Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) Maintainer / Operator

SMX•Virginia Beach, VA

3d•$125,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

SMX is seeking a USV Craft Maintainer and Operator to support the Navy by maintaining, sustaining, and operating a dedicated fleet of USV training craft located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia. The ideal candidate is a technically capable, self-motivated individual who can rapidly learn autonomy systems, software workflows, and mission-planning tools, while supporting day-to-day platform readiness, operator training, mission rehearsal, remote monitoring, launch/recovery activities, and hands-on maintenance, troubleshooting, and operational checks of USV training craft in a maritime training environment. This position requires a minimum of the DoD SECRET clearance, which requires US citizenship for work on DoD contracts. This position is onsite at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia.

Requirements

DoD SECRET clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI
Strong initiative, self-motivation, and disciplined work habits
Must be comfortable working independently with limited supervision while maintaining high standards of safety, accountability, and mission readiness
Progressive certification on USV platform sustainment tasks
Training in software updates, autonomy modes, and mission-planning tools
Competency development in operational modes and system controls
Basic familiarity with Linux-based systems and working within a command-line or terminal environment, or demonstrated ability to rapidly learn software-adjacent maintenance and troubleshooting workflows
Basic understanding of computer networking, data links, and radio/communications systems supporting unmanned vehicle operations
Experience conducting mechanical and electrical maintenance on marine craft
Ability to interpret basic wiring diagrams and electrical schematics
Familiarity with onboard computing systems and software-driven platforms
Basic understanding of autonomy systems or demonstrated ability to learn quickly
Ability to execute preventative maintenance and conduct line-of-sight operational checks
Familiarity with GPS navigation, remote vehicle control, and basic maritime operating procedures
Ability to conduct structured pre- and post-operation checks and clearly document system status, discrepancies, and corrective actions

Nice To Haves

USV / unmanned systems maintenance background
Exposure to autonomy platforms
Mission-planning software familiarity
Forklift and warehouse handling familiarity
Experience tracking maintenance actions and system configurations
Exposure to ArduPilot or similar autopilot/control ecosystems, with an interest and demonstrated ability to develop proficiency in vehicle configuration, mission planning, parameter management, telemetry, and system troubleshooting
Experience with launch/recovery, pier-side operations, small boat operations, or waterfront safety procedures
Familiarity with mission-planning tools, ground/control stations, telemetry links, geofencing, and post-mission log review
Experience supporting Navy, RDT&E, training, or fielded unmanned maritime systems
Marine electronics, communications, or network troubleshooting experience
STCW, boating safety, forklift, trailer handling, or other maritime support certifications

Responsibilities

Conduct recurring preventative and corrective maintenance on USV training craft
Perform OEM-based PMS cycles including lubrication, oil changes, filters, belts, and hoses
Execute freshwater flushes, fuel stabilization, and battery preservation
Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues
Interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and system configuration documentation
Conduct functional operational checks in both line-of-sight piloted and autonomous modes
Implement software and firmware updates and verify system baselines
Maintain usage logs, discrepancy reports, and configuration records
Track high-use components and replace high-failure items as needed
Support the daily readiness of all training USV platforms
Maintain clean and safe workspaces in storage and maintenance areas
Coordinate with Navy technical leads and SMX leadership to report readiness
Work independently and proactively with minimal oversight
Perform pre-operational, post-operational, and launch/recovery checks for USV training craft
Remotely monitor USV status, telemetry, GPS position, communication links, and autonomy mode performance during training events
Operate and communicate using maritime safety procedures, waterfront coordination, and VHF/radio protocols as required
Document bugs, anomalies, failures, corrective actions, and operator feedback for escalation to technical leads or platform SMEs
Support field deployments, training exercises, waterfront operations, and austere or forward operating environments as required