Job Overview:
Small Craft Maintenance Technician
Location: San Diego, California
Position Type: Full-Time
Contract Status: Government contract awarded and funded
Anticipated Start Date: 28 July 2026
Period of Performance: Base year plus four (4) one-year option periods (up to five years total), subject to contract continuation
Compensation: Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
Join a Mission-Driven Team
TMS Group is seeking a highly motivated Small Craft Maintenance Technician to support the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of Government-owned small craft and maritime support equipment. This position is ideal for an experienced marine mechanic who takes pride in delivering reliable, mission-ready capabilities in support of military and government operations.
Working alongside a professional team of maritime experts, you will perform maintenance and repairs on a wide range of vessels and equipment while helping ensure the highest levels of safety, reliability, and operational readiness.
Primary Responsibilities
- Perform scheduled, preventive, corrective, and field-level maintenance on government small craft, RHIBs, jet skis, trailers, outboard motors, and associated support equipment.
- Inspect, troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, steering, ignition, lighting, DC power, and control systems.
- Service and repair inboard and outboard propulsion systems, including Caterpillar and Cummins diesel engines and associated auxiliary equipment.
- Troubleshoot and repair waterjet propulsion systems, including Hamilton and Kamewa waterjets, as well as conventional propeller drive systems.
- Conduct aluminum and fiberglass hull repairs, including welding, sheet metal fabrication, fiberglass patching, fender repair, and minor structural repairs.
- Service boat trailers, including brakes, axles, bearings, hubs, suspension, lighting systems, and tire replacement.
- Perform tire mounting, balancing, patching, plugging, and replacement using appropriate equipment.
- Utilize electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, and OEM documentation to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical systems.
- Use precision diagnostic equipment including multimeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, and other specialized testing equipment.
- Operate shop equipment, hydraulic lifts, hoists, and other maintenance support equipment safely.
- Document maintenance actions, labor hours, repair costs, inspections, and parts usage using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or government maintenance tracking systems.
- Research replacement parts, prepare parts requisitions, and maintain accountability of inventory.
- Properly handle, store, and dispose of hazardous materials in accordance with OSHA, EPA, and Government environmental regulations.
- Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to junior military and civilian maintenance personnel as required.
- Support dock trials, sea trials, testing, evaluations, and operational troubleshooting when required.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe maintenance workspace while adhering to all applicable safety procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience as an OEM-certified marine mechanic.
- Certification or factory training with one or more of the following manufacturers:
- Yamaha
- Mercury
- Honda
- Suzuki
- Evinrude
- Experience troubleshooting and repairing:
- Marine outboard engines
- Inboard diesel engines
- Marine electrical systems
- Hydraulic systems
- Steering and propulsion systems
- Experience maintaining and repairing:
- Small craft
- RHIBs
- Jet skis
- Boat trailers
- Marine support equipment
- Working knowledge of aluminum and fiberglass hull repair techniques.
- Ability to interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and engineering schematics.
- Experience documenting maintenance activities and managing repair records.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to safely lift equipment, work outdoors in varying environmental conditions, and perform physically demanding tasks.
Preferred Qualifications
- Additional OEM factory certifications.
- Experience supporting U.S. Military, Department of Defense, Naval Special Warfare, Coast Guard, or other government maritime organizations.
- Experience with:
- Caterpillar marine diesel engines
- Cummins marine diesel engines
- Hamilton waterjets
- Kamewa waterjets
- Familiarity with Civil Engineering Support Equipment (CESE), Material Handling Equipment (MHE), Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and Surface Support Craft.
- Welding certification.
- Experience with hydraulic troubleshooting and industrial electrical systems.
- Working knowledge of PLCs and advanced marine electrical diagnostics.
- Experience using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
- Ability to support underway operations, testing, evaluations, and troubleshooting aboard operational craft.
- Military or veteran background is highly valued.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is a dependable, technically proficient marine maintenance professional who enjoys solving complex mechanical problems and takes pride in keeping equipment mission-ready. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, work well independently and as part of a team, and are committed to delivering quality workmanship while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Why Join TMS Group?
At TMS Group, our mission is simple: Train. Maintain. Sustain. We are a Veteran-Owned Small Business dedicated to supporting military and government customers through operational excellence, technical expertise, and innovative maritime solutions.
When you join TMS Group, you'll become part of a team of experienced professionals committed to supporting those who serve while working on meaningful, mission-critical programs.
If you're ready to put your marine maintenance skills to work in support of national security and maritime operations, we'd like to hear from you.
Pay: $28.50 - $31.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
