Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) Maintainer / Operator

SMX; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave

Retirement

Job summary

SMX seeks 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 role demands hands-on maintenance, mission planning, and active involvement in readiness, training, and remote monitoring to ensure safe, reliable USV operations.

Ideal candidates will have DoD SECRET clearance eligibility, a strong mechanical/electrical background, familiarity with autonomy

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 safety and 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.

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 line-of-sight and autonomous modes.
• Implement software and firmware updates and verify baselines.
• Maintain usage logs, discrepancy reports, and configuration records.
• Track high-use components and replace high-failure items as needed.
• Support daily readiness of all training USV platforms.
• Coordinate with Navy leads and SMX leadership to report readiness.
• Perform pre-operational, post-operational, and launch/recovery checks.
• Remotely monitor USV status, telemetry, GPS position, links, and autonomy mode performance.
• Operate using maritime safety procedures and VHF/radio protocols.
• Document bugs, anomalies, and corrective actions for escalation.
• Support field deployments, training exercises, and waterfront operations.

Skills

Linux basics

Networking basics

Marine craft maintenance

Wiring diagrams

Onboard computing

Autonomy systems

GPS/navigation

Pre/post operation checks

Telemetry/data links

Maritime safety procedures

Tools

ArduPilot

Mission planning tools

Ground control stations

Linux command line

Job description

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 located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia.

The ideal candidate is a technically capable, self-motivated individual who can rapidly learn autonomy systems, software workflows, and mission-planning tools, while supporting day-to-day platform readiness, operator training, mission rehearsal, remote monitoring, launch/recovery activities, and hands‑on maintenance, troubleshooting, and operational checks of USV training craft in a maritime training environment.

This position requires a minimum of the DoD SECRET clearance, which requires US citizenship for work on DoD contracts.

This position is onsite at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia.

• 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
• Must be 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 working within a command‑line or terminal environment, or demonstrated 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
• Work is performed in maintenance shops, warehouses, waterfront facilities, and maritime training environments
• 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
• Must be 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 an interest and demonstrated 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

The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:: $125,000 USD - $160,000 USD

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward‑looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant 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 (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).