Shipboard Connector/Cable Technician (Fiber Optic & Copper)

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc•Mobile, AL

7d•$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 conducts cable inspections and acceptance testing, including testing with an authorized witness, and documents results to verify compliance with quality and acceptance requirements. The technician prepares and terminates fiber-optic and copper cables; installs connectors, contacts, and termination hardware; prepares, cleans, and inspects fiber-optic ends; and verifies copper pin assignments, connections, and electrical integrity. The role uses calibrated test equipment, maintains cable identification and traceability, records required quality information, identifies and reports defects or failures, and performs authorized corrective work and retesting. It also includes maintaining tools and equipment, following safety and quality procedures, and coordinating with engineering, production, and quality assurance personnel. Secondary duties include assisting with equipment and rack installation, routing and securing cables, supporting system integration and checkout, troubleshooting installation issues, documenting discrepancies and corrective actions, and performing preventative maintenance. The technician works from technical manuals, vendor documentation, schematics, and engineering drawings and may support logistics, material, and safety responsibilities. The position involves physically demanding shipboard work, including working aloft and in restricted spaces, climbing scaffolding and ladders, standing for extended periods, and lifting 50 pounds or more. A Department of Defense Secret clearance must be obtainable within a reasonable time after hire; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requirements

Associate's degree in a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.
Department of Defense Secret security clearance must be obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire; 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 use 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 perform physically demanding work, including working aloft and in restricted spaces, climbing scaffolding and ladders, and standing for long periods aboard a ship or pier.
Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
Ability to pass cable connection qualification courses and maintain proficiency.
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 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.
Ability to work collaboratively with technicians, engineers, and government staff.

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

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 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 testing in the presence of an authorized witness and satisfy applicable witness requirements.
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 approved procedures.
Install and secure equipment, patch panels, cable-management hardware, and other rack components.
Route, dress, secure, and identify cables while maintaining required bend radii, cable separation, strain relief, and maintenance access.
Support system integration by verifying equipment interconnections and installation 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 and support shipboard equipment maintenance.
Work from technical manuals, vendor documentation, schematics, and engineering drawings to support ship cable-building efforts.
Support additional logistics, material, and safety responsibilities related to shipbuilding efforts as assigned.
Continue learning shipboard design to support systems integration and advanced testing.
Maintain proficiency by completing cable connection qualification courses.
Work collaboratively with technicians, engineers, and government staff as appropriate.