First Radio Electronics Technician

This is a shipboard position with the Military Sealift Command, a U.S. Navy command. Ships operate worldwide, so the work is at sea and the San Diego location is a reference point only; assignments are made by MSC. Applications are submitted through MSC's own application portal (apply.sealiftcommand.com) - contacting your Veteran Staffing Consultant does not submit one.

MSC's average annual earnings for this role: $119,440. That is total take-home including overtime and penalty pay, not the base pay in the job announcement.

Announcement opens continuously from 10/01/2026, with periodic cut-offs.

The First Radio Electronics Technician is a Civil Service Mariner (CIVMAR) employed by the Navy to serve the Military Sealift Command (MSC) onboard naval auxiliaries and hybrid-manned warships worldwide, in peace and war. MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations. MSC provides on-time logistics, strategic sealift, as well as specialized missions anywhere in the world, in contested or uncontested environments.

The 1st Radio Electronics Technician is a watchstander and functions as a watch partner, supervised by the Chief Radio Electronics Technician, and carries out functions for the daily operations of the department.

Able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.

The incumbent has knowledge of, but not limited to, Navy Telecommunications Publications (NTP’s), Naval Warfare Publications (NWP’s), Fleet Telecommunications Publications (FTP’s), Communications Information Bulletins (CIB’s), Communications Information Advisories (CIA’s), and Current General Message Files (GMF’s).

The incumbent transfers information using tactical or commercial satellites on a global basis. Operations are routinely performed within a battle group with specific circuits and protocol that must be utilized. Complies with EKMS policy and procedures for the handling and safeguarding of COMSEC material and is skilled in operating radio cryptographic equipment. The incumbent operates, monitors, and controls information systems in support of worldwide telecommunications networks. Assigned systems include, CUDIXS, MDU, MDS, NOW, GATEGUARD, FSM, NAVMACS V2 or II SYSTEMS, MISNS, and ADNS.

The incumbent performs assigned mission organizational level troubleshooting, maintenance and minor repair of Command, Control, Communications, and Computer systems. Systems to be kept fully operational include ship’s capability to handle two or more secure Fleet Broadcast Satellite Communications (FLTBROADCAST) channels for classified traffic, CUDIXS to send and receive genser traffic and tactical voice circuits to report or relay operational and administrative information.

The incumbent must possess knowledge of electronic theory and be competent to perform MSC required equipment preventive and/or corrective maintenance, equipment troubleshooting, and limited repair to shipboard communications systems.

The incumbent must be knowledgeable of the Electrical Safety Program and safety requirements of the equipment worked upon. In performing the work, incumbent is required to observe all safety rules and take appropriate precautions to ensure personal safety and safety of co-workers. Incumbent is required to be proficient in the performance of shipboard emergency drills, performing all duties as assigned.

The incumbent maintains databases on assigned communications computer systems.

The incumbent is required to work aloft and over the side while maintaining antennas and other topside systems.

The incumbent may be required to supervise and train assigned personnel.

The incumbent must be able to use applicable software applications.

Supervises and trains assigned personnel.

Ensures continuing application and compliance with EEO laws, regulations and policies.

Everything in this Position Description is considered to be an essential function of this position.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Must be a United States citizen of at least 18 years of age and possess and maintain:
• U.S. Regular Passport (also referred to as a tourist or blue passport) with minimum of ten (10) months of expiration date.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration.
• United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC), with a minimum of ten months remaining of expiration date.
• United States Coast Guard (USCG) Medical Certificate without any Limitations/Restrictions, with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration date.
• Position Specific Requirements: Must have one of the following. • U.S. Navy E5 or above (Communications rating) with at least two (2) years experience in shipboard Communications Center (i.e
• Radio Central)
• Other branches of the Military/National Guard, experience working in shore base Communications center or Operations Center (this is not referring to a Combat Information Center (CIC))
• Experience must be within the recent ten (10) years of announcement

OR:

• • Must have two (2) years cumulative experience sailing on MSC vessels as a permanent Second Radio Electronics Technician (RET2)

OR:

• • Equivalent Government and/or Commercial Communications with at least two (2) years experience
• Experience must be within the recent ten (10) years of announcement
• **NOTE: When submitting an application for employment, you must provide a letter from your Facility Security Officer and or Government Security Official to document Top Secret eligibility
• You must have Top Secret eligibility within the last 24 months when hired for this position. **

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for Military Sealift Command is Chuck Callahan.