Submarine Test Writer (Shipboard Systems)
About The Position
The Submarine Test Writer is responsible for the development, validation, and maintenance of technical test procedures and Technical Work Documents (TWDs) supporting submarine maintenance, modernization, and system certification activities. This role operates within a NAVSEA shipyard environment and directly supports shipboard testing, system validation, and readiness of non-nuclear submarine systems during availability periods. The Test Writer serves as a critical interface between engineering, waterfront operations, and test execution teams, ensuring all test procedures are technically accurate, executable, and compliant with Navy standards.
Requirements
- Direct experience writing submarine or shipboard test procedures (NAVSEA environment strongly preferred).
- Hands-on experience supporting submarine maintenance, overhaul, or modernization.
- Hands-on experience supporting shipboard system testing and validation.
- Demonstrated experience authoring TWDs, test procedures, or engineering work packages.
- Strong understanding of shipboard HM&E systems and/or combat systems.
- Strong understanding of test execution processes in a shipyard or waterfront environment.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience as a Shipboard Test Engineer.
- Prior experience as a Shift Test Director.
- U.S. Navy experience (ET, MM, EM, STS, etc.) with testing background.
- Experience with NAVSEA instructions and standards.
- Experience with tag-out procedures and test safety controls.
- Experience with SUBSAFE or other controlled programs.
- Active DoD Secret Clearance.
Responsibilities
- Author, revise, and maintain Test Procedures, Technical Work Documents (TWDs), and Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs).
- Translate engineering requirements, drawings, and specifications into step-by-step executable shipboard test instructions.
- Ensure procedures align with NAVSEA standards, ship specifications, and program requirements.
- Develop test procedures for Hull, Mechanical & Electrical (HM&E) systems, combat systems, sonar, navigation, and instrumentation, and Non-Propulsion Electronic Systems (NPES).
- Incorporate system interfaces, dependencies, and operational constraints into test design.
- Coordinate with Test Engineers / Shift Test Directors, Waterfront Engineers, and Shipyard trades and production teams.
- Ensure all prerequisites, safety controls, and tag-out requirements are clearly defined within procedures.
- Support test execution by resolving test discrepancies, procedure gaps, and emergent technical issues.
- Define expected results and acceptance criteria.
- Support evaluation of test data for specification compliance and system performance validation.
- Update procedures based on test results, engineering changes, and lessons learned.
- Ensure all test documentation is configuration-controlled and traceable to engineering requirements.
- Support engineering change documentation and eTWD systems and digital documentation environments.
- Ensure all procedures comply with NAVSEA technical standards, SUBSAFE / controlled material requirements (as applicable), and Shipyard safety protocols.
- Incorporate hazard analysis and risk mitigation steps into all procedures.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
