About this role
The Submarine Test Writer is responsible for the development, validation, and maintenance of technical test procedures and Technical Work Documents (TWDs) supporting submarine maintenance, modernization, and system certification activities.
This role operates within a NAVSEA shipyard environment and directly supports shipboard testing, system validation, and readiness of non-nuclear submarine systems during availability periods.
The Test Writer serves as a critical interface between engineering, waterfront operations, and test execution teams, ensuring all test procedures are technically accurate, executable, and compliant with Navy standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Test Procedure Development
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Author, revise, and maintain:
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Test Procedures
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Technical Work Documents (TWDs)
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Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs)
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Translate engineering requirements, drawings, and specifications into step-by-step executable shipboard test instructions
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Ensure procedures align with NAVSEA standards, ship specifications, and program requirements
2. Shipboard Systems Test Integration
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Develop test procedures for:
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Hull, Mechanical & Electrical (HM&E) systems
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Combat systems, sonar, navigation, and instrumentation
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Non-Propulsion Electronic Systems (NPES)
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Incorporate system interfaces, dependencies, and operational constraints into test design
3 . Test Planning & Execution Support
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Coordinate with:
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Test Engineers / Shift Test Directors
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Waterfront Engineers
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Shipyard trades and production teams
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Ensure all prerequisites, safety controls, and tag-out requirements are clearly defined within procedures
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Support test execution by resolving:
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Test discrepancies
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Procedure gaps
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Emergent
technical issues
4. Data Validation & Test Certification Support
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Define expected results and acceptance criteria
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Support evaluation of test data for:
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Specification compliance
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System performance validation
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Update procedures based on:
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Test results
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Engineering changes
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Lessons learned
5. Configuration & Documentation Control
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Ensure all test documentation is:
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Configuration-controlled
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Traceable to engineering requirements
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Support:
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Engineering change documentation
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eTWD
systems and digital documentation environments
6. Compliance & Safety
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Ensure all procedures comply with:
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NAVSEA technical standards
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SUBSAFE / controlled material requirements (as applicable)
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Shipyard safety protocols
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Incorporate
hazard analysis and risk mitigation steps into all procedures
Requirements
Required Qualifications (Direct Experience Required)
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Direct experience writing submarine or shipboard test procedures (NAVSEA environment strongly preferred)
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Hands-on experience supporting:
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Submarine maintenance, overhaul, or modernization
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Shipboard system testing and validation
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Demonstrated experience authoring:
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TWDs, test procedures, or engineering work packages
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Strong understanding of:
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Shipboard HM&E systems and/or combat systems
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Test execution processes in a shipyard or waterfront environment
Preferred Qualifications
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Prior experience as:
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Shipboard Test Engineer
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Shift Test Director
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U.S. Navy experience (ET, MM, EM, STS, etc.) with testing background
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Experience with:
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NAVSEA instructions and standards
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Tag-out procedures and test safety controls
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SUBSAFE or other controlled programs
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Active DoD Secret Clearance
Work Environment
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Location: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard or similar NAVSEA activity
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Work setting includes a mix of:
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Office environment (procedure development)
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Shipboard / waterfront (validation and execution support)
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Requirements:
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Ability to access shipboard environments (confined spaces, ladders, etc.)
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Regular interaction with Navy personnel and shipyard trades