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Senior Test & Trials Engineer

General Dynamics San Diego, California, United States

onsitefull-time

Salary: $121,400 - $167,700 / year

Posted Feb 10, 2026Apply by Mar 12, 2026

Role & seniority: Senior Test and Trials Engineer; leads a team of Test Engineers; acts as Test Engineer across multiple disciplines; coordinates with Test & Trials Manager and other departments.

Stack/tools: Marine propulsion and electrical systems; shipboard diagnostics and testing; EVMS cost tracking; familiarity with Microsoft Office, Jira, Confluence; knowledge of LOTO procedures; ABS/USCG regulatory requirements.

Top 3 responsibilities

  • Supervise, mentor, and manage a test engineering team; assign tasks and ensure high-quality test outcomes.

  • Develop/update test procedures, plans, schedules, and ensure alignment with project requirements and contractual obligations; oversee integration, troubleshooting, and operational testing onboard ships.

  • Manage documentation, reports, and cost performance; liaise with QA/ABS/Government representatives; maintain safety and regulatory compliance.

Must-have skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in marine field (or equivalent) and ≥5 years as an operating marine engineer.

  • Experience with marine propulsion, centralized controls, diesel/generator/electrical systems, shipboard surveillance; leadership and planning; Navy Total Ship Test Program familiarity; ABS/USCG requirements.

  • Ability to interpret drawings/specs, regulatory rules; proficient with Microsoft Office, Jira, Confluence; LOTO procedures.

Nice-to-haves

  • Prior experience coordinating across Ship’s Management, Program Controls, Supply Chain, Contracts, an

Full Description

Job Posting End Date: until filled

Shift: 1st

Security Clearance: No Clearance required

Summary

Coordinate overall test operations with Production Outfitting work. Perform on-going test planning, maintain schedules, manage manning for assigned test team, maintain systematic control of completed test paperwork and reports, oversee test material procurement, supervise on the ship test area, supervise preventive maintenance, and be capable of performing as a Test Engineer in various disciplines. Supervises a team of Test Engineers that report to them. Senior Test and Trials Engineers are expected to maintain consistency across all trades testing groups by working with Test and Trials management, Ship's Management, and Planners. Methods and procedures will support internal departmental goals and support Test Management. Work with Test and Trials Manager to resolve conflicts if and when they arise. Establish and maintain collaboration with Ship's Management, Program Controls, Supply Chain, Contracts, Engineering, and Production supervision. Establish and maintain professional collaboration with external contractors, MSC, SUPSHIP, USCG and ABS as determined by the contract.

Essential Functions And Duties

Supervise and lead a team of test engineers by assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality testing outcomes

Provide mentorship and training to team members to support their development, while encouraging them to meet team and individual goals

Develop, maintain, and update test procedures to ensure alignment with project requirements, technical specifications, and contractual obligations

Oversee the integration, troubleshooting, and operational testing of systems and equipment onboard ships, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Develop and maintain comprehensive test plans and schedules, ensuring alignment with project objectives and milestones

Track and manage cost performance for assigned test teams using EVMS principles and project budgets

Oversee Preventive Maintenance Systems (PMS) on ships, ensuring proper scheduling, tracking, and execution of maintenance activities

Hands on operation of systems and equipment as well as troubleshooting

Coordinate/liaison between NASSCO QA, ABS, and Government representatives in testing-related matters

Provide leadership in the test area by overseeing all testing activities, maintaining a safe working environment, and ensuring procedural compliance

Submit accurate and timely test documentation and reports to internal stakeholders and external customers as required

Ensure testing procedures meet industry standards and possesses comprehensive knowledge of subject matter

Perform other tasks as required or assigned by the Test and Trials Manager

Skills And Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in marine field (or equivalent training) and a minimum of five (5) years' experience as an operating marine engineer (or equivalent)

Proven experience in marine propulsion systems, centralized controls systems, diesel generators and electrical system operations, shipboard surveillance systems, leading teams, quality assurance, and long- and short-range planning

Must have demonstrated experience with the Navy in the Total Ship Test Program as well as familiarity with ABS and USCG requirements.

Ability to interpret drawings, technical documentation and regulatory rules to be able to prepare for completion of test procedures for shipboard testing.

Familiar with Microsoft Office programs, Jira, Confluence, etc.

Familiar with Lock Out Tag Out procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The essential functions of this role require work in both an office and industrial setting. The role requires prolonged periods of working in a stationary position, operating a computer, computer programs, and standard office equipment necessary to perform the essential duties. The role requires perceiving information and communicating effectively with others in person, online, and on the phone. The role also requires prolonged periods of working in indoor and outdoor industrial settings. Must have the ability to safely access, navigate, and traverse the shipyard, construction areas, production areas, ships, and warehouses. Must be able to transit uneven surfaces and be agile to move quickly to avoid hazards and respond to unexpected obstacles. Must be able to observe, detect, identify, perceive, recognize, and process information to remain alert and timely comply with all safety requirements. Must be able to move, transport, and use equipment necessary to perform the essential duties. Duties performed on ships require ascending and descending stairs and ladders, transiting on scaffolding and at heights, transiting through manholes and other narrow, confined, or congested spaces and tanks. This position requires exposure to industrial areas which contain hazardous materials, loud noise (including sirens, horns, chipping, slamming, and hammering), dust, fumes, and exposure to weather.

Payscale

$121,400- $167,700

This pay range is a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role. It takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions; including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, and education. General Dynamics NASSCO also provides a variety of benefits including medical & dental insurance coverage, 401(k) retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts/HSAs, life and disability insurance, company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), wellness coaching, and an onsite health services.

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.

Call (619) 544-8511 or email nasscohr@nassco.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.

NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer

Test EngineeringTeam LeadershipTest PlanningMarine Propulsion SystemsElectrical Systems OperationsQuality AssurancePreventive MaintenanceTroubleshootingTechnical DocumentationSafety ComplianceProject ManagementCost Performance ManagementCollaborationMentorshipCommunicationMicrosoft Officemulti-locationreview:company

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