Maritime Systems Field Test Specialist

Description

Are you passionate about innovative maritime technologies and their real-world deployment?

Do you have a strong background in logistics and field operations for maritime systems?

Do you thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

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.

As a Maritime Systems Field Test Specialist...

• 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.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• 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.

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

• 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.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings…