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

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

Stennis Space Center, MS

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 a DoD Secret security clearance and TS/SCI eligibility which requires US citizenship for work on DoD contracts. This position is onsite at either Stennis Space Center, Mississippi. Application Deadline: June 29, 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, 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

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:

$90,000 - $133,000 USD

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.