The posting
Job Description Job Title: Davit Technician / Davit Service EngineerReports To: Service Manager Position Summary Fairbanks Morse Defense is seeking an experienced Davit Technician / Davit Service Engineer to install, test, commission, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electric and high-pressure hydraulic davit systems and related equipment for naval, Coast Guard, commercial maritime, and industrial customers. This position requires frequent travel to shipyards, active vessels, and customer facilities to perform field service, inspections, upgrades, and corrective maintenance in accordance with company procedures, applicable regulations, and Fairbanks Morse Defense safety and quality standards. The role combines hands-on technical work, regulatory compliance, and customer-facing service to keep mission-critical davit systems safe, reliable, and compliant. MANDATORY MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONCandidates who do not possess substantial high-pressure hydraulic experience and proven hydraulic schematic-reading ability will not meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Technical and Field Service
Install, troubleshoot, repair, test, commission, service, and maintain electric and high-pressure hydraulic davit systems and related equipment. Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic faults, including leaks, pressure or flow loss, contamination, overheating, and component failure. Read and interpret hydraulic schematics, electrical diagrams, technical drawings, equipment manuals, and product documentation. Test hydraulic pressure and flow, determine root causes, and repair or replace pumps, motors, cylinders, valves, accumulators, manifolds, filters, pressure-control devices, hoses, fittings, and related components. Perform shipboard and field service work, including onsite corrective maintenance and remote technical support. Conduct annual and five-year inspections and safety checks in accordance with manufacturer procedures, classification requirements, SOLAS, and applicable maritime authority regulations. Perform operational testing and verify that serviced equipment meets manufacturer and customer requirements. Maintain tools, test equipment, and technical documentation in good working order. Prepare accurate and timely service reports, inspection documents, and test records using Fairbanks Morse Defense procedures and templates.
Safety, Quality, and Compliance
Follow all Fairbanks Morse Defense HSE/EHS policies and site-specific safety procedures. Work safely around high-pressure hydraulics, electrical systems, suspended loads, shipboard machinery, and other industrial hazards. Complete required safety and technical training and maintain all necessary certifications. Perform work in accordance with the company’s quality management system and applicable ISO standards. Use established quality assurance systems and support continuous improvement in safety, quality, reliability, and service performance. Maintain current knowledge of regulations, standards, and technical requirements applicable to davit systems.
Customer Service and Communication
Represent Fairbanks Morse Defense professionally and maintain a customer-focused approach. Clearly communicate work scope, equipment condition, findings, completed repairs, and recommended corrective actions. Pursue first-time fixes whenever possible and support customer satisfaction and repeat business. Keep the Service Manager and appropriate regional offices informed of job status, technical or safety issues, scheduling, and resource needs.
Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
Provide Engineering and Product Management with feedback on recurring equipment issues and potential product, design, or process improvements. Help standardize and improve service procedures, documentation, testing methods, and tools. Collaborate with Program Management, Production, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, and other internal teams to execute service work efficiently. Perform other duties within the scope of the position as assigned by the Service Manager or designated leader.
Qualifications Education
High school diploma or GED required. Associate degree in mechanical, electrical, marine technology, or a related technical field preferred. Technical or vocational training in hydraulics, electrical systems, cranes, davits, or industrial/heavy-equipment maintenance preferred.
Required Experience
Substantial hands-on experience troubleshooting, repairing, testing, and maintaining high-pressure hydraulic systems in marine, crane, davit, heavy-equipment, or comparable industrial applications. Proven ability to independently read, interpret, and troubleshoot using hydraulic schematics. Field service, maintenance, or technician experience. Experience diagnosing hydraulic failures and repairing or replacing hydraulic components. Experience using hydraulic pressure gauges, flow-testing equipment, electrical test equipment, and hand and power tools. Experience working from technical drawings, schematics, equipment manuals, and service procedures.
Preferred Experience
Experience installing, maintaining, or repairing davit, crane, lifting, or launch-and-recovery systems. Experience with electric control systems and industrial or heavy equipment. Experience with low- and high-voltage electrical systems. Prior military experience with hydraulic or electrical systems, particularly in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, or another maritime service.
Required Skills and Abilities
Strong knowledge of high-pressure hydraulic system operation and related safety requirements. Ability to troubleshoot hydraulic and electrical components using schematics, technical drawings, manuals, and diagnostic equipment. Strong mechanical aptitude, practical problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality. Effective written and verbal communication, organization, and time-management skills. Ability to work independently in the field and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital service-reporting systems.
Travel Requirements
Willingness and ability to travel a minimum of approximately 50% domestically and approximately 10% internationally. Ability to work at shipyards, aboard vessels, and at commercial, government, military, and industrial customer facilities. Ability to obtain and maintain required travel documents and site clearances, including a valid passport, visas, and facility-access credentials. Valid driver’s license required.
Physical Requirements
Ability to perform shipboard, shipyard, and industrial work, including prolonged standing and walking; climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching; and working in confined or elevated areas. Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds. Ability to work around operating machinery, high-pressure hydraulics, electrical systems, noise, heat, weather, and other shipboard or industrial conditions.
Citizenship and Access Requirements This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information that is Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN). Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship and attest that they do not hold dual citizenship. Acceptable proof includes a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. This specification describes the general nature and level of work associated with this position. It does not limit management’s right to assign, direct, or control work. All Fairbanks Morse Defense employees must be able to perform the position’s essential duties, with or without reasonable accommodation; demonstrate a commitment to effective customer service; and work productively as part of a team or work group.
