Maritime Systems Field Test Specialist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

6d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Maritime Systems Field Test Specialist to lead the planning, execution, and documentation of field testing and deployment for a wide range of crewed and uncrewed maritime systems. You will work alongside engineers, program managers, and sponsors to ensure the seamless integration of T&E activities across multiple projects. Your expertise in test planning, logistics, and test execution will be critical in advancing rapid prototyping and fielding efforts for the Navy’s next-generation of maritime systems.

Requirements

Possess a Bachelor’s degree or have equivalent professional experience.
Demonstrated expertise in testing of crewed and/or uncrewed maritime systems, with a track record of applying problem-solving skills.
Experience working with DoD test range personnel or U.S. Coast Guard personnel for the testing of maritime systems.
Have experience working with classified systems and security protocols in a test environment.
Have experience with safety and compliance regulations, including hazardous materials, security protocols, and maritime field test logistics.
Exhibit excellent technical writing abilities, including the development of test plans, reports, and creation of maritime vessel standard operating procedures.
Possess strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate across multiple project stakeholders and technical teams.
Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
Are willing and able to travel up to 10% of your time to test locations.
Requires valid state-of-residence driver’s license in good standing.

Nice To Haves

Have 5+ years of experience in test and evaluation, logistics, or operational coordination for uncrewed/autonomous systems.
Are willing and able to travel up to 25% of your time to test locations.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and compliance processes for safety, security, and operational protocols for KM’s fleet of maritime test vessels.
Manage logistics for field tests, including purchasing of test equipment and supplies, equipment transportation, hazardous materials handling, security clearances, site access, and regulatory compliance.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, program leads, facility managers, and sponsor representatives, to identify and mitigate technical and logistical challenges.
Oversee asset readiness, including scheduling and maintaining field test equipment, coordinating site usage, and ensuring availability of required test resources.
Review and refine detailed test plans, procedures, and protocols to align with mission objectives, performance requirements, and system capabilities.
Ensure data collection and reporting by overseeing the documentation of test results, lessons learned, and system performance for post-test analysis and decision-making.
Perform test event planning for at-sea test events.
Operate APL vehicles to conference rooms and specialized facilities.