Test Engineer, Maritime Production

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Maritime Manufacturing Technology team is responsible for rapidly developing, manufacturing, and qualifying mission-critical defense hardware. Operating as a test-first organization, the team prioritizes tangible, evidence-based proof of capability over theoretical analysis alone. Our scope spans end-to-end verification: from coupon-level mechanical and weld evaluations to full-scale Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) functional qualification of advanced surface and undersea systems.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking a versatile Senior Test Engineer to join our Maritime team in Santa Ana, CA. In this role, you will bridge the gap between design engineering and physical execution, owning the hardware test lifecycle from initial front-end requirements ingestion to hands-on floor test execution and operational evaluations. You will develop test strategies, design and build custom test rigs, instrument systems, and execute testing across both simulation platforms and operational maritime/unmanned platforms.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Requirements & Test Architecture: Ingest customer, system-level, and subsystem requirements to develop comprehensive Test & Evaluation Plans, Design Verification Plans & Reports (DVP&R), and detailed standard operating procedures.
• Test Rig Design & Build: Design, fabricate, and validate specialized test fixtures, mechanical rigs, and electrical ground support equipment to capture critical performance metrics.
• Floor & Field Execution: Lead hands-on integration, functional testing, environmental validation, and troubleshooting on the production floor as well as during operational/on-water trials.
• Data Acquisition & Analysis: Select, calibrate, and install instrumentation (e.g., sensors, data loggers, DAQ modules) to acquire, process, and troubleshoot empirical test data against vehicle-level performance targets.
• Root Cause & Failure Analysis: Lead investigations into hardware/system anomalies, executing root-cause failure analyses (e.g., 8D, FMEA) and driving corrective design actions.
• Cross-Functional & Vendor Interface: Act as the face of integration across engineering, manufacturing, and ground operations. Interface directly with critical hardware suppliers (e.g., off-site component qualification) and lead technical briefs for internal stakeholders and customers.
• Team Leadership & Scale: Serve as a technical anchor on the floor, mentoring junior engineers and technicians, with the opportunity to grow into a first-line engineering manager overseeing multi-line test execution.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3–7+ years of experience (flexible leveling) spanning test engineering, integration, and operational evaluation of complex electro-mechanical hardware.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate the full lifecycle of test: ingesting front-end engineering requirements, defining test methodologies, building test rigs, and managing floor test execution.
• Hands-on proficiency with mechanical/electrical instrumentation, sensor integration, wiring harnesses, and data acquisition tools.
• Strong root-cause troubleshooting skills on electro-mechanical, power distribution, or control systems.
• Professional experience interfacing with hardware vendors, participating in design reviews, and delivering clear technical updates to cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
• Ability to travel (approx. 15–25%) to support operational testing, company sites (e.g., Atlanta, GA), and supplier testing facilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience with maritime systems, autonomous surface vessels (ASVs/MDUSVs), marine payloads, or unmanned platforms.
• Background in aerospace flight test/ground operations or prime defense contractor test environments applying rigorous qualification standards.
• Direct experience executing on-water trials, vessel launch/recovery systems, or marine propulsion and auxiliary systems.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360) and data processing software (MATLAB, Python).
• Demonstrated track record or ambition to lead and mentor a team of engineers and technicians as a first-line manager.
• Active U.S. DoD Secret or Top Secret security clearance.