Senior Virginia Class Torpedo / Missile Systems Subject Matter Expert (Virginia-Class VPT)

🚀 Join JRC's Missiles & Space Team! 🚀

We are seeking a retired U.S. Navy Torpedoman’s Mate (E-7 or above) with extensive operational experience aboard Virginia-Class submarines, specifically with strike weapon handling and launch operations using the Virginia Payload Tube (VPT) system. This Subject Matter Expert (SME) will directly support the development of the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile – Nuclear (SLCM-N) capability by advising the system development team on shipboard weapons handling, safety, and operational employment. This position plays a critical role in shaping how tactical cruise missiles—particularly SLCM-N—will be safely and effectively integrated, handled, and launched from Virginia-Class submarines, including updates to stowage procedures, strike workflows, and platform support infrastructure. We’re open to structuring this role as full-time or part-time, based on where the candidate is located and their availability.

💼What You'll Do

• Provide senior-level SME support to the SLCM-N development team, focusing on weapons handling and employment using the Virginia Payload Tube (VPT) system.
• Advise stakeholders on shipboard requirements for tactical cruise missile storage, movement, safety protocols, and launch preparation.
• Support the development and validation of system procedures, including handling diagrams, safety certifications, and training materials.
• Participate in system design reviews, load-out planning, casualty response reviews, and shore-based test events.
• Translate operational fleet requirements into executable design elements that ensure safe, secure, and mission-effective employment of nuclear-capable weapons.
• Coordinate with PEO SUB, PEO IWS, NUWC, SSP, and platform integrators to ensure operational feasibility of integration efforts and procedural changes.
• Assist in fielding strategy, logistics support planning, and stakeholder reviews to prepare for SLCM-N deployment aboard Virginia-Class submarines.

🧠What You Bring

• Retired U.S. Navy Torpedoman’s Mate (E-7 or above).
• At least 10 years of operational submarine experience, including direct work with strike weapons handling, munitions safety, and launch system procedures on Virginia-Class SSNs.
• Active or recently adjudicated DoD Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred or ability to obtain).
• Hands-on experience with Virginia Payload Tube (VPT) or legacy Tomahawk launch systems and weapons movement operations.
• Familiarity with strike mission protocols, nuclear-capable ordnance handling, and associated weapons safety regulations.
• Strong technical communication and documentation skills to provide meaningful input to acquisition, logistics, and integration teams.
• Ability to travel up to 25%

⭐Bonus Points

• Experience supporting nuclear weapon systems, missile development programs, or similar high-stakes ordnance handling environments.
• Previous involvement with Ordnance Handling Safety Review Board (OHSRB), weapon certification, or submarine load-out planning.
• Experience working with or supporting NUWC, PEO SUB/IWS, SSP, or Strategic Systems Programs.
• Familiarity with platform integration, strike mission architecture, and nuclear weapons surety practices.