Submarine Test Writer; Shipboard Systems

Submarine Test Writer (Shipboard Systems)

Kittery, United States | Posted on 06/25/2026

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.

1. Test Procedure Development

• Author, revise, and maintain Test Procedures, Technical Work Documents (TWDs), 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.

2. Shipboard Systems Test Integration

• Hull, Mechanical & Electrical (HM&E) systems;
  Combat systems, sonar, navigation, and instrumentation;
  Non-Propulsion Electronic Systems (NPES).
• Incorporate system interfaces, dependencies, and operational constraints into test design.

3. Test Planning & Execution Support

• Coordinate with Waterfront Engineers, Shipyard trades and production teams.
• Ensure all prerequisites, safety controls, and tag‑out requirements are clearly defined within procedures.
• Support test execution by resolving procedure gaps and emergent technical issues.

4. Data Validation & Test Certification Support

• Define expected results and acceptance criteria.
• Support evaluation of test data for specification compliance and system performance validation.
• Update procedures based on test results.

5. Configuration & Documentation Control

• Ensure all test documentation is configuration‑controlled, traceable to engineering requirements, and maintained within eTWD systems and digital documentation environments.

6. Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all procedures comply with NAVSEA technical standards, SUBSAFE or controlled material requirements (as applicable), and shipyard safety protocols.
• Incorporate hazard analysis and risk mitigation steps into all procedures.

Required Qualifications (Direct Experience Required)

• Direct experience writing submarine or shipboard test procedures (NAVSEA environment strongly preferred). Includes 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, and test execution processes in a shipyard or waterfront environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Shift Test Director.
• U.S. Navy experience (ET, MM, EM, STS, etc.) with testing background.
• Experience with NAVSEA instructions and standards, tag‑out procedures and test safety controls, SUBSAFE or other controlled programs.
• Location:
  
  Portsmouth Naval Shipyard or similar NAVSEA activity.
• Work setting includes a mix of shipboard / waterfront validation and execution support, capability to access shipboard environments (confined spaces, ladders, etc.), and regular interaction with Navy personnel and shipyard trades.