IFF Engineering Technician IV (Navy Combat Systems)

We are seeking a highly skilled Engineering Technician IV to serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the AN/UPX-29(V) Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system. This role requires a blend of deep technical electronics expertise, decisive leadership, and the ability to communicate effectively with both junior technicians and high-level customer leadership. The successful candidate will be equally effective leading complex troubleshooting efforts in the lab or on-site at international locations, such as Yokosuka, Japan, ensuring system integration success under high-visibility conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• SME Leadership: Act as the primary technical authority for the AN/UPX-29(V) IFF system, supporting the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) portfolio through onsite test events, system assessments, and Fleet Modernization Program installations.
• Installation Management: Serve as the Alteration Installation Team (AIT) Lead for shipboard installations, ensuring strict adherence to NAVSEA TS9090.310G requirements.
• Operational Coordination: Lead AIT Regional Maintenance and Modernization Coordination Office (RMMCO) check-in and check-out processes.
• Technical Support: Provide expert technical services during grooms, Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT), Material Condition Assessments (MCA), and Aegis Light-Off Assessments (ALOA).
• Mentorship & Training: Spearhead the professional development of junior technicians and provide in-depth system upgrade training to shipboard IFF personnel.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Interface directly with ship’s force department heads and senior leadership to provide critical status updates and recommend corrective actions.

Other Requirements & Working Conditions

• Travel: Ability to travel 25–35% of the time for shipboard and shore-based installations and test events.
• Physical Demands: Must be comfortable working onboard ships, including climbing aloft for antenna inspections and lifting/carrying heavy objects.
• Flexibility: Ability to work overtime or weekends as required by installation schedules, occasionally in challenging environmental conditions.
• Location: This position is located in St. Mary's County, MD. Please note that monetary relocation assistance is not budgeted; applicants must reside in or be willing to relocate to the surrounding area.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• The Foundation: High School Diploma and at least 3 years of hands-on experience with US Navy combat systems.
• The Expertise: You are a subject matter expert in IFF systems.
• Not NEC certified? We will consider candidates with proven experience as an AIT Lead or similar , specifically those familiar with the RMMCO check-in/out process.
• The Grit: The ability to handle the physical demands of shipboard work, including going aloft for antenna maintenance and moving heavy equipment.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• While the basic requirements are essential, we are looking for a top-tier technician who brings an advanced toolkit of certifications and specialized skills. You will be highly competitive for this role if you possess:
• Advanced Technical Certifications: Current OSHA 10-hour certification, as well as certifications in professional cable fabrication and soldering (specializing in SMT, lead-free, and through-hole techniques).
• Precision Assembly Expertise: Proven experience in the assembly and testing of electronic circuit boards, including proficiency with solid-core and multi-pin connector/cable assembly.
• Complex Systems Troubleshooting: A track record of diagnosing and resolving issues within complex, interconnected electronics systems in a shipboard environment, specifically including experience with 5-wire synchro signals.
• We are looking for candidates with NEC 1571 (V06B) (AN/UPX-29(V)) or NEC 1572 (V07B) (AIMS).