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 Test & Evaluation Engineer to join our Maritime team in Santa Ana, CA.In this role, you will connect requirements and design engineering with physical execution, owning the hardware test lifecycle from initial front-end requirements ingestion through hands-on floor test execution and operational evaluations.

This role is the functional owner of the test organization within SEIT, defining test plans and programs for hardware-level components and systems. You will develop test strategies, design and build custom test rigs, instrument systems, and execute testing across simulation platforms and operational maritime and unmanned assets.

The role requires ownership from concept to execution: identifying the data points needed at the systems level, translating them into executable test plans, and executing testing on the shop floor alongside technicians. You will interface directly with component suppliers, cross-functional teams, and program leadership to close verification and validation across the system lifecycle. As our hardware lines expand, this position offers a clear path into establishing test standards and scaling a world-class test and evaluation team.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Requirements & Test Architecture: Ingest customer, system-level, and subsystem requirements to develop comprehensive Test & Evaluation Plans, Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRM), Design Verification Plans & Reports (DVP&R), and detailed standard operating procedures.
• HITL & Functional Qualification Testing: Own HITL test architectures, test plan generation, and execution across major assets. Validate system sequencing, sensor and 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.
• 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 and during operational and on-water trials.
• Data Acquisition & Analysis: Select, calibrate, and install instrumentation (sensors, data loggers, DAQ modules) to acquire, process, and troubleshoot empirical test data against system-level performance targets.
• Root Cause & Failure Analysis: Lead investigations into hardware and system anomalies, executing root-cause failure analyses (8D, FMEA, fault tree) and driving corrective design and process actions.
• 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.
• Cross-Functional & Vendor Interface: Serve as the technical face of test integration across engineering, manufacturing, and program operations. Interface directly with critical hardware suppliers for 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, and helping shape the standards and cadence of the growing test and evaluation team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Marine Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
• 3–7+ years of experience (flexible leveling) spanning test engineering, integration, and operational evaluation of complex systems.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate the full test lifecycle: ingesting front-end engineering requirements, defining test methodologies, building test rigs, and managing test execution.
• Hands-on proficiency with mechanical/electrical instrumentation, sensor integration, wiring harnesses, and data acquisition tools.
• 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

• Background in aerospace flight test, ground operations, or prime defense contractor test environments applying rigorous qualification standards.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo) and digital thread traceability platforms (e.g., Teamcenter, Jama).
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, NX) and experience scripting automated test sequences and data processing routines in Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.
• Demonstrated track record or ambition to mentor engineers and technicians and grow into a technical or people leadership role.
• Active U.S. DoD Secret or Top Secret security clearance.