Location: Norfolk, VA
Position Type: Full-Time Field Engineering
Clearance Requirement: U.S. citizenship required with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance
Are you a skilled automation professional with deep roots in Navy shipboard systems? We are seeking a Machinery Control Systems (MCS) Technician to provide critical in-service engineering, testing, software upgrade installation, and fleet training for CVN 68 Class (Nimitz-class) Aircraft Carriers.
Based in Norfolk, VA, you will act as a vital 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.
Fleet Technical Support: Deliver expert 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 class ships.
Software Deployments: Execute precise shipboard software upgrades during shipboard alterations in alignment with Ship Change Documents (SCDs).
Training Delivery: Provide high-impact On-the-Job Training (OJT) and MCS Software Refresher Training to naval crew members.
Lifecycle Logistics: Review and update CVN 68 class MCS Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) products, including technical manuals, Preventative Maintenance Systems (PMS) documentation, and Allowance Parts Lists (APLs).
Experience: 5+ years of 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 ALCATEL Core Ethernet Switches and Hirschmann Industrial Ethernet Switches, alongside the ability to test fiber connections inside/outside the Fiber Optic Connection Plant (FOCP).
Certifications: Active CompTIA Security+ certification (or the verified ability to obtain one rapidly upon hire).
Technical Software: Above-average proficiency working 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) is highly valued.
Soft Skills: Self-motivated mindset capable of driving quality engineering work with minimal direct supervision.
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).
This is not a desk job. It is a highly active field engineering role embedded in real-world naval environments.
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.
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.
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.
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