Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) Maintainer / Operator

SMX is seeking a USV Craft Maintainer and Operator to support the Navy by maintaining, sustaining, and operating a dedicated fleet of USV training craft at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia. The ideal candidate is technically capable, self‑motivated, and able to rapidly learn autonomy systems, software workflows, and mission‑planning tools while ensuring day‑to‑day platform readiness, operator training, mission rehearsal, remote monitoring, launch/recovery activities, and hands‑on maintenance in a maritime training environment. This onsite position requires a minimum DoD SECRET clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Conduct recurring preventative and corrective maintenance on USV training craft
• Perform OEM‑based PMS cycles including lubrication, oil changes, filters, belts, and hoses
• Execute freshwater flushes, fuel stabilization, and battery preservation
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and software‑related issues
• Interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and system configuration documentation
• Conduct functional operational checks in both line‑of‑sight piloted and autonomous modes
• Implement software and firmware updates and verify system baselines
• Maintain usage logs, discrepancy reports, and configuration records
• Track high‑use components and replace high‑failure items as needed
• Support the daily readiness of all training USV platforms
• Maintain clean and safe workspaces in storage and maintenance areas
• Coordinate with Navy technical leads and SMX leadership to report readiness
• Work independently and proactively with minimal oversight
• Perform pre‑operational, post‑operational, and launch/recovery checks for USV training craft
• Remotely monitor USV status, telemetry, GPS position, communication links, and autonomy mode performance during training events
• Operate and communicate using maritime safety procedures, waterfront coordination, and VHF/radio protocols as required
• Document bugs, anomalies, failures, corrective actions, and operator feedback for escalation to technical leads or platform SMEs
• Support field deployments, training exercises, waterfront operations, and austere or forward operating environments as required

Required Clearance & Qualifications

• DoD SECRET clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI
• Strong initiative, self‑motivation, and disciplined work habits
• Comfortable working independently with limited supervision while maintaining high standards of safety, accountability, and mission readiness
• Progressive certification on USV platform sustainment tasks
• Training in software updates, autonomy modes, and mission‑planning tools
• Competency development in operational modes and system controls

Required Technical Skills

• Basic familiarity with Linux‑based systems and command‑line/terminal environments, or ability to rapidly learn software‑adjacent maintenance and troubleshooting workflows
• Basic understanding of computer networking, data links, and radio/communications systems supporting unmanned vehicle operations
• Experience conducting mechanical and electrical maintenance on marine craft
• Ability to interpret basic wiring diagrams and electrical schematics
• Familiarity with onboard computing systems and software‑driven platforms
• Basic understanding of autonomy systems or demonstrated ability to learn quickly
• Ability to execute preventative maintenance and conduct line‑of‑sight operational checks
• Familiarity with GPS navigation, remote vehicle control, and basic maritime operating procedures
• Ability to conduct structured pre‑ and post‑operation checks and clearly document system status, discrepancies, and corrective actions

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work in shops, waterfront, field, and training environments, including lifting and handling equipment and working around small craft
• Must be able to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work in confined spaces for extended periods
• Capable of supporting launch and recovery operations around small craft and waterfront facilities
• Occasional travel and temporary duty (TDY) may be required to support training, testing, or operational events

Desired Skills & Experience

• USV / unmanned systems maintenance background
• Exposure to autonomy platforms
• Mission‑planning software familiarity
• Forklift and warehouse handling familiarity
• Experience tracking maintenance actions and system configurations
• Exposure to ArduPilot or similar autopilot/control ecosystems, with interest and ability to develop proficiency in vehicle configuration, mission planning, parameter management, telemetry, and system troubleshooting
• Experience with launch/recovery, pier‑side operations, small boat operations, or waterfront safety procedures
• Familiarity with mission‑planning tools, ground/control stations, telemetry links, geofencing, and post‑mission log review
• Experience supporting Navy, RDT&E, training, or fielded unmanned maritime systems
• Marine electronics, communications, or network troubleshooting experience
• STCW, boating safety, forklift, trailer handling, or other maritime support certifications

Pay

$125,000 USD – $160,000 USD

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid leave
• Retirement plan
• Learning & development opportunities
• Competitive compensation package