Shipboard Connector/Cable Technician - Mobile, AL

VetJobs•Mobile, AL

2d•$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, following applicable NAVSEA specifications, engineering drawings, and approved procedures. The role conducts cable inspections and acceptance testing with an authorized witness and documents results to verify compliance with quality and acceptance requirements. The technician also assists with equipment and system-rack installation, cable routing and management, system integration, checkout, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance. Work involves coordinating with engineering, production, quality assurance, test personnel, government staff, and other technicians. Additional duties may include logistics, material, and safety responsibilities related to shipbuilding efforts. The position is on-site in Mobile, Alabama, and involves physically demanding work aboard ships and on piers.

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.
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 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, and standing for long periods aboard a ship or pier.
Ability to lift 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 and communicate in a distributed team environment, including customer initiatives, strategy, and mission needs.
U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance within a reasonable amount of time; selected applicants will undergo a U.S. Government security investigation.

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 success 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 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, witness verification, and 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, quality, and housekeeping requirements while coordinating with engineering, production, and quality assurance personnel.
Assist with mounting equipment and installing system racks, cabinets, and associated hardware.
Install and secure equipment, patch panels, cable-management hardware, and other rack components.
Route, dress, secure, and identify cables 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 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 preventative and corrective maintenance.
Continue learning shipboard design to support assigned systems integration and advanced testing work.
Perform additional logistics, material, and safety duties as assigned in support of shipbuilding efforts.