
System Maintenance Technician MK41 Vertical Launching System (VLS)
BAE Systems · Chula Vista, CA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Reliability
- Base pay
- $72k–$116k
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 12 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level reliability role at BAE Systems (aerospace & defense) in Chula Vista, CA. Assembling, installing, testing, maintaining, and repairing products and ensures products are in compliance with customer requirements.
- Base pay
- $72k–$116k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Maintenance Technician roles in California: typical posted base $72k–$116k. This one lists $72k–$116k.
Median of the low and high ends of 8 live postings that list pay, out of 127 maintenance technician openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 132 other live reliability postings in California.
- Base pay
- About 6% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $79k–$121k, from 9 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 35%
- PLC 32%
- Welding 29%
- Tooling 26%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for New product launch, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Reliability team at BAE Systems
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from BAE SystemsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Within the last ten (10) years must have the following
A minimum of five (5) years full-time hands-on technical experience in the assessment, maintenance, installation, test, or repair of MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS)
Must possess and submit proof of a current Vertical Launch Systems MK 41 VLS Maintenance Technician (SMT) certification (Navy Enlisted Classification code 0981) obtained in accordance with NAVSEA Standing Instruction 86-2B. The SMT certificate, white card, must be current.
Must be able to lift 50lbs
Secret Security Clearance or ability to qualify. Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Team Leader: Provide work direction to field service teams or multiple teams on multiple tasks.
Trainer: Provides necessary training to ensure internal and external
requirements
are met.
Estimating: Plan, estimate, and schedule required personnel and equipment for field service projects.
Team Management: Manage projects to cost schedule, quality and safety standards.
Customer Relations: Resolve field service issues such as scheduling conflicts and funding concerns with supervisors.
Communicator: Makes formal presentations to various MK 41 teams on issues such as job performance metrics, schedules, and job safety.
Data Base Management: Maintain configuration control databases and responsible for all logistics functions for assigned field service projects.
Pay Information
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
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Job Description
Are you in search of a job with a organization where purpose connects? BAE Systems Combat Mission Systems team maybe the answer. Our San Diego Combat Mission Systems facility has openings for our Mk-41 Vertical Launch Technicians.
The selected candidate will lead technical teams in the performance of
Assembling, installing, testing, maintaining, and repairing products and ensures products are in compliance with customer requirements.
System Testing: Troubleshooting technical issues to the component level, such as subsystem failures, mechanical and servo system misalignments.
System Inspector: Performs pre-overhaul system inspections and prepares detailed reports outlining discrepancies and recommended corrective actions.
Project Lead: Maintains a safe work environment, ensures compliance with safety objectives, ensures compliance with hazardous material objectives and resolves work site health issues. Required Education, Experience, & Skills Vocational/Technical training beyond high school.
