USV Craft Maintainer & Operator – Onsite Naval Training

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 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