Fire Controlman
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on422, South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas, 66603, United States
About the Team
The Advanced Electronics and Computer Field (ET/FC) forms the backbone of the Navy's Combat Systems department. Sailors in this field maintain, operate, and repair some of the most sophisticated electronics and computing systems in the fleet, including radar, communications, navigation, local area networks, weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs are essential to the operational readiness of carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and other surface combatants, as well as shore-based repair and technical activities.
About the Role
As an Electronics Technician (ET) or Fire Controlman (FC), you will serve as the primary guardian of a ship's combat capabilities. Your work blends intensive technical training with hands-on troubleshooting under time pressure to restore mission-critical systems. You will maintain complex equipment ranging from transmitters and receivers to weapon control consoles and large screen displays. The role demands strict adherence to safety procedures, configuration control, and technical documentation to ensure combat system readiness.
Your day-to-day environment varies between lab-style training facilities and the dynamic spaces aboard ships, including radar rooms, communications centers, and electronics shops. You will work in a team-based culture, often on rotating shifts to support around-the-clock operations. The work involves navigating noise, ladders, and confined areas, and occasionally working topside in varying weather conditions. As you qualify on systems and earn Navy Enlisted Classifications, you will take on progressive responsibility within the community.
Training & Advancement
The journey begins with Recruit Training followed by Apprentice Technical Training at Great Lakes, Illinois, covering electronics, circuitry, digital theory, and troubleshooting. You will then strand into either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, focusing on specific systems like radar, ballistics, or communications suites. Further training includes A School and platform-specific C Schools, with opportunities for college credit recommended by the American Council on Education.
Enlisting under the Advanced Electronics and Computer Field program allows for accelerated advancement to E4 upon completion of initial training and requirements. Final placement into the ET or FC rating is determined by performance and Navy needs during initial training. Continued promotion is based on performance, time in rate, and professional development. Fleet conversions from other ratings are possible for qualified Sailors subject to screening and community manning.
Education & Benefits
The Navy offers robust education benefits, including Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, and USMAP apprenticeships. Specific options depend on the Sailor's status and current policy.
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies, including basic pay, allowances, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements and service obligations depend on the program, component, years of service, and current law. Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available for specific ratings, though these change frequently and must be confirmed with an official recruiter.
Equal Opportunity
The United States Navy is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. All applicants must meet general enlistment standards, including eligibility to serve in the United States, age limits, medical and physical fitness requirements, and character standards.
Application & Disclaimers
To apply, contact an official Navy recruiter to discuss current incentives, eligibility, and specific program details. This description provides a general overview of typical duties and opportunities; it does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts. Actual opportunities, assignments, and outcomes depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.
Work location
Work model: On-site
422, South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas, 66603, United States
Topeka, Kansas
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleMaintain and repair radar, communication, and navigation equipment including transmitters and receivers
- check_circleOperate and repair fire control radars, computers, and automatic gun systems
- check_circleMaintain configuration control, documentation, and logs to support inspections and readiness
- check_circleRestore mission critical combat systems and communications under time pressure
- check_circlePerform team-based maintenance and watchstanding aboard ships and shore facilities
- check_circleTroubleshoot complex electronic and electro-mechanical faults using technical documentation
Requirements
- verifiedEligibility to serve in the United States Navy (citizenship or legal residency)
- verifiedHigh school diploma or equivalent
- verifiedMeeting age limits set by Navy policy
- verifiedMeeting medical, vision, and dental standards
- verifiedMeeting character and conduct standards including background screening
- verifiedAchieving required ASVAB test scores
- verifiedEligibility for security clearance
- verifiedNormal hearing and color perception
- verifiedStrong arithmetic and computing aptitude
Benefits & Perks
check_circleTuition Assistance and Post-9/11 GI Billcheck_circleACE-recommended college credit for Navy trainingcheck_circleNavy COOL-funded certificationscheck_circleUSMAP apprenticeshipscheck_circleHealth coveragecheck_circleRetirement options
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Radar, Communications, Navigation, Local Area Networks, Weapons Fire Control, Aegis Combat Systems, Satcom, HF, Fire Control Radars, Computer.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required for enlisted positions.
Frequently asked questions about Fire Controlman at US Navy
What does a Fire Controlman at US Navy do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Fire Controlman at US Navy will maintain and repair radar, communication, and navigation equipment including transmitters and receivers; operate and repair fire control radars, computers, and automatic gun systems; maintain configuration control, documentation, and logs to support inspections and readiness; and restore mission critical combat systems and communications under time pressure.
What are the requirements for this Fire Controlman role?expand_more
To qualify for the Fire Controlman at US Navy position, applicants should have: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy (citizenship or legal residency); High school diploma or equivalent; Meeting age limits set by Navy policy; Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards; Meeting character and conduct standards including background screening; and Achieving required ASVAB test scores.
Where is the Fire Controlman role at US Navy located?expand_more
Fire Controlman at US Navy is based in 422, South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas, 66603, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Fire Controlman job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
US Navy has listed this Fire Controlman role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Fire Controlman role?expand_more
Candidates for Fire Controlman at US Navy should have entry level.
What skills do you need for the Fire Controlman role at US Navy?expand_more
Key skills for Fire Controlman at US Navy include Radar; Communications; Navigation; Local Area Networks; Weapons Fire Control; Aegis Combat Systems; Satcom; and HF.
What education is required for Fire Controlman at US Navy?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: High school diploma or equivalent required for enlisted positions.
What category does the Fire Controlman role belong to?expand_more
Fire Controlman at US Navy is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.