NAVSEA recruits auto workers for shipbuilding

The U.S. Navy's largest systems command, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is recruiting displaced mid-career automotive engineering professionals.

At a time when many companies are downsizing, NAVSEA continues to need mid-career employees — particularly engineers, scientists, and skilled tradesmen. Positions are open at NAVSEA's headquarters and affiliated program executive offices in Washington, D.C., as well as naval warfare centers, shipyards and Navy-sponsored University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) across the country.

"These are experienced, mid-career men and women who can immediately make a contribution to our organization," said NAVSEA Commander Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy. "They come from diverse backgrounds, and can help us think in different ways in terms of manufacturing: Lean initiatives, production line techniques and modern design. These are great Americans whose skills and experience across the engineering/project management disciplines would prove a great addition to our workforce."

At a career fair in Livonia, Mich., last month, NAVSEA recruiters collected more than 240 resumes from qualified applicants who were interested in transitioning from designing cars to developing and maintaining U.S. Navy ships and systems.

NAVSEA will hold the first round of interviews next week with more than 30 candidates for the Naval Acquisition Associates Program (NAAP), a two-year developmental program designed to prepare mid-level professionals to transition to careers in Navy acquisition.

"I always wanted to work on military technology, but didn't want to join the military," said displaced automotive supply engineer Mike Gojcaj. "And, going to engineering school in Detroit pretty much programs you to end up in the automotive sector. It was exciting and motivating to finally realize that I could work for the Navy as a civilian!"

With 33 activities and 53,000 civilian and military personnel, NAVSEA engineers, builds, buys, and maintains the U.S. Navy's ships, submarines, and combat systems.