Elevator Apprentice Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Field Service Technician – Naval Material Handling Systems

Company: Federal Equipment Company, a Fairbanks Morse Defense company
Location: Newport News Shipbuilding – Newport News, Virginia
Employment Type: Full-time, direct hire
Reports To: FMD Site Leader – Newport News Shipyard & Norfolk Too.

Put Your Technical Experience to Work Supporting the U.S. Navy

Federal Equipment Company (FEC), part of Fairbanks Morse Defense, is seeking an experienced, hands-on technician to install, troubleshoot, repair, and test mission-critical equipment aboard U.S. Navy vessels at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Military or shipboard experience is valuable but not required. If you have maintained industrial machinery, elevators, conveyors, cranes, hoists, vehicles, aircraft, manufacturing systems, or heavy equipment, your skills may transfer directly to this position.

Previous naval weapons-elevator experience is not required. We are looking for a dependable mechanical and electrical troubleshooter who can learn specialized FEC/FMD equipment and wants to build a long-term technical career.

Equipment You Will Support

• Advanced Weapons Elevators and other shipboard elevators

What You Will Do

• Install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair shipboard lifting and material-handling equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and control-system failures.
• Troubleshoot motors, brakes, drives, sensors, relays, switches, interlocks, and control circuits.
• Inspect and adjust bearings, shafts, chains, rollers, guides, gearboxes, couplings, cables, and related components.
• Use multi-meters, precision measuring instruments, hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Support installation, alignment, adjustment, commissioning, functional testing, and acceptance testing.
• Identify replacement parts and accurately document work, test results, equipment status, and open deficiencies.
• Follow approved drawings, manuals, work packages, safety rules, and quality procedures.
• Communicate technical findings and recommendations to supervisors, engineers, shipyard personnel, inspectors, and U.S. Navy representatives.

Qualifications

• At least two years of hands-on maintenance or repair experience involving industrial, commercial, military, maritime, aviation, automotive, or heavy equipment
• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical problem-solving skills
• Basic electrical troubleshooting ability, including safe use of a multimeter
• Ability to read or learn electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals
• Ability to work independently, follow procedures, and make sound decisions under pressure
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Professional demeanor, dependable attendance, and strong attention to detail

Experience with elevators, conveyors, cranes, hoists, PLC-controlled machinery, motor controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, or shipboard equipment is preferred but not required. Relevant military training, trade school education, apprenticeships, and industry certifications are valued.

Documentation & Communication

• Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals.
• Document all work performed using laptop-based reporting systems and company tools.
• Communicate technical findings, status, and recommendations clearly with engineers and U.S. Navy personnel.
• Maintain strict safety, quality, and procedural compliance in all work activities.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all Fairbanks Morse Defense and shipyard safety policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Maintain proper use of PPE and fall protection systems.
• Adhere to all applicable regulations and standards for shipboard/shipyard work.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

Work in a physically demanding shipyard/shipboard environment requiring the ability to:

• Walk long distances across shipyard and vessel spaces.
• Climb ladders, gangways, and vertical ship access points.
• Work in confined, elevated, and industrial spaces aboard ships.
• Carry tools, parts, and test equipment throughout the vessel.
• Work at heights using fall protection systems.
• Stand and work for extended periods.

General

• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and professional presence.
• Perform other related duties within the scope of the role as assigned.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while contributing productively to a team.
• Remain safety-minded, accountable, and detail-oriented.

Additional Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required (NOFORN position).
  Must meet all security and access requirements for naval shipboard work.
  Strong attendance, reliability, and accountability required.

Veteran & Trade School Friendly

This position is well suited for:

• Military veterans (especially with electrical/mechanical or shipboard experience).
• Trade school graduates in industrial maintenance, electrical, mechanical, or related fields.
• Technicians seeking a long-term technical career path rather than a short-term job.

[US Citizenship Requirement NOFORN access needed] This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information, which is Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN) data. Therefore, to meet NOFORN requirement, you will have to provide proof of US Citizenship and attest that you do not have dual citizenship. Acceptable proof of US Citizenship is a US Passport, US Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate.

This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title
and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way
modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position,
with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic
requirements of all positions at Fairbanks Morse Defense.