Combat Systems Test Engineer

Leidos Gibbs & Cox is the largest independent naval architecture and marine engineering firm in the United States. Since our founding in 1929, 24 classes of combatants and nearly 7,000 vessels have been built to Gibbs & Cox designs. We support military and commercial clients in the U.S. and internationally through all phases of marine design, construction, and lifecycle management.

About the role

The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer will plan, coordinate, and execute verification, validation, and acceptance trials for the Canadian Surface Combatant — Canada’s first warship program in over 20 years. Based at Irving Shipbuilding’s engineering facility and shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this role supports testing and integration of complex naval systems to ensure operational performance, safety, and compliance with NATO standards, classification society rules, and customer requirements.

This position offers hands-on involvement in land-based, dockside, and at-sea trials while partnering with multidisciplinary engineering teams, naval authorities, shipyard personnel, and equipment suppliers.

Location: onsite in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Candidates available to work onsite full time are preferred. A rotational schedule (six-weeks-onsite/six-weeks-remote) may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Test & Trials Plans and strategies for ship systems and integrated platforms.
• Define test procedures aligned with NATO standards (e.g., STANAGs) and project requirements.
• Prepare Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and acceptance documentation.
• Lead and participate in:
  • Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
  • Land-Based Testing
  • Harbour Acceptance Tests (HATs)
  • Sea Acceptance Trials (SATs)
  • Builder’s and Commissioning Trials
• Coordinate onboard testing activities across multiple systems, including combat systems, propulsion, navigation, and communications.
• Plan for and ensure safe execution of trials in accordance with naval and regulatory requirements.
• Verify system performance against specifications and operational requirements.
• Support integration of:
  • Combat Management Systems (CMS)
  • Radar, sonar, and weapon systems
  • Platform systems, including power, propulsion, HVAC, and auxiliary systems
• Identify deficiencies and support resolution efforts with engineering teams.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data.
• Produce detailed test reports, including findings, anomalies, and recommendations.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with:
  • Shipyard teams
  • OEMs and subcontractors
  • Naval customer representatives
  • Classification societies
• Support customer demonstrations and acceptance processes.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • NATO standards (STANAGs)
  • Naval regulations and safety requirements
  • Classification rules (e.g., Lloyd’s Register, DNV, ABS)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Systems Engineering. Equivalent hands-on experience may be considered.
• 12+ years of experience in:
  • Naval shipbuilding, marine systems, or defense programs
  • Installation, testing, commissioning, or trials of complex systems
• Experience with surface combatants or military vessels.
• Knowledge of naval systems, including:
  • Propulsion and power generation
  • Combat and sensor systems
  • Integrated Platform Management Systems (IPMS)
• Familiarity with NATO standards and defense procurement processes.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering and integration principles.
• Experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition tools.
• Familiarity with IBM DOORS.
• Comfortable working in office, shipyard, and onboard naval vessel environments, including confined spaces, heights, and varying weather conditions.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NATO naval programs or allied fleets.
• Certification in Systems Engineering (e.g., INCOSE).
• Sea-going experience or naval background.
• Familiarity with risk management and safety case development.

Pay

Pay Range: $92,300.00 - $166,850.00. The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Benefits

Pay and benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.