
Test Specialist III (Shipboard Testing & Commissioning)
Seaspan ULC • District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Role & seniority: Test Specialist III (mid-to-senior level), full-time permanent
Stack/tools: shipboard commissioning/testing of marine systems; documentation and reporting; standard business software; on-site safety procedures; coordination with Test & Trials team and external stakeholders
Top 3 responsibilities
-
Execute shipboard commissioning and testing of systems on new build vessels at Vancouver Shipyards
-
Develop/define commissioning paths; conduct system inspections for handover; ensure safe energization to final acceptance
-
Identify/record defects, track closures, and provide progress updates; coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders; participate in sea trials as needed
Must-have skills
-
Bachelor’s degree in Marine, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
-
Minimum 5 years in shipbuilding, commissioning, testing, or related marine/industrial environments
-
Familiarity with shipboard systems and safe operation; strong analytical/problem-solving abilities; ability to work independently and manage multiple activities
-
Proficient communication (verbal/written) and documentation skills; customer-focused mindset
Nice-to-haves
-
Marine Engineering Certificate of Competency
-
Experience with propulsion, auxiliary, electrical/electronic systems; ITAR/compliance awareness
-
Security clearance eligibility (Canadian Controlled Goods Program)
-
Location & work type: on-site at 50 Pemberton Avenue, Nort
Full Description
Reporting to the Director, Test & Trials, the Test Specialist III is responsible for supporting shipboard commissioning, testing and trials of various systems on new build vessels at Vancouver Shipyards.
Note: Due to business needs, this position is required to be fully on-site at 50 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver. What you’ll do Execute shipboard commissioning and testing activities of various systems on new build vessels at Vancouver Shipyards. Work collaboratively with the Test and Trials team to achieve planned activities in accordance with the project schedule. Assist in developing and defining commissioning paths. Conduct system inspections as part of the handover process, in accordance with approved drawings. Support and carry out commissioning, testing, and trials of various shipboard systems in accordance with approved procedures. Ensure the safe operation of all ship systems from initial energization through to final acceptance. Work collaboratively across the Test and Trials team and with external stakeholders to ensure smooth commissioning and trial processes. Ensure all procedures, tools, and documentation required for testing, trials, and commissioning activities are available and that all activities are carried out safely, promptly, and efficiently. Identify and record defects or deficiencies during commissioning and testing phase and follow up as required to closure. Participate in regular department meetings and daily planning discussions. Provide regular progress updates and escalate issues as required, in accordance with the departmental reporting structure. Participate in sea trials, as required, in support of commissioning and testing activities. Comply with Test and Trials procedures and all applicable site, safety, and regulatory requirements. Maintain clear and timely communication on work progress and issues. Demonstrate continuous improvement of technical capability and the ability to take on increasing responsibility within assigned systems. What you’ll bring Bachelor’s degree in Marine, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; a combination of relevant education and experience may also be considered. Minimum 5 years of experience in shipbuilding, commissioning, testing or related marine/ industrial environments. Marine Engineering Certificate of Competency is considered an asset, Familiarity with the safe operation and functional aspects of shipboard systems. Experience in testing and commissioning of ship propulsion systems, auxiliary equipment, and electrical/electronic systems. Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all situations. Good analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to follow structured commissioning and testing processes. Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently within defined responsibilities. Able to support multiple concurrent activities while meeting schedule, safety, and quality expectations. Customer-focused mindset with the ability to understand and respond to stakeholder needs. Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills (verbal and written English). Proficient in standard business and productivity software for documentation, reporting, and coordination. Why you’ll love working here This is a full-time, permanent position. With multiple operations and long-term projects, Seaspan employees enjoy job stability as we look ahead to build ships for decades to come. In addition to an annual bonus and pension plan matching, this role provides you with a very competitive salary in line with the successful candidate’s experience. We also provide the best-in-class health and wellness benefits package for this position, including things such as extended health care (i.e. paramedical services for massage therapy, speech therapy, mental health coverage, physiotherapy, and more), dental care, vision care, life insurance, medical leave coverage, parental leave coverage, $500 personal spending account, and an Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Free on-site gym. Parking is included and to assist those that are using transit, we operate a complimentary shuttle bus Monday through Friday with various pick up and drop off points around North Vancouver. The estimated salary for this position is $99,000 - $121,000. In determining final salary, Seaspan considers many factors including the successful Candidate’s skills and experience as well as position location and internal equity. The final base salary offer will be at the Company’s sole discretion and presented as part of a competitive total compensation package.
Seaspan Shipyards is one of North America’s most modern shipyards and unique in its ability to provide a complete range of services including new construction, conversion, refit, repair and life-cycle maintenance work for Canada’s Coast Guard and Navy as well as commercial vessels including cruise-ships and deep-sea vessels. Seaspan Shipyards operations include Vancouver Shipyards, Vancouver Drydock and Victoria Shipyards.
To learn more, visit our website: www.seaspan.com This position may involve defense articles and/or technical data regulated by the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and the U.S. Arms Export Control Act. In compliance with ITAR, the successful candidate will be subject to a security clearance through the Canadian Controlled Goods Program as regulated by the Controlled Goods Regulations and Defense Production Act. The successful candidate will be required to maintain their security clearance throughout their employment in this position. Seaspan is committed to Employment Equity, supports diversity in the workplace, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including, women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at recruit@seaspan.com for confidential support. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment.