Unmanned Systems Specialist with Security Clearance

Naval Systems, Inc. (NSI); Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Naval Systems, Inc. (NSI) in Panama City, FL, seeks an unmanned systems (UxS) specialist to assemble, integrate, test, maintain, and repair unmanned mechanical and electrical systems used on naval platforms.

The role demands hands-on skills in shop, lab, and austere field environments, with CONUS/OCONUS travel and a Secret clearance required. Collaboration with scientists and engineers is essential to ensure mission readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent hands-on mechanical/electrical experience (minimum 5 years).
• Strong mechanical aptitude with ability to assemble and repair complex systems.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and wiring diagrams; work instructions must be followed.

Responsibilities

• Assemble mechanical structures and sub‑assemblies; integrate hardware, sensors and system components.
• Route, secure, and label harnesses and wiring; ensure clean, traceable build logs.
• Perform regular inspections, diagnose mechanical/electrical issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Support field testing, demonstrations, and operational deployments; document field issues and rapid repairs.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Documentation

Team collaboration

Ability to interpret drawings

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Embedded systems

Job description

Description: NSI requires multiple Unmanned Systems (UxS) Specialist to support the Naval Surface Warfare Center Program Office. The UxS Specialist will be responsible for assembling, integrating, testing, maintaining, and repairing unmanned mechanical systems and equipment. This role requires strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, hands‑on skill working with complex systems, and the ability to operate and support unmanned platforms in both shop and field settings. The position may involve lifting and moving heavy equipment, working in or around the water, and in austere locations. Experience operating underwater vehicles and supporting field operations in maritime environments is desired. Candidates with prior military, diving experience and ability to travel solo and frequently in support of UxS testing, demonstrations, and operational support are highly desirable. The UxS Specialist will collaborate closely with government scientists, engineers, operators, and project staff to ensure all systems remain reliable, safe, mission‑ready, and maintained to standard.

Key Responsibilities:

Documentation & Configuration Control

• Produce and submit test and evaluation reports.
• Maintain build logs, maintenance records, and configuration documentation.
• Follow established procedures for system tracking, part replacement, and updates.
• Maintain clear written reports for tests, inspections, discrepancies, and repairs. Mechanical Assembly & Integration
• Assemble mechanical structures, components, and sub‑assemblies.
• Integrate hardware, mounting fixtures, sensors, and system‑specific components.
• Route, secure, and label harnesses, cables, and internal wiring. Maintenance, Inspection & Troubleshooting
• Conduct regular inspections for wear, fatigue, corrosion, or alignment issues.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, or system‑level problems.
• Perform sealing, pressure checks, leak detection, and related corrective actions when applicable. Field Support
• Support field testing, demonstrations, training events, and operational deployments.
• Assist with equipment setup, operation, and post‑use servicing.
• Document field issues and support rapid repairs in challenging environments. Location: Panama City, FL Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or minimum of 5 years of hands‑on mechanical/electrical experience. Experience: Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to assemble and repair complex systems. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and work instructions. Strong teamwork and communication skills; able to work alongside scientists, operators and engineers. Ability to document work clearly and maintain configuration discipline. Desired Qualifications:
• Experience with automated, electromechanical, or robotic systems.
• Knowledge of open‑architecture or modular system frameworks.
• Experience performing field maintenance or working in outdoor/industrial environments.
• Basic familiarity with embedded systems, microcontrollers, or system‑level troubleshooting. Working Conditions
• Work will be performed in shop, lab, and austere field environments.
• Ability to lift, move, and handle mechanical components and test equipment.
• CONUS/OCONUS Travel required. Security Clearance: Secret Clearance is required. Must be a U.S. citizen. Special Notes/Instructions: NSI is a privately held, small but quickly growing company with headquarters in Lexington Park, Maryland within 5 miles of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Established in 2004, we are now celebrating 22 years of excellence in providing quality products and services to the Department of Defense. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, paid time off, paid holidays, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, tuition assistance program, 401k Plan with company match as well as a fun and enthusiastic work environment! NSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.