Lead Field Service Engineer at Kongsberg Protech Systems USA Corporation

KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.

Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Field Service Engineer to join our team at KDA Inc. In this critical role, you will be responsible for leading field service operations to ensure that our advanced systems and technologies perform optimally across various customer sites, both domestic and international. As a Lead Field Service Engineer, you will play a vital role in supporting and maintaining complex equipment and solutions, often in austere environments in direct support of the warfighter. Your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities will directly impact the reliability and success of our platforms. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product development, customer support, and program management, to deliver high-quality service and technical support. Your responsibilities will include overseeing installations, troubleshooting issues, performing system upgrades, conducting training, and ensuring rigorous compliance with technical and safety standards. This position demands a proactive and hands-on approach, with the ability to anticipate potential technical issues and develop preventative strategies. You will also play a key role in mentoring and training field technicians, sharing your knowledge and ensuring consistent excellence in service delivery. We are looking for a leader who thrives in dynamic, mission-critical environments, and who is committed to establishing best practices that position KDA Inc. as a top-tier provider of sustainment and field engineering support in the defense and aerospace industries.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist Manager US Sustainment Services in supervision, execution and management of field service team.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and demonstration of all platform assets for customer demonstrations and qualifications. Ensure all demonstrations are conducted effectively, and that qualifications meet customer and mission requirements
• KDA family of remote weapons functional, operational and employment, technical SME.
• Serve as the U.S. industry partner interface for all technical information regarding KDA platform integration requirements.
• Serve, when required, as a Field Support Representative (FSR) for the entire Protector family of Remote Weapon Stations (RWS).
• Provide, as required, general support of day-to-day operations of the field services team.
• Provide strategic technical expertise and guidance, overseeing and mentoring the team, ensuring the successful execution of related activities, and driving continuous improvement across all operational facets.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts and collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure mission success and operational excellence
• Lead training initiatives, mentor junior trainers, and ensure that the training program aligns with organizational and mission objectives, fostering a high level of expertise and operational readiness across all levels
• Able to maintain Master Gunner Certification in order to support live fire events
• Able to obtain and maintain up to a Secret Security Clearance

ANY ADDITIONAL, PERIODIC OR OCCASIONAL DUTIES:

• As stated above, position will be required on an “as needed basis,” to support general business development and marketing activities as directed / requested by the Vice President of US BD.

EQUIPMENT USED IN JOB:

• KDA prescribed, (general) RWS tool kit, KDA prescribed, specific Medium Caliber tool kit, fault-finding / detection / test equipment for Medium Caliber and RWS systems, material handling / lifting equipment (including / but not limited to; forklift, pallet trucks, micro/small cranes), weapon support equipment (including / but not limited to; boresighting equipment, cleaning tools, headspace / timing tools), laptop computer, smart phone.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma/general education degree (GED) required / military or DoD Battalion level experience or bachelor’s degree in management, computers, electronics or a related mechanical discipline is preferred / considered.

NUMBER OF YEARS AND TYPE OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• At least 10 years of prior operational, training, technical support for weapon systems and vehicle platforms
• At least 5 years military or USG experience is preferred
• Train the Trainer or Instructor certification on military equipment is preferred
• At least 5 years of field support service experience and / or formal training in a related field
• Extensive experience as a system technician, including advanced troubleshooting, in-depth analysis, and the development of solutions to complex engineering problems.
• Involvement in leading technical teams, mentoring junior technicians, and drive resolution of critical system issues
• Demonstrate expertise in overseeing complex operations, coordinating cross-functional efforts, and ensuring that solutions align with mission objectives and customer requirements
• Strong proficiency in basic computer skills, including advanced use of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for reporting, data analysis, and presentation creation
• Demonstrates ability to manage and generate detailed technical reports, provide insights, and communicate effectively with both internal teams and customers to support decision making at a strategic level
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, managerial and teamwork skills, with a proven ability to lead and mentor cross-functional teams
• Able to work autonomously with minimal supervisor, taking the initiative to manage complex tasks and drive results. Strong self-management and accountability, while providing guidance and support to junior team members

MINIMUM LEARNING TIME FOR THIS POSITION PROVIDED EMPLOYEE HAS NECESSARY EXPERIENCE:

• 6-8 months. In addition, candidate position is expected to be supported by (afforded) formal RWS, Medium Caliber, and Missiles training. Master Gunner Certification. Training scheduling / availability will impact this timeline.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:

• Rigorous outside activity is to be expected; requires ability to walk, climb, stand, carry materials, stoop, kneel, bend at waist, must be able to climb a minimum 30 foot ladder, maximum unassisted lift = 50 lbs. Average lift less than 20 lbs., exposed to seasonal weather based on geographic region, exposed to moving parts, electricity and weapons that require safety protocols, exposure to varied travel conditions either driving or flying. The travel required (time on travel) for this position is nearly 60%.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

• Some office-environment time is expected. However, majority of time will be spent in field / semi austere environments where rigorous outside activity is to be expected. Will be exposed to seasonal weather based on geographic region. Will be exposed to moving parts, electricity and weapons that require safety protocols and equipment, will be exposed to varied travel conditions either driving or flying.

U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENT: “To comply with U.S. national security requirements mandated under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. will consider only applicants who are U.S. Persons for this position.” OR “Applicant must be a U.S. Person within the meaning of United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governing export control.” “A U.S. Person is a United States Citizen or National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Lawful Temporary Resident, Refugee or Asylee.”

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international knowledge-based group that supplies high technology systems and solutions to its customers engaged in oil and gas production, the merchant marine, and the defense and aerospace industries. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. performs final assembly and testing of Remote Weapon Stations. The company also performs repair and overhaul (R&O) of Remote Weapon Stations that come back from field operations. In addition to competitive wages, we provide an excellent package of benefits, which presently includes company-paid health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with competitive match, a 9/80 work schedule, life insurance, sick time and paid time off (PTO).

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Sick time off

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Schedule:

Day shift

9/80 Schedule

Training:

6-8 months (+)