Shipboard Controls Technician- Norfolk, VA

MSCCN; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Noblis MSD is seeking an Engineering Technician based in Norfolk, Virginia to support U.S. Navy machinery control and shipboard systems for Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

The role involves waterfront support for installation, checkout, testing and V&V of modernized Machinery Control Systems (MCS), primarily onsite aboard ships and at shipyards. Typical schedule includes long workdays during ship availabilities, with some weekends as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree OR HS diploma with 6+ years of electrical/field technician experience.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and troubleshoot electrical/control systems.
• Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain; U.S. citizenship required.
• Ability to work onsite in Norfolk, VA aboard U.S. Navy ships and at shipyards.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot machinery control systems using test equipment, schematics and docs.
• Provide shipboard test and VME-based V&V support for fielded systems.
• Support shipboard installation, checkout and testing of MCS software/hardware.
• Travel signals and diagnose electrical failures and system anomalies.
• Document testing steps, findings and maintain records.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Schematics reading

Shipboard testing

Team communication

Physical stamina

Education

Bachelor's degree or 6+ years experience

Tools

DMM / oscilloscope

VME systems

PLC systems

Wireshark

HyperTerminal / PuTTY

Job description

ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, Unless specifically stated otherwise, this role is "On-Site"

Noblis MSD's mission is to support the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) in enabling research, development, test and evaluation, acquisition, engineering, systems integration, in-service support, and fleet engineering with cybersecurity, comprehensive logistics, and life-cycle savings. We are seeking an Engineering Technician based in Norfolk, Virginia, to support U.S. Navy machinery control and shipboard systems for Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

The candidate will provide waterfront support for the installation, checkout, troubleshooting, testing, and verification and validation (V&V) of modernized Machinery Control Systems (MCS). This is a primarily onsite position supporting work aboard ships and at shipyards and naval stations. When the employee is not aboard ship, the waterfront work environment may include shared trailer workspace. This is not a remote position, although limited remote work during ship-installation downtime may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Posted Salary Range USD $53,280.00 - USD $83,320.00 /Yr.

During active ship availabilities, the typical schedule is 10-hour days Monday through Friday and an 8-hour day on Saturday. Hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek are compensated at straight time. Work schedules may shift based on ship installation and test requirements.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Troubleshoot machinery control systems using test equipment, system documentation, and electrical schematics.
• Provide shipboard test and V&V support for all variants of fielded systems.
• Support shipboard installation, checkout, and testing of MCS software and hardware.
• Trace signals and diagnose or isolate electrical failures and system anomalies.
• Use electrical and diagnostic test equipment, including digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and signal generators, to support system testing and troubleshooting.
• Develop, edit, review, and implement test procedures and other technical documentation.
• Review technical documentation for fielded and future system configurations.
• Provide clear, documented status updates and maintain accurate records of testing, troubleshooting actions, and findings.
• Act as a liaison between the Norfolk waterfront test team and technical leads in Philadelphia.
• Provide field observations and technical input to support improvements to future MCS installations.
• Participate in special projects and other program support activities as required.

Required Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree OR High School Diploma or equivalent and 6 or more years of experience as an electrical technician or field technician supporting control systems in an industrial environment.

• Demonstrated ability to read and understand electrical schematics and trouble-shoot electrical or control systems.

• Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.

• Valid U.S. passport or ability to obtain one upon position acceptance.

• Ability to work primarily onsite in Norfolk, Virginia, aboard U.S. Navy ships and at shipyards and naval stations.

• Ability to work extended hours, off-hours, and weekends as required to meet ship installation and test schedules.

• Ability to travel approximately 30-50% of the time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees working in naval industrial environments, whether shipboard or pierside, must meet certain physical requirements to safely perform essential job functions. Individuals must be capable of standing and walking for extended periods, often on uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces, and must be able to climb vertical ladders, stairs, and steep inclines while carrying tools or equipment.

The position requires the ability to work in confined spaces with limited ventilation and restricted movement, including crawling through narrow passageways and working in overhead or below-deck areas.

Workers must possess sufficient manual dexterity and grip strength to operate hand and power tools, manipulate controls, and handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, with occasional lifting of heavier objects with assistance.

The role demands the physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach overhead repeatedly throughout the workday.

Adequate vision is necessary to read technical manuals, identify color-coded systems, and detect safety hazards, while hearing capability must be sufficient to perceive warning signals, alarms, and verbal communications in noisy environments, with or without hearing protection.

Employees must be able to work in varying environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, high humidity, direct sunlight, and exposure to weather elements.

The position requires the stamina to work extended shifts and the balance and coordination necessary to maintain stability on moving vessels.

Workers must be capable of responding quickly to emergency situations, including evacuating confined spaces and moving to emergency stations. Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without such accommodations.

Preferred Experience

Desired Qualifications

• Experience tracing signals and diagnosing or isolating the cause of electrical failures and anomalies.

• Experience with grounded and ungrounded electrical systems.

• Knowledge of basic electrical principles, including current, voltage, and resistance, and their application in circuit troubleshooting.

• Knowledge of the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures associated with industrial control systems.

• Experience with Versa Module Eurocard (VME) systems.

• Experience with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems.

• Basic knowledge of network troubleshooting tools and techniques.

• Experience using HyperTerminal, PuTTY, or an equivalent serial interface.

• Experience using Wireshark for network data capture, analysis, and troubleshooting.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and general computer and laptop operations.

• Technical writing ability and attention to detail in documenting testing, troubleshooting steps, and findings.

• U.S. Navy shipboard experience within an engineering department.

• Ability to work independently, complete tasks efficiently, and communicate effectively within an integrated team environment.