesel engine challenges and maintain safe, dependable operations.

● Utilize extensive hands‑on experience with diesel main propulsion systems, diesel generators, control systems, and auxiliary equipment — including recent operational exposure — to conduct high‑fidelity inspections and deliver authoritative technical recommendations. Leverage deep knowledge of depot‑level maintenance processes, configuration accuracy, and engineering watchstanding practices (EOOW/PPWO/Chief Engineer roles) to assess propulsion readiness and mentor engineering teams.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED
Bring your marine engineering, propulsion, and diesel inspection expertise along with a drive for innovation to GDIT. The Lead Diesel Engine Inspector (DEI) must have:

● Education: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Associate degree, Navy technical schooling, or equivalent service experience may also qualify)

● Experience: 5+ years of related experience, with more than fifteen years of supervisory and technical leadership supporting Navy engineering operations, propulsion systems, or shipboard maintenance programs (25+ years highly desirable)

● Technical skills:

  • Extensive experience as EOOW on diesel‑propelled ships
  • At least two tours as a certified Navy Diesel Engine Inspector
  • Hands‑on experience within the past five years with diesel main propulsion systems, diesel generators, control systems, and auxiliaries
  • Strong understanding of depot‑level maintenance processes and configuration management
  • Proficiency in propulsion system analysis, root‑cause determination, and shipboard engineering assessments
  • Broad experience in supervising engineering teams and conducting shipboard inspections

● Security clearance level: DoD Secret (or higher)

● US citizenship required

● Role requirements:

  • Ability to lead engineering inspection teams and provide mentorship to shipboard engineering personnel
  • Comfortable conducting assessments aboard ships, in shipyards, and in waterfront maintenance environments
  • Willingness to travel to fleet concentration areas to support inspection and engineering engagements
  • Strong communication skills to present findings and brief senior shipboard and fleet leadership
  • Ability to work collaboratively with ship’s force, maintenance teams, ISIC/TYCOM staff, and fleet engineering authorities

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

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely salary range for this position is $161,500 - $218,500. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.

Our Identity Verification Process

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.

Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans