Shipboard Connector/Cable Technician (Fiber Optic & Copper)
About The Position
The Shipboard Connector/Cable Technician performs fiber-optic and copper cable terminations aboard U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard new-construction vessels, following applicable NAVSEA specifications, engineering drawings, and approved procedures. The role includes cable preparation, connector installation, fiber-optic end-face preparation and inspection, copper termination verification, and cable testing using approved procedures and calibrated equipment. Required testing is conducted with an authorized witness, and results are documented to meet quality and acceptance requirements. The technician also supports installation and integration of shipboard equipment, including racks, cabinets, patch panels, hardware, and cabling. Responsibilities include routing and securing cables, supporting system checkout and testing, troubleshooting installation and integration issues, documenting findings, and performing preventive maintenance. The technician is expected to continue learning shipboard design to support increased work in systems integration and advanced testing, and may work with technicians, engineers, and government personnel. The work is physically demanding and may involve working aloft and in restricted spaces aboard ships, climbing ladders and scaffolding, standing for extended periods aboard a ship or pier, and lifting 50 pounds or more. The role requires cable-connection qualification courses and ongoing proficiency. U.S. citizenship is required. A Department of Defense Secret clearance must be obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire; selected applicants will undergo a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for classified access.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree in a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience.
- U.S. citizenship.
- Ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance within a reasonable amount of time after hire and meet eligibility requirements for classified access.
- Ability to pass cable connection qualification courses and maintain proficiency.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency with typical PC applications, such as Microsoft Office/365.
- Professional etiquette and ability to work effectively in a distributed team environment and communicate customer initiatives, strategy, and mission needs.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work, including working aloft and in tight, restricted spaces, climbing scaffolding and ladders, standing for extended periods, and lifting 50 pounds or more.
- Ability to apply and interpret complex specifications, requirements, standards, and practices and provide applicable solutions.
- Team collaboration skills and commitment to ongoing professional development.
Nice To Haves
- Previous work in a shipyard environment.
- Knowledge of ship design and compartment structure.
- Knowledge of switchboards and power panels.
- Previous qualifications in copper and fiber connection building.
- Knowledge of navigation, communications, machinery, combat systems, and computer interfacing equipment.
- Knowledge of auxiliary supporting equipment, such as motor controllers, damage control equipment, and shipboard air and water systems.
- Familiarity with U.S. Government protocol and ability to work directly with government personnel and employees of other companies.
- Superior organizational and time-management skills.
- Familiarity with Work Authorization Forms (WAF) and Tag-Out Programs.
- Ability to identify opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and terminate fiber-optic and copper cable ends in accordance with NAVSEA specifications, engineering drawings, and approved work instructions.
- Install connectors, contacts, and termination hardware, ensuring correct cable preparation, conductor identification, assembly, and workmanship.
- Prepare, clean, and inspect fiber-optic end faces; verify copper terminations for pin assignments, secure connections, and electrical integrity.
- Conduct cable inspections and acceptance testing using approved procedures and calibrated test equipment.
- Coordinate and perform required testing in the presence of an authorized witness.
- Record and maintain termination, inspection, and test results, including cable identification, calibration information, witness verification, and other required quality records.
- Identify and report defective terminations, damaged cables, and test failures; perform authorized corrective work and retesting.
- Maintain cable identification and traceability and protect cables, connectors, and completed terminations from damage and contamination.
- Use and maintain termination tools, inspection instruments, and test equipment, and verify calibration status before use.
- Follow safety requirements, quality procedures, and housekeeping practices while coordinating with engineering, production, and quality assurance personnel.
- Assist with mounting equipment and installing system racks, cabinets, and associated hardware according to drawings and approved procedures.
- Install and secure equipment, patch panels, cable-management hardware, and other rack components.
- Route, dress, secure, and identify cables in racks and cabinets while maintaining bend radii, cable separation, strain relief, and maintenance access.
- Support system integration by verifying equipment interconnections and installation readiness for checkout and testing.
- Assist engineering and test personnel with system checkout, functional testing, and verification of equipment operation.
- Troubleshoot installation and integration issues; help isolate cabling, connection, or equipment faults and perform authorized corrective actions and retesting.
- Document installation discrepancies, troubleshooting findings, and corrective actions, and coordinate resolution with engineering, production, and quality assurance personnel.
- Perform periodic preventive maintenance.
- Continue learning shipboard design to support systems integration and advanced testing.
- Pass cable connection qualification courses and maintain proficiency.
- Work with technicians, engineers, and government staff as appropriate.
- Develop experience with shipboard equipment preventive and corrective maintenance.
Benefits
- Highly competitive benefits.
- Flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
