Leidos’ Undersea Systems Division is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Supervisor in San Diego, CA to join a fast-paced R&D engineering group. This role is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in underwater vehicle systems, maritime sensors, subsea telemetry, and ISR solutions that support critical defense and national security missions at Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific (NIWC PAC).
Leidos’ USD is a recognized leader in C4ISR technologies, delivering innovative, mission-critical solutions across sensor networks, unmanned systems, and tactical platforms. We’re known for achieving “industry firsts” in the most challenging maritime domains.
The Mechanical Engineering Supervisor will integrate new payloads / sensors into commercial underwater vehicles, conducts testing, and fields them with end users. Candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team, work on a variety of fast paced projects, and interface with key DoD stakeholders. Candidate must have strong technical, organizational, and communications skills. Candidate must be able to multi-task and work well within the team
Join us and be part of a world-class team delivering unmatched solutions for today's most pressing maritime missions.
This position will require the candidate to maintain a Secret Clearance.
This position will require the candidate to work onsite at NIWC Pacific on a 9/80B schedule (80 hours of work into nine days over a two-week period, allowing for every other Friday off) to align with the NIWC government team.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Develop sensor payloads for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
- Develop tools to aid with sensor production and testing
- Design and manage the manufacturing of waterproof housings for sensors and electronics
- Conduct at-sea operational and survivability testing
- Create and manage CAD models of components and assemblies
- Configuration management of mechanical systems and assembly procedures
- Works independently on larger, moderately complex projects/assignments.
- Develops solutions to technical problems that require depth of technical knowledge but are typically limited in complexity.
Basic Qualifications:
- BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- Basic proficiency with Computer Aided Drafting(CAD) skills, SolidWorks or SolidEdge preferred
- Proficiency with machine shop tools, mill, lathe, CNC, 3D Printer
- Experience with Windows and Unix Operating Systems
- Experience designing for the marine environment
- Be able to effectively interact with, articulate opinions, and receive feedback from other technical team members
- Experience with Oceanographic instruments
- Be well-organized, detail-oriented, self-starter with good interpersonal skills,
- Be able to maintain a SECRET security clearance.
- Requires work in various temperatures and inclement weather.
- Required to work in /or in loud production environments.
- Supervise 1+ personnel in their daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly activities and provide mentoring, guidance, and career discussions for direct report employee(s).
- Be responsible for hiring, firing, raises, promotions, and all HR associated actions for direct report employee(s).
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to work in small groups
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work on several project concurrently
- Ability to accomplish tasks independently with minimal oversight
- Ability to create and maintain technical documentation, including test reports and part drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5 GD&T Standard
- Ability to work on a small boat (i.e. not susceptible to motion sickness)
- Navigate lab, office, and warehouse environments-including frequent movement around piers, docks, and facility spaces-with the ability to stoop, kneel, reach for extended periods, and transport objects weighing up to 50 lbs. across the facility.
- Use hands to operate machinery, tools, and computer equipment.
- Climb ladders up to 20 ft and work comfortably in loud production environments, various temperatures, and inclement weather. This includes a willingness to work aboard marine vessels of various sizes, occasionally on an overnight basis.
- Willingness to travel occasionally in support of testing activities.
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:
September 18, 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.

