Quality Assurance & Test Engineer

The Quality Assurance & Test (QA&T) Engineer supports RECONCRAFT evaluating and improving existing vessel designs, leading hands-on testing, evaluation, and system-level analysis to assess and optimize the vessels’ performance, durability, and reliability against operational requirements. This role also functions in a “pit crew” capacity, performing on-the-spot maintenance and repairs on vessels during evaluations and field exercises to keep vessels mission capable and evaluation schedules on track. The QA&T Engineer translates operational requirements into vessel systems requirements, identifies and documents design and system improvement opportunities, and works closely with engineering, program, and production teams to implement and validate design changes. This role spends significant time on the water and in the field, including forward-deployed evaluation sites and exercises. 

This is a temporary position with the ability to move to a permanent position. 

Essential Job Functions: 

Vessel Test & Evaluation (primary focus) 

• Develop, implement, and execute test and evaluation plans for an existing vessel design, including test procedures, data collection plans, and evaluation criteria 

• Conduct static and underway performance testing and trials to assess speed, handling, seakeeping, durability, maintenance, and reliability against operational requirements 

• Collect, analyze, and document test data; compile test reports, findings, and improvement recommendations 

• Translate operational requirements (mission profile, sea state, payload, endurance, crew tasks) into vessel systems and design requirements 

• Identify design, system, and component deficiencies; develop and document recommendations to enhance performance, durability, and reliability 

• Track and maintain a running log of vessel discrepancies, lessons learned, and design improvement opportunities across evaluation events 

• Support integration and testing of new or modified vessel systems (propulsion, hull, electrical, hydraulics, electronics, outfitting) while considering operational effectiveness and maintainability 

Pit Crew — Maintenance & Field Support 

• Serve as the primary hands-on maintenance and repair technician supporting vessels during evaluations, trials, and field exercises 

• Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on vessel systems (mechanical, electrical, propulsion, hydraulic) to keep vessels mission capable 

• Stage, transport, and maintain tools, spare parts, and support equipment needed to sustain vessel operations away from the home facility 

• Respond quickly to in-field equipment failures or damage during exercises, making sound rapid repair and return-to-service decisions 

• Coordinate with program, engineering, and production teams to source parts, escalate issues, and implement fixes or design changes as needed 

• Maintain maintenance logs, repair records, and equipment status reporting for each evaluation event 

Systems Engineering & Design Optimization 

• Partner with engineering and design teams to recommend vessel system and design modifications that improve performance, durability, reliability, maintainability, etc. 

• Evaluate proposed design changes for operational suitability and feed field/test results back into the design process 

• Support development of technical specifications, drawings, and work packages reflecting approved design improvements 

• Participate in design reviews and provide test-informed input on system trade-offs 

Reporting & Documentation 

• Develop and maintain test plans, checklists, data logs, and after-action reports for each evaluation and exercise 

• Brief program, engineering, and customer stakeholders on test results, vessel status, and improvement recommendations 

• Maintain accurate, organized documentation supporting program and contractual requirements 

Essential Skills and Experience: 

Education 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Marine Technology, or a related technical field, or 5+ years of relevant marine operational, technical, or maintenance experience in lieu of degree 

Required Knowledge/Experience 

• 5+ years of hands-on marine vessel operation, maintenance, or repair experience, including military, government, or commercial vessel systems 

• Strong operational and maintenance knowledge across vessel systems: propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and outfitting 

• Demonstrated ability to translate operational requirements into vessel systems and design requirements 

• Experience developing and executing test plans and documenting test results and findings 

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and specifications 

• Strong troubleshooting and field-repair skills; comfortable making rapid, sound maintenance decisions under time and operational pressure 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable briefing program, engineering, and customer stakeholders 

• Self-motivated and able to work independently in forward-deployed or field environments with limited support 

• Valid driver's license; ability to obtain a passport if not currently held 

• Ability to obtain a state Boater's certification/card in appropriate jurisdiction(s) 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to perform physically demanding maintenance and repair tasks in varying weather and sea conditions 

• Ability to lift and move tools, parts, and equipment; work in confined vessel spaces; stand, kneel, and work for extended periods on and off the water 

• Ability to travel as needed, including to forward-deployed sites, for extended evaluation and exercise periods 

Preferred Knowledge/Experience 

• Prior experience supporting vessel test and evaluation programs, R&D, or prototype/first-of-class vessels 

• Marine mechanic, diesel/outboard technician, or similar hands-on maintenance background 

• Current USCG Master License (any tonnage) or equivalent boat-handling credential 

• Familiarity with government contracting test and evaluation requirements 

Other Responsibilities 

• Perform other tasks consistent with organizational/contract/program goals 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager or Executive Team