Machinery Control Systems (MCS) Technician (Norfolk, VA)

Join Life Cycle Engineering

Lead with purpose. Own the outcome. Do the right thing the right way. Why Choose LCE?

• Employee Ownership (ESOP): Build financial stake in your work. Our 100% employee-owned model directly connects your contributions to company performance and long-term wealth creation.
• Award-Winning Culture: Join an organization repeatedly recognized as a "Best Place to Work" driven by integrity, mutual respect, and a supportive team environment.
• Impactful Mission: Support defense operations, waterfront engineering, cyber infrastructure, and asset reliability programs that keep fleets and operations mission ready.

Opportunity Summary Are you a skilled automation professional with deep roots in Navy shipboard systems? Then join us as a Machinery Control Systems (MCS) Technician in Norfolk, VA to provide critical in-service engineering, testing, software upgrade installation, and fleet training for CVN 68 and 78 Class (Nimitz-class) Aircraft Carriers. Why Navy Talent Thrives Here We provide specialized, high-consequence engineering support to the U.S. Navy's most critical assets. If you want to leverage your Navy tech background or industrial controls expertise where it impacts national security daily, apply today to connect with our recruiting team.

What You'll Do You will act as a technical link for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) ensuring the operational readiness of the digital and analog backbone controlling propulsion, electrical generation, steering, and damage control. Primary Responsibilities

• Fleet Technical Support: Deliver distance and on-site CVN MCS Fleet Technical Support to shipboard operators and leadership.
• Automation & Controls: Modify, implement, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs and I/O devices embedded in shipboard systems.
• Testing & Grooms: Support the development and execution of shipboard test procedures. Perform critical MCS grooms and readiness assessments including Pre-Installation Check-Outs (PICOs) and C5RA milestones aboard CVN 68 and 78 class ships.
• Software Deployments: Execute precise shipboard software upgrades during shipboard alterations in alignment with Ship Change Documents (SCDs).
• Training Delivery: Provide On-the-Job Training (OJT) and MCS Software Refresher Training to naval crew members.
• Lifecycle Logistics: Review and update CVN 68 and 78 class MCS Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) products including technical manuals, Preventative Maintenance Systems (PMS) documentation, and Allowance Parts Lists (APLs). Research replacement parts and provide supply ordering information to assist ships in ordering failed parts.

Security Clearance Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Five years minimum hands-on experience operating and maintaining MCS field devices, indicators, and control circuits (CVN/Aircraft Carrier experience highly preferred).
• Programmable Logic Controllers: Demonstrated, practical experience troubleshooting Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLCs and network I/O devices.
• Industrial Networking: Working knowledge of core ethernet switches and Hirschmann Industrial Ethernet Switches and the ability to test fiber connections inside/outside Fiber Optic Connection Plant (FOCP).
• Certifications: Active CompTIA Security+ certification or ability to obtain one.
• Technical Software: Proficiency with MS Excel, Access, Project, and Visio.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (Formal military technical training (e.g., Navy IC, EM, GSE, or GSM ratings) highly valued.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior supervisory or team lead experience managing MCS maintenance or installation pipelines.
• Exceptional communication skills, with a high comfort level briefing technical issues and milestones to senior naval leadership (O4/Lieutenant Commander and above).

Physical Expectations

• Travel & Underway Time: Ability to travel up to 25%. Work environments will actively include pier-side, shipyard, and limited underway (at-sea) time onboard US Naval Vessels at CONUS and OCONUS locations.
• Physical Maneuverability: Regular physical activity including walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting up to 30 pounds. Candidates must be physically able to climb vertical ladders and negotiate standard shipboard hatches, scuttles, and tight structural field environments during inspections.
• Ability to speak, read, hear, and write, with or without assistance.
• Ability to use phone and computer systems, copier, fax and other office equipment.

This position description represents a summary of the major components and requirements of the outlined position. Other responsibilities may be assigned or required as business needs dictate. Questions regarding this description should be addressed to the hiring authority or to Human Resources. Benefit Offerings

• Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) & company matched 401(k)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Free life and disability insurance with supplemental coverage options
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Plan, & Lifestyle Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave
• Flexible schedules, casual work environment, and relaxed dress code
• Continuing education and professional development programs at all levels
• Free access to online training library including certification preparation
• Bonus program, employee referral program, monetary recognition opportunities, and more

Benefits may vary based on employment status, business unit, and location. Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, application for or service in the military or status as a disabled veteran or veteran, because of or on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation, and any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.