In this role, you'll contribute to the U.S. Navy's Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) test and evaluation mission, supporting combat systems integration, activation, and operational testing aboard the Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS). Working alongside engineers, technicians, and fleet operators, you'll help deliver reliable combat system capabilities that directly enhance naval readiness and support the development of next-generation surface warfare technologies.

About the role:
As an SSDS Technical Operator, you will play a critical role in the operation, activation, testing, and troubleshooting of the U.S. Navy's Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) aboard the Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS) located in Wallops Island, Virginia. You will work closely with government and contractor engineers, combat systems operators, and test teams to prepare complex combat systems for developmental and operational testing. Daily responsibilities include bringing combat systems from cold iron status to fully operational configurations, supporting live and simulated test events, identifying and resolving technical issues, documenting system performance, and ensuring mission readiness throughout the test lifecycle. This position offers the opportunity to directly support cutting-edge naval combat system development in an operational environment where your technical expertise has an immediate impact on the future capabilities of the U.S. Navy.

Responsibilities:

• Operate, configure, and support the Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) during developmental and operational test events.
• Bring SSDS combat systems from cold iron status to fully operational readiness in support of testing and evaluation activities.
• Perform system initialization, equipment alignment, configuration verification, and operational checks prior to test execution.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and combat system integration issues to restore system functionality and minimize test disruptions.
• Coordinate with government personnel, engineers, and other technical teams to execute planned test events and resolve technical discrepancies.
• Monitor combat system performance during live and simulated events, documenting system behavior, anomalies, and operational observations.
• Maintain accurate operational logs, test documentation, and configuration records supporting Navy test objectives.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by providing technical feedback and recommendations to enhance system performance and test execution.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience supporting Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) platforms.
• Minimum of four (4) years leading teams of technical and/or tactical operators engaged in the employment of U.S. Navy Surface Weapon Systems.
• Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on technical experience with SSDS Baselines, including the ability to bring combat systems from cold iron status to operational readiness.
• Experience supporting combat systems testing, integration, or operational evaluation activities.
• Strong understanding of U.S. Navy combat systems, surface warfare operations, and tactical employment concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex combat system hardware, software, and network issues.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced operational test environments while supporting multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to document technical findings and operational observations.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience supporting the Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS) program.
• Experience with Aegis Combat System, Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), or other integrated Navy combat systems.
• Prior experience supporting NAVSEA, NSWC Dahlgren Division, or Naval Surface Warfare testing activities.
• Familiarity with combat system integration, developmental testing (DT), and operational testing (OT).
• Prior U.S. Navy Surface Warfare or Combat Systems operational experience.
• Experience supporting missile firing events, live-fire exercises, or waterfront combat system operations.
• Previous experience working within Department of Defense acquisition or test organizations.

Education and Certification Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related technical discipline preferred.
• Relevant military technical training or equivalent Navy combat systems experience may be substituted for formal education.

Citizenship and Clearance requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship required
• No dual citizenship
• Active Secret clearance required
• Active Top Secret clearance preferred

Location/Address:

• Onsite position
• Wallops Island, Virginia

Travel & Passport:

• Under 10% travel
• Primarily CONUS travel for customer meetings, training, and occasional test support

Work Environment:

• PMAT offices as needed. In some cases, work in a government facility may be required. Travel may be required for customer engagement, team coordination, and potentially for business development.

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