This opportunity resides with All-Domain Operations (ADO) , a business group within HII ’s Mission Technologies division. All-Domain Operations comprises multi-domain operations, platforms and logistics, and intelligence operations.
HII designs, develops, integrates and manages the sensors, systems and other assets necessary to support integrated ISR operations and accelerated decision-making. With data fusion and mission management capabilities for the Department of Defense, the combatant commands and the intelligence community, HII advances the mission around the globe.
Leadership at HII – Mission Technologies
HII ’s Leadership Capability Framework defines the standard of excellence expected of all leaders across Mission Technologies. Leaders are accountable for modeling these capabilities and building them within their teams:
Know & Grow Your People – Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment.
Build Relationships – Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
Take Ownership – Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results.
Customer First – Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners.
Shape the Future – Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities.
Act with Urgency – Make informed decisions and move with purpose.
These capabilities define how leaders inspire teams, deliver results, and shape the future of Mission Technologies.
Summary
The Senior Program Manager, Vessel Acquisition & Modernization is responsible for leading the acquisition, new construction, conversion, modernization, and delivery of Military Sealift Command (MSC) and special mission vessels. This role provides program leadership across complex maritime projects, ensuring compliance with operational, technical, contractual, regulatory, cost, and schedule requirements. The position serves as the primary interface among government stakeholders, shipyards, contractors, and mission partners throughout the vessel lifecycle.
What You Will Do
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.
What We Are Looking For
6 years relevant progressive experience with Bachelors in related field; 4 years relevant progressive experience with Masters in 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.
Demonstrated experience supporting Military Sealift Command (MSC), Navy auxiliary vessels, Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs), special mission vessels, or comparable maritime platforms.
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.
Clearance: Must possess and maintain an active Secret clearance.
Preferred: Bonus Points For...
DAWIA Level II or Level III Certification in Program Management (or equivalent).
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
Experience with Chouest-class or similar commercial vessel platforms.
Experience managing cost-reimbursement, fixed-price, and performance-based logistics contracts.
Prior experience supporting Military Sealift Command (MSC), NAVSEA, Fleet Commands, Combatant Commands, or other Department of Defense organizations.
Former MSC executive, project officer, program manager, or acquisition professional.
NAVSEA shipbuilding, acquisition, modernization, or lifecycle management professional.
Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) with shipbuilding, maintenance, modernization, or shipyard experience.
Civilian shipyard program manager with successful delivery of Navy or MSC vessel programs.
Program manager supporting government-funded vessel modifications, modernization efforts, or mission system integration on Chouest-type or similar vessels.
Demonstrated experience managing complex stakeholder environments involving MSC, Fleet Commands, Combatant Commands, shipyards, prime contractors, and government customers.
Physical Requirements
May be required to visit job site in an industrial or shipboard environment. Normally not required to lift more than 40 pounds higher than three feet above feet/floor level.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII 's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII ’s Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense – the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video:
HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as 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 and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII , you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.
