SSDS Technical Operator

PMAT; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

PMAT is seeking an SSDS Technical Operator to support the U.S. Navy Ship Self Defense System aboard the SDTS at Wallops Island, VA. You will activate, test, and troubleshoot combat systems, preparing configurations for developmental and operational tests in collaboration with government and contractor teams.

The role requires deep SSDS expertise, leadership of technical operators, and the ability to document findings and ensure mission readiness throughout the test lifecycle.

Qualifications

• At least ten years supporting SSDS platforms.
• Four years leading technical/tactical operator teams for Navy surface weapons.
• Three years hands-on SSDS baselines and operational readiness.
• Experience in combat systems testing, integration, or evaluation.
• Strong knowledge of Navy combat systems and surface warfare concepts.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex hardware/software/network issues.
• Ability to work in fast-paced test environments with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for technical findings.

Responsibilities

• Operate and support SSDS during test events.
• Bring SSDS from cold iron to fully operational readiness for testing.
• Initialize systems, align equipment, and verify configurations.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and integration issues.
• Coordinate with government and engineers to execute tests.
• Monitor system performance and document anomalies during tests.
• Maintain logs and configuration records for Navy objectives.
• Provide technical feedback to improve performance and tests.

Skills

SSDS experience

Team leadership

Combat systems

Troubleshooting

Operational testing

Documentation

Verbal communication

Written communication

Networking hardware

Software/hardware integration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's in Engineering/CS/IT

Military/navy combat systems training

Job description

At PMAT, we work on mission critical systems that directly support the warfighter, designing, building, and securing modern digital capabilities across cloud, data, and software environments. Our teams tackle complex, real-world challenges where delivery matters more than theory, and innovation is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and purpose.

In this role, you’ll contribute to the U.S. Navy's Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) test and evaluation mission, supporting combat systems integration, activation, and operational testing aboard the Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS). Working alongside engineers, technicians, and fleet operators, you'll help deliver reliable combat system capabilities that directly enhance naval readiness and support the development of next-generation surface warfare technologies.

About the role:

As an SSDS Technical Operator, you will play a critical role in the operation, activation, testing, and troubleshooting of the U.S. Navy's Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) aboard the Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS) located in Wallops Island, Virginia. You will work closely with government and contractor engineers, combat systems operators, and test teams to prepare complex combat systems for developmental and operational testing. Daily responsibilities include bringing combat systems from cold iron status to fully operational configurations, supporting live and simulated test events, identifying and resolving technical issues, documenting system performance, and ensuring mission readiness throughout the test lifecycle. This position offers the opportunity to directly support cutting‑edge naval combat system development in an operational environment where your technical expertise has an immediate impact on the future capabilities of the U.S. Navy.

Responsibilities:

• Operate, configure, and support the Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) during developmental and operational test events.
• Bring SSDS combat systems from cold iron status to fully operational readiness in support of testing and evaluation activities.
• Perform system initialization, equipment alignment, configuration verification, and operational checks prior to test execution.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and combat system integration issues to restore system functionality and minimize test disruptions.
• Coordinate with government personnel, engineers, and other technical teams to execute planned test events and resolve technical discrepancies.
• Monitor combat system performance during live and simulated events, documenting system behavior, anomalies, and operational observations.
• Maintain accurate operational logs, test documentation, and configuration records supporting Navy test objectives.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by providing technical feedback and recommendations to enhance system performance and test execution.

About Us:

PMAT is an innovative small business founded with a passion for developing forward‑leaning solutions from exceptional people that increase the mission's capability. We focus on designing and building impactful digital solutions that utilize modern cloud, data, and software concepts. Our passion is working on complex and progressive challenges such as edge platform computing, containerizing legacy platforms, distributed data platforms, or heterogeneous data analysis.

We recruit, retain, and foster a team motivated to pursue passions, investigate new ways of doing things, and embody an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. We believe in being curious about every element of a problem and experiment relentlessly. We foster continuous learning in an environment that encourages positive collaboration and expands our capabilities. We tap into collective intelligence, acknowledging that the most brilliant people may not be in the room. Above all else, we believe that delivering and demonstrating is more potent than a sheet of paper. We are passionate about mission‑centric design and delivering effective capabilities to and for the warfighter.

Whether you’re an experienced engineer or just beginning your career, you’ll work alongside experts who are committed to solving mission‑critical problems.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience supporting Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) platforms.
• Minimum of four (4) years leading teams of technical and/or tactical operators engaged in the employment of U.S. Navy Surface Weapon Systems.
• Minimum of three (3) years of hands‑on technical experience with SSDS Baselines, including the ability to bring combat systems from cold iron status to operational readiness.
• Experience supporting combat systems testing, integration, or operational evaluation activities.
• Strong understanding of U.S. Navy combat systems, surface warfare operations, and tactical employment concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex combat system hardware, software, and network issues.
• Ability to work effectively in fast‑paced operational test environments while supporting multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to document technical findings and operational observations.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience supporting the Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS) program.
• Experience with Aegis Combat System, Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), or other integrated Navy combat systems.
• Prior experience supporting NAVSEA, NSWC Dahlgren Division, or Naval Surface Warfare testing activities.
• Familiarity with combat system integration, developmental testing (DT), and operational testing (OT).
• Prior U.S. Navy Surface Warfare or Combat Systems operational experience.
• Experience supporting missile firing events, live‑fire exercises, or waterfront combat system operations.
• Previous experience working within Department of Defense acquisition or test organizations.

Education and Certification Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related technical discipline preferred.
• Relevant military technical training or equivalent Navy combat systems experience may be substituted for formal education.

Citizenship and Clearance requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship required
• No dual citizenship
• Active Secret clearance required
• Active Top Secret clearance preferred

Location/Address:

• Onsite position
• Wallops Island, Virginia

Travel & Passport:

• Under 10% travel
• Primarily CONUS travel for customer meetings, training, and occasional test support

Work Environment:

• PMAT offices as needed. In some cases, work in a government facility may be required. Travel may be required for customer engagement, team coordination, and potentially for business development.

PMAT is an equal‑opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people‑first culture. We are committed to non‑discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

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