Biofouling Control Engineer
Vision Point Systems (VPS) is seeking a Biofouling Control Engineer to work alongside our U.S. Navy customer in Bethesda, MD. The Biofouling Control Engineer will evaluate and implement biofouling-control technologies to improve the operational readiness, maintainability, and hydrodynamic efficiency of Navy vessels.
The successful candidate will combine practical waterfront experience with expertise in coatings, preservation, materials testing, and ship systems. The engineer will work with coating developers, Navy personnel, and other technical stakeholders to evaluate antifouling technologies and translate laboratory and field results into practical shipboard solutions.
This is a unique position within VPS and an opportunity to help grow a new technical capability in marine biofouling control. The Biofouling Control Engineer will work within an established multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in Navy corrosion control, coatings, materials engineering, laboratory and field testing, shipboard assessments, and technology transition. The engineer will help connect emerging biofouling-control technologies and research findings with the practical requirements of Navy vessels, waterfront operations, maintenance planning, and fleet implementation.
Responsibilities include:
- Test and evaluate antifouling coatings, materials, and other biofouling-control technologies on test articles, underwater hull structures, and shipboard components.
- Characterize coating performance using laboratory and field testing, including applicable conformance testing in MIL-PRF-24647.
- Evaluate coating preservation condition and support ship-hull coating inspections and assessments.
- Assess the effects of biofouling and hull condition on vessel performance and hydrodynamic efficiency.
- Support shipboard, drydock, and waterfront demonstrations and evaluations of biofouling-control technologies.
- Work with Navy, shipyard, and fleet personnel to develop practical hull cleaning, inspection, preservation, and maintenance approaches.
- Analyze test and field data and develop technically defensible engineering recommendations.
- Manage project schedules, milestones, testing activities, and technical deliverables.
- Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations and communicate results to Government and technical stakeholders.
- Support implementation and transition of successful biofouling-control technologies and processes into Navy applications.
Requirements
- B.S. or M.S. in Marine/Ocean Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Biology/Oceanography, or a related field.
- Practical experience working in active shipyard, drydock, or waterfront environments.
- Demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
- Experience characterizing coating properties, including testing such as the conformance tests specified in MIL-PRF-24647.
- Experience with coating preservation.
- Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, including preparing technical reports and proposals and delivering technical presentations.
- Experience managing timelines, defining milestones, and executing technical deliverables.
- Must be willing and able to travel less than 25% of the time.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with antifouling coatings or other biofouling-control technologies.
- Experience performing ship-hull coating inspections in accordance with ASTM F1130.
- Active AMPP Coating Inspector Program (CIP) or Navy Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI) certification, or willingness to obtain one.
Benefits
Full-time employees with Vision Point Systems qualify for a generous benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance (1× annual salary)
- Short- and Long-Term Disability
- 401(k) with company matching
- Paid Training and Professional Development
- Flexible work hours (when project schedules permit)
- Opportunities for travel on engineering projects
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.