It is our commitment at PCE to raise your expectations on the level of servicing and repair of power systems. We realize you are looking for rapid, high reliability solutions from a trusted partner. We will provide you with the highest level of integrity and expertise, and only recommend what’s good for your situation. We will use all resources possible to minimize downtime and give the best value for your dollar. We stand by our work and our word.
Authorized Service Dealer for:
We understand that you require more than just experts for the right price, but dedicated technicians that quickly provide you with the best solutions. Therefore, it is our mission to repair your power systems with precision, reliability and the greatest sense of urgency.
Why PCE Is The One To Choose |
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More Than 40 Years Experience In Naval And Commercial Repairs | ![]() |
Proven, Problem Solving and Repair Capabilities | ![]() |
100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantees With Versatile, Reliable And Rapid, 24/7 Response | ![]() |
Decades Of Experience In The Ship Repair Industry | ![]() |
One Of The Fastest Turnaround Times In The Industry | ![]() |
Unsurpassed, Best Clean Room (Bosch Specs) and Factory Training | ![]() |
Lowest Warranty Return Rate In The Industry | ![]() |
One Of The Highest Client Retention Rate Over The Last 40 Years | ![]() |
Propulsion Controls Engineering was established in San Diego, California on August 27, 1974 by John P. (Jack) Reilly, Morley J. (Joe) Clapp, and Jim Humphreys, three former civilian employees of NAVSEACENPAC, who realized an increasing demand within the Navy for their technical expertise.
While their initial focus was on service & repair of main propulsion boiler combustion & feed water control systems and instrumentation, it soon expanded to include overhaul and maintenance of the “controlled” equipment. Main feed pumps, forced draft blowers, fuel oil service pumps, and ship’s service turbine generators were an early addition to PCE’s expanding list of service capabilities.
Over time PCE continued to grow both in size and capability, while adhering to the basic objectives of the founders – providing the highest quality of service in a timely manner.
1979 |
A branch office was established in Honolulu, Hawaii, followed by the opening of an additional branch in Seattle, Washington in August of 1980. This placed PCE in an ideal situation to provide its services to a larger segment of the fleet. PCE maintains this “footprint” today, with the Seattle shop now relocated to Everett, Washington. |
1989 |
PCE purchased a diesel fuel injection shop and hydraulics division from National Pump & Injector, further adding to its list of services & areas of expertise. The initial diesel fuel injection shop capabilities were further enhanced with the acquisition of a diesel engine repair company (formerly C & J Marine) in 2002. Their initial customer base was largely private pleasure, commercial & sport fishing craft, but has since been expanded to include the Navy’s small boats, RHIB’s, and more recently overhauls of main propulsion and ships service diesel engines on the LSD, LPD, LHA and other ship classes. The hydraulic division transitioned easily from what was mostly a commercial repair environment and quickly adapted and learned to service and repair a wide variety of Navy and MSC equipment, including steering systems, deck & UNREP equipment, cranes, elevators, stern gates, bow thrusters, and boat davits, as well as a wide variety of hydraulic pumps, motors, rams, and control valves. Raytheon has been a more recent addition to the hydraulic customer base through its SECREPs program ultimately supporting the US Marine Corps’ combat systems and equipment. |
'89-'91 |
PCE was the Supervisor of Shipbuilding (San Diego) CIS contractor for steam valve repairs. In performance of that contract PCE developed and expanded its welding skills, procedures, and certifications to include high pressure/high temperature steam systems, alloy steels, and hard facing metals. The weld division, once considered an “in-house” support trade, now regularly takes on & completes large scale projects such as installation & replacement of a variety of shipboard piping systems, fabrication & repair of evaporators, distilling plants, and heat exchangers, as well as structural fabrication and repair. |
1994 |
Following a stringent tooling, facility, & financial audit, PCE became an Authorized Dealer (AD) for Woodward Governor Company. Today PCE is recognized as an AISF (Authorized Independent Service Facility) for Woodward Governor and is the primary local provider of service for both the US Navy and Military Sealift Command vessels, as well as an extensive list of commercial customers. |
1997 |
PCE has been the holder of an Agreement for Boat Repair (ABR) with NAVSEA. After signing, PCE subsequently won and completed several large repair contracts as a prime contractor including the machinery plant package for the FY96 SRA on USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in San Diego and the FY97 topside package on USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in Bremerton. As an ABR, PCE is held to NAVSEA’s standards and subject to periodic audits and reviews for quality control & management, and also has access to the latest changes in repair standards, information, & procedures. |
2009 |
PCE acquired the former Pacific Defense Systems (PDS) electric motor rewind shop and facilities. This acquisition of six in house rewinders with over 100 years of experience has made PCE Motor Division an expert in handling the complexities of any AC/DC electric motor repair. |
2010 |
PCE Washington opened our newest branch in Bremerton, WA. The establishment of our presence within this area will serve to increase our ability and responsiveness to our customers within this part of the Puget Sound Region. |
PCE operates today primarily as a subcontractor for the local MSR’s (BAE Systems, NASSCO, CMSD), with its principal end customer being the United States Navy. Other customers include Military Sealift Command, Northrop-Grumman Ship Systems, the U.S. Coast Guard, local municipalities, school districts and many other commercial Industries.
Propulsion Controls Engineering is a privately owned, professionally managed, maritime and commercial repair company, providing a broad spectrum of the highest quality, rapid response services, to its military and civilian customers, while maintaining the highest level of customer and employee satisfaction.
Propulsion Controls Engineering (PCE) is committed to providing a safe and healthful work environment.Injuries and Illnesses will be minimized by protecting workers through administrative, engineering, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Worksite hazards are minimized by the use of Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), identifying potential hazards prior to the start of any work. Continuous employee training ensures team members are trained to exceed the industry standards.
PCE is dedicated to continuous improvement, meeting or exceeding all state and federal regulations and legislation. We strive to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses for employees and to protect our subcontractors, customers, visitors and neighbors.
All employees shall conduct their work and activities in a safe manner.
“Safety doesn’t happen; it grows with its employees.”
“Safety is the responsibility of all PCE employees, giving us the best chance to reach our goals.”
Propulsion Controls Engineering accepts responsibility for the complete satisfaction of its customers. We exercise this responsibility through the adequate training of our employees, adherence to proven procedures, total commitment to meeting and exceeding customer requirements, and maintaining a company culture that fosters continuous improvement. Our objective is to deliver defect free products/services on time, every time.
Propulsion Controls Engineering takes pride in the quality and experience of its staff. We are constantly looking for new skilled workers to stay ahead of the pack and welcome resumes submitted electronically.
For employment opportunities at any of our locations, please fill out this PDF Application. Once you have filled out the attached PDF Application, please save it to your desktop then submit via email to employment@pcesandiego.com.
Propulsion Controls Engineering and all our divisions are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and endorse a Drug Free Work Environment. We appreciate your interest in our company.
California Corporate Headquarters 1620 Rigel Street San Diego, CA 92113 Phone: (619) 235-0961 Fax: (619) 233-5096 |
California Diesel & Motor Division 3376 Main Street San Diego, CA 92113 Phone: (619) 235-0961 Fax: (619) 687-0038 |
Hawaii 99-1221 Halawa Valley Street Aiea, HI 96701-3281 Phone: (808) 486-6600 Fax: (808) 845-1652 |
Washington 920 West Marine View Drive Everett, WA 98201-1300 Phone: (425) 257-9065 Fax: (425) 259-6851 |