Needy began his shipbuilding career in 1987 as an engineering co-op and was hired in 1991 as a full-time engineer on the Seawolf-Class Submarine Program. Since then, he has served in positions of increasing responsibility in systems engineering, process improvement, corporate office, manufacturing, the Virginia-class Submarine Program and Fleet Services, and Operations. He most recently served as vice president of Navy Programs where he was responsible for program management, construction, and profit and loss of all NNS product lines.

Needy earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Clemson University. He is active in the community, having served as an executive board member for the Boys and Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula, the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas, and An Achievable Dream.