Maritime Systems Test Engineer

Description

Are you interested in supporting the Navy's next generation of maritime systems through hands-on field testing and operational evaluation?

APL is seeking a Maritime Systems Test Engineer to lead the planning and execution of tests for maritime vehicles. This role combines technical assessment and analysis responsibilities with field operations across laboratory, simulation, and at-sea environments.

The position supports rapid prototyping, system integration, field experimentation, and test activities for emerging maritime technologies. Responsibilities include technical test operations, development of test procedures, support of readiness activities, and evaluation of system performance in real-world environments.

As a Maritime Systems Test Engineer, you will...

• Plan field test events for maritime systems.
• Develop and refine test plans, procedures, operational concepts, and standard operating procedures to evaluate system performance against mission objectives and technical requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including software engineers, autonomy developers, program managers, facilities, sponsors, and external range partners, to identify and mitigate technical and operational risks.
• Support integration for autonomous systems within laboratory settings and operational testing environments.
• Lead field operations associated with test events, including equipment transportation, site access, communications setup, handling of hazardous materials, security compliance, and preparing test assets for use.
• Conduct operational readiness, safety, security, and compliance activities for maritime autonomous system test operations.
• Lead all aspects of the preparation status of test assets, scheduling, and configuration management to ensure availability of required systems, sensors, and support equipment.
• Conduct technical analysis and reporting activities by documenting test execution, system performance, lessons learned, and operational findings.
• Operate in a highly collaborative, agile rapid-prototyping environment to accelerate the development, testing, and operational transition of groundbreaking self-guided maritime systems.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum requirements for the job if you...

• Have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a technical field such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a comparable technical area.
• Have experience performing field testing for autonomous, robotic, or maritime systems.
• Have experience developing technical documentation including test plans, operational procedures, system reports, or documents related to system confirmation and assessment.
• Have experience leading field tests, including test logistics, safety compliance, operational readiness, or range coordination.
• Have experience working with DoD test ranges, maritime regulatory organizations, or U.S. Coast Guard.
• Have strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to coordinate across multiple technical teams and collaborators.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret-level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret 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 25% of your time to test locations.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have experience with autonomy software, robotics systems, simulation environments, or modeling and simulation tools.
• Have experience with verification and validation (V&V) methodologies for autonomous or safety-critical systems.
• Have experience integrating or evaluating autonomous maritime platforms, sensors, payloads, or mission systems.
• Have experience supporting simulation-informed test and evaluation activities.
• Have experience with data analysis, scripting, or technical software tools such as Python, MATLAB, ROS, or similar frameworks.
• Have experience with maritime safety, hazardous materials handling, and operational compliance processes.
• Have experience working with classified systems in test or operational environments.
• Have led complex at-sea test events for autonomous systems.
• Hold an active Secret clearance.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new…