Machinery Control Systems (MCS) Technician

Machinery Control Systems (MCS) SME

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

• Deliver expert distance and on-site CVN MCS Fleet Technical Support to shipboard operators and leadership.
• Modify, implement, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs and I/O devices embedded in shipboard systems.
• Support the development and execution of shipboard test procedures and perform critical MCS grooms and readiness assessments, including Pre-Installation Check-Outs (PICOs) and C5RA milestones aboard CVN 68 class ships.
• Execute precise shipboard software upgrades during shipboard alterations in alignment with Ship Change Documents (SCDs).
• Provide high-impact On-the-Job Training (OJT) and MCS Software Refresher Training to naval crew members.
• 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).

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of hands-on experience operating and maintaining MCS field devices, indicators, and control circuits (CVN/Aircraft Carrier experience highly preferred).
• Demonstrated, practical experience troubleshooting Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLCs and network I/O devices.
• 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).
• Active CompTIA Security+ certification (or the verified ability to obtain one rapidly upon hire).
• Above-average proficiency working with MS Excel, Access, Project, and Visio.
• High school diploma or equivalent; formal military technical training (e.g., Navy IC, EM, GSE, or GSM ratings) is highly valued.

Additional Skills & 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).
• Secret clearance - will provide if needed.

Work Environment

The role requires the ability to travel up to 25%. Work environments will actively include pier-side, shipyard, and limited underway (at-sea) time onboard US Naval Vessels. Locations may include Japan, San Diego, Virginia, Washington, and other areas.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Norfolk, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $250000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Norfolk,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.