Combat Systems Test Engineer

Leidos•Arlington, VA

2d•$92,300 - $166,850•Onsite

About The Position

The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing verification, validation, and acceptance trials for the Canadian Surface Combatant — Canada’s first warship program in over 20 years. Working at Irving Shipbuilding’s engineering facility and shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this role supports the successful testing and integration of complex naval systems to ensure operational performance, safety, and compliance with NATO standards, classification society rules, and customer requirements. This position offers hands-on involvement in land-based, dockside, and at-sea trials while partnering closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, naval authorities, shipyard personnel, and equipment suppliers. This role is onsite in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and candidates available to work onsite full time are preferred. A rotational schedule may also be considered for candidates open to a six-weeks-onsite/six-weeks-remote arrangement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Systems Engineering. Equivalent hands-on experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
12+ years of experience in naval shipbuilding, marine systems, or defense programs
12+ years of experience in installation, testing, commissioning, or trials of complex systems
Experience with surface combatants or military vessels
Knowledge of naval systems, including propulsion and power generation, combat and sensor systems, and Integrated Platform Management Systems (IPMS)
Familiarity with NATO standards and defense procurement processes
Strong understanding of systems engineering and integration principles
Experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition tools
Familiarity with IBM DOORS
Comfortable working in office, shipyard, and onboard naval vessel environments, including confined spaces, heights, and varying weather conditions
Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active Secret Clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience with NATO naval programs or allied fleets
Certification in Systems Engineering (e.g., INCOSE)
Sea-going experience or naval background
Familiarity with risk management and safety case development

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain Test & Trials Plans and strategies for ship systems and integrated platforms
Define test procedures aligned with NATO standards (e.g., STANAGs) and project requirements
Prepare Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and acceptance documentation
Lead and participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Land-Based Testing, Harbour Acceptance Tests (HATs), Sea Acceptance Trials (SATs), and Builder’s and Commissioning Trials
Coordinate onboard testing activities across multiple systems, including combat systems, propulsion, navigation, and communications
Plan for and ensure safe execution of trials in accordance with naval and regulatory requirements
Verify system performance against specifications and operational requirements
Support integration of Combat Management Systems (CMS), Radar, sonar, and weapon systems, and Platform systems, including power, propulsion, HVAC, and auxiliary systems
Identify deficiencies and support resolution efforts with engineering teams
Collect, analyze, and interpret test data
Produce detailed test reports, including findings, anomalies, and recommendations
Support root cause analysis and corrective actions
Collaborate with shipyard teams, OEMs and subcontractors, naval customer representatives, and classification societies
Support customer demonstrations and acceptance processes
Ensure compliance with NATO standards (STANAGs), Naval regulations and safety requirements, and Classification rules (e.g., Lloyd’s Register, DNV, ABS)