Combat Vehicle Shop Technician

Socket.dev; Opelika (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Defense USA in Opelika, AL seeks a Shop Technician for the Combat Systems Program to repair, upgrade, and test combat vehicles and subsystems. You will work with engineers and logistics to implement modification kits and prototype components, performing diagnostics and light fabrication tasks.

The role emphasizes hands-on repair across mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic domains, with a focus on safety and accurate documentation, while supporting prototyping and development

Qualifications

• Technical degree or equivalent training in electronics, automotive, or mechanical systems.
• Experience repairing combat vehicles or heavy vehicle systems.
• Able to read wiring diagrams, schematics, manuals, and kit instructions.
• Experience with diagnostic equipment, cranes, forklifts, and welding.

Responsibilities

• Repair, maintain, and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and electronic subsystems.
• Install modification kits and engineering change packages.
• Integrate prototype components and prototype hardware for development testing.
• Support prototyping with system integration and iterative changes.
• Document maintenance actions and test results, and manage inventory.
• Operate shop equipment including drill presses and light machining tools.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical troubleshooting

Blueprint/wiring diagrams reading

Machining/tool operation

Welding experience

Safety-conscious

Education

Technical degree or equivalent military training

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Machining tools

Cranes

Forklifts

Welding equipment

Job description

Position Title: Shop Technician – Combat Systems Program

Location: Opelika, AL

Travel Required: Minimal (Occasional)

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Responsible for repairing, modifying, and upgrading combat vehicles and their subsystems. Performs installation of modification kits, prototype components, and engineering change packages. Supports prototyping activities including vehicle configuration changes, prototype fit-ups, and engineering development builds. Conducts diagnostics, metalworking, and shop-level maintenance on mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic systems while working closely with engineers, FSRs, and logistics staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Repair, maintain, and troubleshoot combat vehicle mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and electronic systems.
• Install modification kits, upgrade packages, and engineering change orders.
• Integrate prototype components, experimental hardware, and new technologies for developmental testing.
• Support prototyping efforts including system integration, iterative changes, and component fit-ups.
• Conduct teardown, repair, rebuild, reassembly, and functional testing of subsystems.
• Operate drill presses, bending machines, light machining tools, and other shop equipment.
• Safely operate cranes and forklifts for movement and staging of vehicle components.
• Perform light welding tasks such as component repairs and prototype fabrication.
• Document maintenance actions, configuration changes, prototype installation notes, and test results.
• Support inventory, receiving, tracking, and staging of kits, prototype components, and repair parts.
• Maintain OSHA-compliant safety and support continuous improvement activities.

Required Qualifications

• Technical degree or equivalent military training in electronics, automotive, or mechanical systems.
• Experience repairing combat vehicles or heavy vehicle mechanical/electrical systems.
• Understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic subsystems.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics, technical manuals, and modification kit installation instructions.
• Experience with diagnostic equipment, machining tools, cranes, forklifts, and welding.
• Ability to support engineering-driven prototyping and iterative system development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting combat vehicle development, prototyping, or system integration.
• Familiarity with Army technical manuals (TMs), fabrication processes, and DoD sustainment practices.
• Eligible for or holding a DoD security clearance.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs., stand for extended periods, and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Comfortable working around heavy vehicles, prototype hardware, machine tools, and energized systems using proper PPE.

Hanwha Defense USA is committed to pay transparency and equitable compensation practices. The salary range listed for this position represents a good faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant skills/experience, education and certifications, market conditions, geographic location and internal pay equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for discretionary annual bonuses, benefits, and other forms of compensation as part of Hanwha Defense USA's total rewards package.

Hanwha Defense USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.