Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) Maintainer / Operator

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.

Essential Duties & 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

Required Clearance & Qualifications

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

Required Technical Skills

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

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Ability to work in shops, waterfront, field, and training environments, including lifting and handling equipment and working around small craft

Work is performed in maintenance shops, warehouses, waterfront facilities, and maritime training environments

Must be able to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work in confined spaces for extended periods

Must be capable of supporting launch and recovery operations around small craft and waterfront facilities

Occasional travel and temporary duty (TDY) may be required to support training, testing, or operational events

Desired Skills & Experience

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

#CJPOST

The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:

$125,000 — $160,000 USD

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).