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.

• 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 work spaces 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

• 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…