New Professional Program

The New Professional Program is looking for scientists and engineers to enhance our nation’s technological development. We conduct research and development using today’s state-of the-art technologies.

Some areas of emphasis include robotics, rapid prototyping, cybersecurity, RF engineering, big data, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning. We are primarily focused on hiring electrical engineers, computer engineers, computer scientists, and mechanical engineers; other science and engineering degrees are often considered as the Center’s needs evolve.

Candidates with a master’s degree are expected take on more technically advanced roles and leadership responsibilities, but can also be involved in research at NIWC Pacific.

Candidates with a Ph.D. focus on research and often function as senior-level networkers and liaisons to bring in larger research efforts from organizations such as:

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Office of Naval Research (ONR)
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)

Doctorate-level candidates are expected to have a clear vision of future technology and ideas for furthering current state-of- the-art technology.

The New Professional Program is a two-year career development opportunity designed to bridge the gap between formal academic training and professional work. Welcomed and mentored in a diverse environment, you will have opportunities to network and develop your technical and professional skills. The NP Program employs scientists and engineers who hold B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in a variety of fields, including Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and other technical disciplines. During the first six months, you will work at Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC Pacific) in various areas related to your educational background and interests. This program will consist of two three-month tours with different projects. In general, finding a tour is up to the New Professional, and during the tour you will see how you fit in with both the work as well as the people. Upon completion you will decide which group to join more permanently. Throughout the remainder of this program you will progress through a structured developmental training curriculum. You will also participate in various field trips around the Center, meetings with colleagues, social events, outreach events, and lab tours to gain exposure to the wide variety of cutting-edge work done here at NIWC Pacific.

The New Professional Program involves a lot more than just two three-month rotational tours. For the first two years of your career here, several dozen fellow New Professionals will join you while you learn the ins and outs of the Center and all the ways that NIWC Pacific serves the U.S. Navy and greater Department of Defense. These orientations come through site visits to different parts of NIWC Pacific, as well as to nearby military installations, speeches on technology and Center culture by experienced employees, and poster sessions and presentations where New Professionals can explain to each other the varied and interesting work they’re doing.

Additionally, part of the New Professional Program’s ambition is to kick-start the careers of enthusiastic engineers and scientists who may wish to perform research. To that end, there exist several research communities of interest and an internal proposal program. If you have an idea, all you need to do is make a good pitch and you can be free to work on something you’re truly passionate about. Being a New Professional isn’t just about work. There are a wide variety of social events put on by those who help run the New Professional Program. Social events include happy hours, sporting events, hiking, and anything else the city and county have to offer. San Diego is a big place, and for those New Professionals not from nearby San Diego, the New Professional Program tries to help new employees explore the area and build bonds with each other

Starting your career in the New Professional Program comes with many benefits to include:

Work Schedule - NIWC Pacific uses a flexible work schedule called “5/4/9,” resulting in a three-day weekend every other week. The schedule consists of nine-hour days Monday through Thursday, and eight-hour day the first Friday of a pay period, and a day off the following Friday.

Holidays - There are 10 nationally observed holidays per year.

Leave - Federal employees accrue annual leave and sick leave separately.

Annual Leave - 0 to 3 years service = 4 hours per pay period (104 hours per year) (Pay period is 2 weeks); 3 to 15 years service = 6 hours per pay period (160 hours per year); Over 15 years service = 8 hours per pay period (208 hours per year)

Sick leave - Sick leave accrues at the rate of four hours per pay period (104 hours per year) May be accumulated without limitation. May also be used for medical or dental appointments. The Family Friendly Leave Act allows sick leave to take care of ill family members and to take them to physicians and for the birth or adoption of children. (Note: Federal employees are not eligible for benefits under the State of California Disability Program).

Salary Information - Starting salary is set by degree level/GPA and is non-negotiable.

Retirement Coverage - A benefit pension plan is provided:

Social Security Benefits - Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k with matching funds, and both pre-tax and post-tax options available)

APPLYING TO THE NEW PROFESSIONALS PROGRAM

Submit your resume, transcripts for all college coursework completed (unofficial are sufficient) and two references.

Please ensure all transcripts you submit are legible (pdf format preferred).

Apply Here

Contact us for more information:

Email: Workforce Recruitment Office (WRO) at niwc_pac_jobs@us.navy.mil

Phone: (877) 273-4849