Usv Unmanned Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SMX is seeking four USV Craft Maintainer/Operators to support NSW TF-ABLE by maintaining, sustaining, and operating a dedicated fleet of 6-10 USV training craft located at Stennis Space Center, MS. and Virginia Beach, VA. These training platforms are based on modified Yamaha FX-SVHO/FX-SHO personal watercraft and are used to train future operators and maintainers for global maritime missions.

These positions require technically capable, self-motivated individuals 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 the ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance and TS/SCI eligibility which requires US citizenship for work on DoD contracts.

This position is onsite at Little Creek, Virginia.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct recurring preventative and corrective maintenance on USV training craft.
• Perform OEM-based PMS cycles (lubrication, oil change, filters, belts, hoses).
  
• Conduct freshwater flushes, fuel stabilization, and battery preservation
• Perform mechanical, electrical, and software-based troubleshooting
• Interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and system configuration documentation
• Perform functional operational checks (line-of-sight piloted control and autonomous modes)
• Conduct software and firmware updates and verify system baselines
• Support ArduPilot configuration changes and mission-planning workflows
• Maintain usage logs, discrepancy reports, and configuration notes
• Track high-use components and replace high-failure items as needed
• Support daily readiness of all training USV platforms
• Maintain clean and safe workspaces within the storage and maintenance areas
• Coordinate with TF-ABLE technical leads and SMX leadership to report readiness
• Work independently and proactively with minimal daily oversight
• Conduct pre-operational, post-operational, and launch/recovery checks for USV training craft
• Remotely monitor USV status, telemetry, GPS position, communications links, and autonomy mode performance during training events
• Support mission planning, route validation, geofence setup, and post-mission data/log review
• Operate and communicate using applicable 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 evolutions, waterfront operations, and austere/forward operating environments as required
  

Required Skills & Experience 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD SECRET clearance
• TS/SCI eligibility
• 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
• Strong initiative, self-motivation, and disciplined work habits
• Familiarity with GPS navigation, telemetry, remote vehicle control, and basic maritime operating procedures
• Ability to conduct structured pre/post-operation checks and clearly document system status, discrepancies, and corrective actions
• Ability to work in shops, waterfront, field, and training environments, including lifting/handling equipment and working around small craft

Desired Skills & Experience 

• Yamaha PWC maintenance experience
• USV / unmanned systems maintenance background
• Exposure to autonomy platforms (e.g., ArduPilot)
• Mission-planning software familiarity
• Naval / NSW / SOF support experience
• Forklift & warehouse handling familiarity
• Experience tracking maintenance actions and system configurations
• 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, SOF, RDT&E, training, or fielded unmanned maritime systems
•  Marine electronics, NMEA/CAN bus, GPS/GNSS, RF communications, or network troubleshooting experience
• STCW, boating safety, forklift, trailer handling, or other maritime support certifications

Work Environment/ Physical Requirements:

• 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.
• Must be comfortable working independently with limited supervision while maintaining high standards of safety, accountability, and mission readiness

Training Pipeline:

• Up to 60 days onsite onboarding with platform SMEs (Virginia)
• Progressive certification on USV platform sustainment tasks
• Training in software updates, autonomy modes, and mission-planning tools
• Competency development in operational modes & system controls

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