Test Engineer – Submarine Operations Technical Lead

Overview

There’s never been a better time to join the shipbuilding industry. As demand for cutting-edge naval technology grows, General Dynamics Electric Boat is at the forefront designing, building, and maintaining the most advanced submarines in the world. Our work is mission-critical, supporting the U.S. Navy and strengthening national security. 

About Department 403 - Technical Services The Life Cycle Support directorate is responsible for the development and maintenance of all submarine logistics products, including modernization and fleet support of submarines. Our mission is to provide the U.S. Navy five-star support that increases submarine Operational Availability and Capability. As part of this directorate, Department 403 – Technical Services provides writing, editing, logistics, and production services in the development and maintenance of logistic technical data (LTD), including ship systems manuals and component technical manuals for OHIO, SEAWOLF, VIRGINIA, SSGN, and COLUMBIA. 

 Role Overview 

The D403 Systems Test Engineer brings extensive shipboard expertise to provide technical guidance and oversight of new and modified written technical products. These products include ship systems manuals, component technical manuals, steam and electric plant manuals, maintenance and alteration documents. As a submarine operations technical lead, they will have technical oversight over a writing group and LTD product line, working directly with D403 supervision and Electric Boat engineering departments to ensure product accuracy and quality for shipboard use.  More key responsibilities are listed below. The ability to direct others to accomplish tasks is required to be successful in this role. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide Technical Guidance, oversight, and coordination of the development of new modified LTD 

• Ensure quality of technical manuals and guarantee that products are prepared in accordance with published procedures and processes 

• Facilitate the resolution of internal and external comments against LTD products 

• Regularly interface with various EB Engineering disciplines, shipyard organizations, vendors and the Navy customer to resolve or better understand technical and programmatic issues 

• Attend kickoff meetings, evaluate designs, and provide department man-hour estimates for manual updates or other products as appropriate 

• Work with supervision to determine priorities, develop schedules, and manage work load 

• Recommend and implement process improvements, as appropriate 

Qualifications

Required 

• High School Diploma or GED 

• Served submarine qualified (SS) Lieutenant (LT) or above OR Served submarine qualified (SS) Chief Petty Officer (CPO) or above 

• 5+ years of experience related to operating, maintaining, or documenting submarine ship systems and the use of operating procedures 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance 

Preferred 

• Served submarine qualified (SS) Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) or above OR Served submarine qualified (SS) Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) or above 

• Successful completion of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program 

• Completion of a submarine department head tour or a submarine Engineering. Department Master Chief(EDMC) tour or prior served Chief of the Boat 

• Experience with operation and maintenance of non-propulsion electronics system (NPES) equipment is desired 

• Experience with operation and maintenance of submarine hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) systems (trim system, high pressure air system, electrical distribution system, etc.) 

• A technical background in submarine systems and components and/or submarine operational experience  

• Experience working with special emphasis programs (DSS-SOC, SUBSAFE, and Fly-by-Wire) requirements  

• Experience working with submarine Logistics Technical Data (Ship System Manual, Technical Manuals, etc.)  

• Active SECRET security clearance 

Skills

• Skills: 

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills 
  • Ability to work independently  
  • Ability to plan, organize, and schedule work 
  • Microsoft Office computer skills 

  Why Join Us 

  • We offer a workplace where integrity, innovation, and excellence drive everything we do 
  • Competitive Pay & Benefits – Comprehensive healthcare, retirement plans, and tuition assistance 
  • Career Growth – Training, mentorship, and opportunities to advance within the company 
  • Stability & Expansion – We’re growing, adding thousands of new jobs across our facilities 
  • Inclusive Culture – Employee Resource Groups and community engagement 
  • Impactful Work – Every role contributes directly to national defense and the U.S. Navy’s mission