MATTHEW PURSLEY
Virginia Beach
Summary
Skilled Mechanical Systems Specialist with 13 years of experience in maintaining marine engines, propulsion systems, and mechanical equipment in challenging maritime environments. Expertise in managing complex engine repairs and executing preventative maintenance programs to enhance equipment reliability and operational readiness. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, provide hands-on technical training, and deliver consistent mechanical support during high-tempo operations.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Marine Propulsion Supervisor
United States Navy
Norfolk
10.2021 - 10.2026
- Maintained and repaired Cummins QSB marine diesel engines and propulsion components, supporting reliable small vessel operations.
- Performed preventative maintenance, mechanical diagnostics, and equipment repairs to ensure reliable operation of marine engines and support systems.
- Performed 1,000+ hours of scheduled maintenance, including diesel engine tune-ups, propulsion inspections, and mechanical diagnostics.
- Completed 2,500+ preventive maintenance inspections and system checks, maintaining reliability of propulsion and mechanical equipment.
- Installed and tested 24+ pressure relief valves and mechanical components during system inspections and equipment certification events.
- Supervised and trained 8 technicians on maintenance procedures, troubleshooting techniques, and safe equipment operation.
- Maintained propulsion systems and mechanical equipment to ensure operational readiness for small boat operations and vessel engineering systems.
- Conducted repairs on centrifugal pumps, refrigeration compressors, reverse osmosis systems, and hydraulic steering equipment.
Marine Diesel Technician
United States Navy
Norfolk
08.2018 - 10.2021
- Delivered 1,040+ hours of preventive and corrective maintenance on 6 dive support vessels, ensuring optimal performance of propulsion systems.
- Executed advanced troubleshooting and repairs on propulsion systems, enhancing equipment reliability and operational readiness.
- Ensured propulsion system reliability during 350 dive missions, maintaining continuous operation of vessel equipment.
- Performed complex repairs including diesel generator servicing, propulsion starter replacements, and shaft seal rebuilds.
- Led diesel engine maintenance operations supporting dive support vessels and marine equipment used for underwater maintenance work.
- Provided 250+ hours of engineering support for dive operations across 35 vessels, ensuring safe underwater maintenance operations.
- Contributed to 120K+ hours of underwater maintenance support, helping maintain fleet equipment readiness.
- Trained 15 technicians across 5 mechanical specialties on marine diesel maintenance and troubleshooting procedures.
Lead Marine Diesel Technician
United States Navy
Portsmouth
04.2015 - 10.2018
- Diagnosed and repaired Cummins marine diesel engines and jet propulsion systems, reducing downtime and improving equipment reliability.
- Maintained propulsion systems and vessel engineering equipment, supporting 145 maritime patrol operations.
- Maintained propulsion systems for 6 patrol boats, ensuring reliable vessel performance.
- Supervised 16 technicians completing 4K+ preventive maintenance inspections on propulsion systems and vessel mechanical equipment.
- Supervised maintenance personnel and performed mechanical repairs, ensuring vessel reliability and operational readiness.
- Led repair projects including engine replacements, exhaust manifold replacements, starter replacements, and 10 alternator installations.
- Maintained marine propulsion systems and mechanical equipment supporting a fleet of patrol boats used in coastal operations.
- Delivered technical training to 15 technicians, enhancing troubleshooting and repair capabilities.
- Conducted vessel operations and engineering system training that qualified six boat engineers and operators.
Marine Diesel Technician
United States Navy
Virginia Beach
08.2013 - 04.2015
- Performed maintenance and repair of marine diesel propulsion systems supporting patrol boats used in maritime operations.
- Conducted engine diagnostics, mechanical repairs, and preventative maintenance to maintain propulsion system reliability.
- Conducted preventative maintenance, engine diagnostics, and mechanical repairs to sustain vessel reliability.
- Maintained 10 patrol boats powered by Cummins marine diesel engines.
- Performed repairs on marine gear systems, outdrives, and jet propulsion equipment.
- Assisted in top-end overhaul of 5 marine diesel engines and three propulsion drive systems.
- Deployed overseas supporting a boat maintenance facility performing large-scale engine repairs and maintenance projects.
Skills
- Marine Propulsion Systems
- Engine Diagnostics
- Mechanical Troubleshooting
- Hydraulic Systems
- Preventive Maintenance
- Mechanical Repair
- Maintenance Operations
- Technical Training
Accomplishments
- Supervised and trained 20+ technicians across multiple assignments, improving troubleshooting capability, maintenance accuracy, and mechanical readiness of marine equipment.
- Led maintenance operations supporting 10 patrol boats and multiple dive support vessels, ensuring propulsion systems remained operational during 145+ maritime missions and 350 dive operations.
- Contributed to 120,000+ hours of underwater maintenance support operations, helping sustain operational readiness of fleet vessels.
- Identified and supported investigation of a critical engine failure that determined a manufacturer defect, preventing $80,000 in unnecessary repair costs.
- Reduced maintenance expenses by assisting in refurbishment of eight engine exhaust assemblies, avoiding $100,000 in external contractor repair costs.
Certification
Diesel Mechanic Journeyman License-United States Department of Labor-2024
Timeline
Marine Propulsion Supervisor
United States Navy
10.2021 - 10.2026
Marine Diesel Technician
United States Navy
08.2018 - 10.2021
Lead Marine Diesel Technician
United States Navy
04.2015 - 10.2018
Marine Diesel Technician
United States Navy
08.2013 - 04.2015