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 looking for a Senior Test Engineer to join our team in Santa Ana, CA, to lead hardware integration, environmental qualification, and functional test execution for mission-critical maritime and subsea hardware. In this role, you will own the development, instrumentation, and execution of comprehensive test campaigns across high-consequence pressure-boundary enclosures and mechanism assemblies.

You will bridge the physical and digital domains: correlating physical test data against MBSE architecture and finite element stress models while generating rigorous Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) for customer qualification and acceptance. This is an individual contributor role with high autonomy, direct ownership of critical maritime test assets, and substantial technical leadership across fast-paced build-and-test cycles.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• HITL & Functional Qualification Testing: Own HITL test architecture, test plan generation, and execution across major assets. Validate system sequencing, sensor/actuator response (including Moog actuation systems), and fault modes under real-world operating conditions.
• Hydrostatic & Pressure Vessel Testing: Design, build, and oversee high-pressure hydrostatic proof, burst, and cyclic pressure test setups for mission-critical subsea hardware and pressure-boundary structures. Ensure rigorous adherence to safety boundaries and deep submergence qualification criteria.
• Digital Thread & Model Correlation: Integrate test data directly back into the digital thread (Cameo / MBSE) and collaborate closely with Stress and Structural Analysis Engineers to validate margin calculations, finite element models, and failure-mode predictions.
• End-to-End Test Campaign Execution & OQE: Drive testing from coupon-level mechanical evaluations (weld qualification, machine trials, destructive evaluations) up to full-scale integrated asset testing. Generate comprehensive test data packages and OQE to substantiate qualification claims for government and prime contractor partners (e.g., NAVSEA, GDEB).
• Test Infrastructure & Lab Operations: Partner with internal facilities and external ISO/IEC 17025 accredited mechanical and calibration testing laboratories to scope, schedule, instrument, and conduct complex environmental and structural test plans.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of demonstrated experience in hardware test execution, integration, and qualification testing on high-consequence hardware (defense, subsea/marine, aerospace, or launch systems).
• Demonstrated hands-on proficiency executing HITL, electro-mechanical functional testing, and high-pressure hydrostatic testing.
• Proven experience defining instrumentation suites (strain gauges, pressure transducers, flow meters, load cells, LVDTs/accelerometers) and modern data acquisition (DAQ) architectures.
• Strong track record of preparing test plans, test readiness reviews (TRRs), and formal qualification reports/OQE packages for defense or marine customers (e.g., NAVSEA, GDEB, ASME, or ABS standards).
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, interface directly with cross-functional design, stress, and manufacturing teams, and wear multiple technical hats to drive hardware across the finish line.
• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience with subsea mechanical systems and deconstruction/test programs.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo) and digital thread traceability platforms (e.g., Teamcenter).
• Experience scripting automated test sequences and data processing routines in Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.
• Working knowledge of heavy metallic fabrication, weld qualification processes (PQR/WPS), and metallurgy test standards.
• Active U.S. DoD Secret or Top Secret security clearance.