Shipboard Connector/Cable Technician (Fiber Optic & Copper)

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc•Mobile, AL

7d•$26 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Shipboard Connector/Cable Technician’s primary role is performing fiber-optic and copper cable terminations aboard U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard new-construction vessels in accordance with applicable NAVSEA specifications, engineering drawings, and approved procedures. The technician conducts required cable testing with an authorized witness and documents results to verify compliance with quality and acceptance requirements. The role also supports equipment and rack installation, cable routing, system integration, checkout, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance. Work requires following safety and quality procedures and coordinating with engineering, production, quality assurance, test personnel, and, as appropriate, government staff. The technician must be able to work from technical manuals, vendor documentation, schematics, and engineering drawings. The position involves physically demanding shipboard work, including working aloft and in restricted spaces, climbing scaffolding and ladders, standing for long periods, and lifting 50 pounds or more. The technician must pass cable connection qualification courses and maintain proficiency. Additional duties may include logistics, material, and safety responsibilities related to shipbuilding efforts. A Department of Defense Secret clearance must be obtainable within a reasonable time after hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. U.S. citizenship is required.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in a related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
At least 1 year of relevant experience.
Must be able to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance within a reasonable amount of time after hire and meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Ability to work from technical manuals, vendor documentation, schematics, and engineering drawings.
Proficiency in test-equipment operations, pin insertion and extraction methods, fiber repair, cable repair and rework, connector repair and rework, and basic soldering.
Ability to pass cable connection qualification courses and maintain proficiency.
Ability to perform physically demanding work, including working aloft and in tight, restricted shipboard spaces; climbing scaffolding and ladders; and standing for long periods.
Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
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.
Fundamental knowledge and proficiency in the use of related tools and equipment.
Ability to fabricate simple hardware as required.
Clear computer and test-equipment knowledge.

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.
Team-oriented approach and ability to thrive in collaborative environments.
Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Superior communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

Prepare and terminate fiber-optic and copper cable ends according to NAVSEA specifications, engineering drawings, and approved work instructions.
Install connectors, contacts, and termination hardware, ensuring proper cable preparation, conductor identification, connector assembly, and workmanship.
Prepare, clean, and inspect fiber-optic end faces; verify copper terminations for correct 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, equipment calibration information, and witness verification.
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; 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 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 readiness for system checkout and testing.
Assist engineering and test personnel with system checkout, functional testing, and verification of equipment operation.
Troubleshoot installation and integration issues involving cabling, connections, or equipment; perform authorized corrective actions and support retesting.
Document installation discrepancies, troubleshooting findings, and corrective actions, and coordinate resolution with relevant personnel.
Perform periodic preventative maintenance in accordance with requirements.
Use technical manuals, vendor documentation, schematics, and engineering drawings to support ship cable-building efforts.
Perform pin insertion and extraction, fiber repair, cable repair and rework, connector repair and rework, basic soldering, and test-equipment operations.
Continue learning shipboard design to support assigned systems-integration and advanced-testing work.
Support shipboard maintenance, including equipment preventative and corrective maintenance.
Communicate effectively and professionally in a distributed team environment, including communicating customer initiatives, strategy, and mission needs.