Shipboard Connector/Cable Technician (Fiber Optic & Copper)

Associate's degree in related discipline or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience is required plus a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Department of Defense Secret security clearance is obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire.Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

The Engineering Technician’s primary role will be performing fiber-optic and copper cable terminations aboard U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard new-construction vessels in accordance with applicable NAVSEA specifications, engineering drawings, and approved procedures. The role also conducts required cable testing with an authorized witness and documents results to verify compliance with applicable quality and acceptance requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Prepare and terminate fiber-optic and copper cable ends in accordance with applicable NAVSEA specifications, engineering drawings, and approved work instructions.
• Install connectors, contacts, and associated termination hardware, ensuring proper cable preparation, conductor identification, connector assembly, and workmanship.
• Perform fiber-optic end-face preparation, cleaning, and inspection, and verify copper terminations for proper pin assignments, secure connections, and electrical integrity.
• Conduct required cable inspections and acceptance testing using approved procedures and calibrated test equipment.
• Coordinate and perform required testing in the presence of an authorized witness, ensuring applicable inspection and witness requirements are satisfied.
• Record and maintain termination, inspection, and test results, including cable identification, equipment calibration information, witness verification, and other required quality records.
• Identify and report defective terminations, damaged cables, and test failures; perform authorized corrective work and retesting in accordance with approved procedures.
• Maintain cable identification and traceability, and protect cables, connectors, and completed terminations from damage and contamination.
• Properly use and maintain termination tools, inspection instruments, and test equipment; verify required calibration status before use.
• Follow applicable safety requirements, quality procedures, and housekeeping practices while coordinating with engineering, production, and quality assurance personnel.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Assist with mounting equipment and installing system racks, cabinets, and associated hardware in accordance with engineering drawings and approved installation procedures.
• Install and secure equipment, patch panels, cable-management hardware, and other components within system racks.
• Route, dress, secure, and identify cables within racks and equipment cabinets, maintaining required bend radii, cable separation, strain relief, and maintenance access.
• Support system integration by verifying equipment interconnections and installation readiness for system checkout and testing.
• Assist engineering and test personnel with system checkout, functional testing, and verification of proper equipment operation.
• Troubleshoot installation and integration issues, helping isolate faults involving cabling, connections, or equipment; perform authorized corrective actions and support retesting.
• Document installation discrepancies, troubleshooting findings, and corrective actions, and coordinate resolution with engineering, production, and quality assurance personnel.
• Perform periodic preventative maintenance in accordance with requirements.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

This position will require the ability to work from tech manuals, vendor documentation, schematics, and engineering drawing to support the ship’s cable building efforts. The Engineering Technician will be expected to have proficiency with test equipment operations, pin insertion/extraction methods, fiber repair, cable repair/rework, connector repair/rework, and basic soldering. Additional duties may be assigned, including but not limited to logistics, material, and safety responsibilities as it relates to the shipbuilding efforts.  The Engineering Technician will be expected to continue learning shipboard design to support increased assigned work efforts in systems integration and in advanced testing.

• Candidate will be required to perform physically demanding work, to include working aloft, in tight, restricted spaces onboard the ship, climbing scaffolding, ladders and standing for long periods of time onboard the ship or pier and be able to lift 50 lbs. or more.
• Must be able to pass cable connection qualification courses and maintain proficiency.
• The candidate may be responsible for working with a team of technicians, engineers, and government staff as appropriate.
• Gain experience with shipboard maintenance, to include equipment preventative and corrective maintenance.
• This individual must have strong oral and written communication skills and be proficient with typical PC applications such as Microsoft Office/365.
• Professional etiquette and ability to operate effectively in a distributed team environment and effectively communicate customer initiatives, strategy and mission needs.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Previous work in a shipyard environment.
• Knowledge of ship design and compartment structure.
• Knowledge of switchboards and power panels.
• Previous qualifications in copper and fiber connection building.
• Knowledge of navigation, communications, machinery, combat systems, and computer interfacing equipment.
• Knowledge of auxiliary supporting equipment, such as motor controllers, damage control equipment, and shipboard air and water systems.
• Familiar with U.S. Government protocol and the ability to work directly with government personnel and with the employees of other companies. 
• Superior organizational and time management skills
• Familiar with Work Authorization Forms (WAF) and Tag-Out Programs.

What you’ll experience:
• Technologies that aren’t just top-notch, they’re often top-secret.
• A team of bold thinkers committed to exploring what’s next.
• Opportunities to gain new knowledge - as it’s discovered.

What you bring to the table:
• An associate’s degree in related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience plus a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.
• Fundamental knowledge and proficiency in the use of related tools and equipment.
• Ability to fabricate simple hardware as required.
• Clear computer and test equipment knowledge.

What sets you apart:
• Team player who thrives in collaborative environments and revels in team success.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Superior communication and collaboration skills.

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans