Senior Engineering Technician (4917)

SMX; Patuxent Highland (MD); On-site; USD 53,767 - 80,589; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking a skilled Senior Engineering Technician to provide essential support for the MQ‑4C Triton UAS program in a classified testing environment. The technician will engage in testing, integration, and troubleshooting of sophisticated airborne systems. Required qualifications include a high school diploma, 10+ years of technical experience, and a strong background in unmanned aerial systems. The role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant technical experience.
• At least 2 years supporting airborne systems at a senior technician level.
• Experience with unmanned aerial systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support MQ‑4C Triton system testing and integration.
• Perform system-level diagnostics and troubleshooting.
• Collect and analyze test data.

Skills

Avionics test equipment proficiency

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Strong understanding of military aircraft systems

Independent work capability

Education

High School diploma or GED

Completion of technical/trade school

30 semester hours in technical curriculum

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

Data acquisition tools

Job description

SMX is looking for a Senior Engineering Technician (4917) to provide direct technical support to the MQ‑4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program. This position involves working in a high‑tempo, classified test and evaluation environment supporting the integration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of sophisticated airborne surveillance and reconnaissance systems. The technician will serve as an interface between engineering, flight test, and logistics personnel to ensure operational success.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a technician supporting MQ‑4C Triton system testing, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Support flight test integration, payload integration, ground control station (GCS) systems, and aircraft subsystems.
• Perform functional checkouts, system‑level diagnostics, and component‑level troubleshooting on MQ‑4C air vehicle and support systems.
• Assist in the installation and removal of systems, wiring, and test equipment on unmanned air vehicles and support platforms.
• Interpret and work from engineering drawings, test plans, and technical manuals (NAVAIR publications, TWOs, IETMs).
• Collect, analyze, and report test data; provide input to test documentation and anomaly reports. Coordinate with test directors, system engineers, and security personnel in classified lab and hangar environments.
• Ensure compliance with configuration management, safety protocols, and security procedures.

Required Skills and Experience

• Clearance Required: Secret. Must be able to obtain TS/SCI eligibility.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant technical experience, with at least 2 years supporting airborne systems at a senior technician level.
• Experience working on unmanned aerial systems (UAS), preferably MQ‑4C Triton or RQ‑4 Global Hawk.
• Proficient in the use of avionics test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, signal generators, data acquisition tools).
• Strong understanding of military aircraft systems including mission payloads, communications, navigation, and electrical systems.
• Must be capable of reading and interpreting blueprints, wiring diagrams, and engineering documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a secure, fast‑paced environment.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Desired Qualifications

• Completion of a technical school, trade school, or advanced armed services technical school curriculum or course of training in one of the following: Electricity, electronics, avionics, mechanics, armaments/ordnance, engineering technology; OR completion of at least 30 semester hours of course studies at an accredited college or university in an engineering, scientific, or technical curriculum.
• Experience with installation of computer room hardware.
• Prior experience with MQ‑4C Triton systems integration and Test laboratory at Patuxent River or a similar test facility.
• Familiarity with NAVAIR processes, engineering change proposals (ECPs), and configuration management tools, Confluence and JIRA.
• Knowledge of flight test operations, ground station systems, and data telemetry.
• Experience handling COMSEC.
• Certifications such as IPC/WHMA‑A‑620, or relevant OEM system training preferred but not required.

Application Deadline: 1/19/2026

Benefits

At SMX, we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Key components of a robust benefits package include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

Compensation

The proposed salary for this position is $39.03 USD – $58.50 USD.

EEO Statement

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans. Selected applicants may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification. SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position.