Job Description

About the Company

About Kern Technology Group (KTG)

Kern Technology Group is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA and focused on supporting the U.S. Navy. Our 40-person team—many of them former submariners—delivers engineering, logistics and subject matter expertise to COMSUBLANT, ONR and other naval stakeholders. We combine fleet credibility with small-company agility: quick decision cycles, direct access to leadership and a culture that prizes mission impact, professional growth and tight-knit teamwork. If you thrive on complex naval challenges, want your voice heard and prefer the camaraderie of a veteran-led firm, you’ll feel at home at KTG.

About Our Customer – Commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic (COMSUBLANT)

Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, COMSUBLANT commands the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic-based submarine force. The staff plans and oversees undersea operations, readiness, training, and security-cooperation engagements with allied and partner navies from the Arctic to the South Atlantic. Its mission is to maintain combat-ready submarines, crews, and support structures that can deter aggression, project power, and ensure sea control whenever called upon. Working with COMSUBLANT means contributing directly to the Navy’s most high-impact warfare community while strengthening vital international undersea partnerships.

About the Role

As COMSUBLANT’s DESI Program Engagement Officer you will support long-range plans, serve as the primary liaison with foreign diesel-electric submarine crews, and coordinate fleet exercises that sharpen U.S. and partner capabilities. Ideal candidates are former senior Navy LT/LCDR or E-7/E-8 Chief Petty Officers (or civilian equivalents) who hold an active SECRET clearance. Spanish fluency (DLPT 2/2) is preferred but not required. Travel is expected to be 20 – 25 % CONUS/OCONUS for exercises and staff talks.

Responsibilities

• 30 % — International Liaison & CONOPS: Lead or substantively support negotiations with partner-nation navies; draft, adjudicate and track Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and Required Action Lists (RALs); maintain daily contact with foreign LNOs.
• 25 % — Exercise & Deployment Coordination: Schedule foreign diesel-electric submarines for fleet exercises, tactical development events and R&D interactions; arrange shore-based training opportunities and track exercise after-action items.
• 25 % — Program Reporting & Correspondence: Produce program briefs, Flag-level letters, action-item trackers, and pre/post-deployment reports in strict accordance with the Navy Correspondence Manual.
• 10 % — Strategic Planning & Policy Support: Assist senior staff in refining 1- to 5-year DESI employment plans; gather data, recommend priorities, and help identify funding venues to enable program goals.
• 10 % — Brazil Engagement Lead: Coordinate CNO-directed submarine-force engagement with Brazil; liaise with the Brazilian Navy Foreign Liaison Officer; track recommendations and generate reports for annual bilateral staff talks.

Note: Overall travel requirement is 20 – 25 % for fleet exercises, site surveys and partner-nation conferences.

Qualifications

• Active SECRET security clearance (TS/SCI eligibility a plus).
• 6+ years experience in Security-Cooperation, International Programs, or foreign-asset employment—preferably on TYCOM, numbered-fleet or OPNAV staffs.
• Working knowledge of Navy Security Cooperation processes and coordination with higher authority & the U.S. State Department.
• Proven mastery of the Navy Correspondence Manual; demonstrated experience drafting Flag-level letters/messages.
• Strong briefing and interpersonal skills; comfortable negotiating with foreign senior officers.

Required Skills

• Active SECRET security clearance (TS/SCI eligibility a plus).
• 6+ years experience in Security-Cooperation, International Programs, or foreign-asset employment—preferably on TYCOM, numbered-fleet or OPNAV staffs.
• Working knowledge of Navy Security Cooperation processes and coordination with higher authority & the U.S. State Department.
• Proven mastery of the Navy Correspondence Manual; demonstrated experience drafting Flag-level letters/messages.
• Strong briefing and interpersonal skills; comfortable negotiating with foreign senior officers.

Preferred Skills

• Spanish DLPT 2/2 or higher (Portuguese a bonus).
• Prior DESI, UNITAS, RIMPAC, or submarine TYCOM staff experience.
• Familiarity with Navy POM/PPBE funding cycles.

Pay range and compensation package

Compensation: GS-13 equivalent salary band + full KTG benefits (medical, IRA Simple, PTO, professional-development stipend).

We are an equal opportunity employer

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