Vessel Acquisition & Modernization Program Manager

Mission Technologies, a division of HII

. Lead vessel acquisition, shipbuilding, conversion, and modernization programs from planning through delivery and acceptance .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeRemote • Virginia • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $126,363 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading vessel acquisition and shipbuilding programs, ensuring compliance with ABS classification standards and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Proficient in managing complex programs with multiple stakeholders while maintaining strong communication and leadership skills.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Vessel Acquisition ManagementShipbuilding Program LeadershipFAR/DFARS ComplianceMission System IntegrationProject Management Professional (PMP) Certification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program Cost ManagementSchedule ManagementTechnical Performance OversightRisk ManagementConfiguration ManagementChange ManagementAcceptance TestingSea Trials CoordinationContract ManagementGFE Integration

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationStakeholder ManagementProblem-Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

DAWIA Level II CertificationDAWIA Level III CertificationProject Management Professional (PMP)

Industry Keywords

Military Sealift Command (MSC)Navy Vessel Acquisition ProcessesABS Classification StandardsU.S. Coast Guard RegulationsOffshore Support Vessels (OSVs)Combatant CommandsShipyard OperationsPerformance-Based Logistics ContractsChouest-Class VesselsGovernment Contracting Processes

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead vessel acquisition, shipbuilding, conversion, and modernization programs from planning through delivery and acceptance
Manage program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk across multiple stakeholders and contractors
Oversee shipyard contracts and program execution in accordance with FAR and DFARS requirements
Direct configuration management, Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) integration, change management, and acceptance processes
Coordinate vessel testing, sea trials, certifications, and delivery milestones
Ensure compliance with ABS classification requirements, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, Navy standards, and MSC operational requirements
Support integration of mission systems, including small boat operations, aviation support systems, dive and salvage equipment, sensors, and C4I capabilities
Facilitate communication and collaboration among MSC, NAVSEA, Fleet Commands, Combatant Commands, shipyards, prime contractors, and other stakeholders
Provide executive-level program reporting, status updates, and strategic recommendations
May be required to visit job sites in industrial or shipboard environments

Requirements

What you’ll need

6 years relevant progressive experience with a bachelor’s degree in a related field; 4 years relevant progressive experience with a master’s degree in a related field; or high school diploma or equivalent and 10 years relevant progressive experience
8–15+ years of experience leading vessel acquisition, new construction, major conversion, ship modernization, or shipbuilding programs
Experience supporting Military Sealift Command (MSC), Navy auxiliary vessels, Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs), special mission vessels, or comparable maritime platforms
Experience managing complex programs involving multiple government, industry, and operational stakeholders
Strong knowledge of MSC operations, Navy vessel acquisition processes, and maritime mission requirements
Knowledge of ABS classification standards and U.S. Coast Guard regulations
Experience with mission system integration, including small boat operations, aviation support, dive and salvage systems, sensors, and C4I systems
Thorough understanding of FAR/DFARS regulations and government contracting processes
Experience with shipyard operations, contract management, configuration control, GFE management, sea trials, acceptance testing, and risk management
Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills
Must possess and maintain an active Secret clearance
DAWIA Level II or Level III Certification in Program Management (or equivalent) preferred
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred
Experience with Chouest-class or similar commercial vessel platforms preferred
Experience managing cost-reimbursement, fixed-price, and performance-based logistics contracts preferred
Prior experience supporting MSC, NAVSEA, Fleet Commands, Combatant Commands, or other Department of Defense organizations preferred
Relevant former MSC, NAVSEA, Engineering Duty Officer, or civilian shipyard program management experience preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Best-in-class medical, dental, and vision plan choices
Wellness resources
Employee assistance programs
Savings Plan Options (401(k))
Financial planning tools
Life insurance
Employee discounts
Paid holidays
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
Early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships
Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation may occasionally be offered for qualified positions
Valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth