Shipboard Connector/Cable Technician (Fiber Optic & Copper)

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc•Mobile, AL

6d•$29 - $31•Onsite

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 in accordance with applicable NAVSEA specifications, engineering drawings, and approved procedures. The role includes cable inspection and acceptance testing with an authorized witness, documenting results, and supporting compliance with quality and acceptance requirements. The technician also assists with equipment and rack installation, cable routing and management, system integration, checkout, troubleshooting, corrective work, and preventative maintenance. Work requires use of technical manuals, vendor documentation, schematics, engineering drawings, termination and repair tools, inspection instruments, and test equipment. The position involves physically demanding shipboard work, including working aloft and in restricted spaces, climbing ladders or scaffolding, standing for extended periods, and lifting 50 pounds or more.

Requirements

Associate's degree in a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
At least 1 year of relevant experience.
Department of Defense Secret security clearance must be obtainable within a reasonable amount of time; selected applicants are subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for classified access.
U.S. citizenship is required due to the nature of the work.
Ability to work from technical manuals, vendor documentation, schematics, and engineering drawings.
Proficiency with 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 or restricted shipboard spaces, climbing scaffolding and ladders, standing for long periods aboard ship or on a pier, and lifting 50 pounds or more.
Strong oral and written communication skills and proficiency with typical PC applications such as Microsoft Office/365.
Professional etiquette and ability to work effectively in a distributed team and communicate customer initiatives, strategy, and mission needs.
Fundamental knowledge and proficiency in the use of related tools and equipment.
Clear computer and test equipment knowledge.
Ability to work collaboratively with technicians, engineers, and government staff as appropriate.

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 player who thrives in collaborative environments and values team success.
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 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.
Perform cable inspections and acceptance testing using approved procedures and calibrated test equipment.
Coordinate and conduct testing in the presence of an authorized witness, meeting applicable inspection and witness requirements.
Document 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, quality, and housekeeping requirements while coordinating with engineering, production, and quality assurance personnel.
Assist with mounting equipment and installing system racks, cabinets, and related 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, separation, strain relief, and maintenance access.
Support system integration by checking equipment interconnections and installation readiness for system checkout and testing.
Assist engineering and test personnel with system checkout, functional testing, and equipment-operation verification.
Troubleshoot installation and integration issues involving cabling, connections, or equipment; carry out authorized corrective actions and support retesting.
Document installation discrepancies, troubleshooting findings, and corrective actions, and coordinate resolutions with engineering, production, and quality assurance personnel.
Perform periodic preventative maintenance as required.
Support shipboard cable-building efforts using technical manuals, vendor documentation, schematics, and engineering drawings; duties may also include logistics, material, and safety responsibilities related to shipbuilding.
Continue learning shipboard design to support increased work in systems integration and advanced testing.
Pass cable connection qualification courses and maintain proficiency.
Work with technicians, engineers, and government staff as appropriate.
Support shipboard equipment preventative and corrective maintenance.
Fabricate simple hardware as required.