CEMAT | Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic (CNAL) | Norfolk, VA
The CVN Mechanical Specialist will serve on the Carrier Engineering Maintenance Assist Team (CEMAT), providing hands-on mechanical troubleshooting, maintenance support, and on-the-job training to ship's force personnel aboard CVN-class aircraft carriers. This role focuses primarily on galley, scullery, and laundry equipment; diagnosing and repairing the mechanical systems that directly support crew quality of life and operational readiness. This is a hands-on, deck-plates position, not a desk job. You'll be the go-to expert helping Sailors keep critical quality-of-life equipment running. If you spent your Navy career keeping the galley gear and laundry machines turning, this role is for you.
What You'll Do
- Troubleshoot and repair shipboard galley and scullery equipment (commercial dishwashers, garbage disposals, steam kettles, ovens, mixers) and laundry systems — pumps, valves, bearings, seals, drive assemblies, and mechanical controls.
- Provide over-the-shoulder coaching and OJT to ship's force Sailors, building their ability to independently maintain and troubleshoot auxiliary mechanical equipment.
- Deliver maintenance support and engineering guidance for AC&R systems supporting galley and hotel services spaces.
- Interpret mechanical diagrams, technical manuals, piping schematics, and NAVSEA documentation to support troubleshooting and repair efforts.
- Collaborate with Fleet Maintenance, Systems Engineering, and QA/QC teams to support equipment readiness and sustainment.
- Document maintenance actions and support compliance with JFMM and NAVSEA Standard Items.
Required Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree + 3 years or a High School diploma
- Experience: 6+ years of hands-on mechanical maintenance experience, preferably in a Navy or DoD environment
- Shipboard Background: Prior U.S. Naval service with direct A-Division (Auxiliaries) experience aboard CVN-class carriers or surface combatants
- Technical Skills:
- Troubleshooting of galley, scullery, and laundry equipment — pumps, motors, valves, seals, bearings, mechanical drive systems
- Familiarity with AC&R systems (nice to have)
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical diagrams, piping schematics, and technical manuals
- Clearance: Active SECRET clearance required
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship required
- Physical: Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in shipboard/industrial environments (ladders, confined spaces, elevated temperatures)
Desired Qualifications:
- NEC certifications in auxiliary, mechanical, AC&R, and laundry/galley systems/equipment
- Familiarity with NAVSEA Standard Items, JFMM, and maintenance planning systems
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint
- Experience mentoring or training junior personnel
Ideal Navy Backgrounds
We strongly encourage applications from veterans with the following ratings:
- Machinist's Mate (MM) — especially with A-Gang / Auxiliaries experience
- Engineman (EN)
- Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Mechanical (GSM)
- Aviation Mechanic
Or equivalent experience maintaining shipboard galley, scullery, laundry, or auxiliary mechanical equipment.