Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Craft Maintainer / Operator, Maritime

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.

Application Deadline: July 13, 2026

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, an…