Combat System Test & Trials Engineer

Position Overview

The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing verification, validation, and acceptance trials for the Canadian Surface Combatant — Canada’s first warship program in over 20 years.

Working at Irving Shipbuilding’s engineering facility and shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada as an expat, this role supports the successful 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 closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, naval authorities, shipyard personnel, and equipment suppliers.

Location: This role is onsite in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and candidates available to work onsite full time are preferred. A rotational schedule may also be considered for candidates open to a six-weeks-onsite/six-weeks-remote arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

Test Planning & Documentation

• 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

Execution of Trials

Lead and participate in:

• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)

• Land-Based Testing

• Harbour Acceptance Tests (HATs)

• Sea Acceptance Trials (SATs)

• Builder’s and Commissioning Trials

Additional responsibilities include:

• Coordinating onboard testing activities across multiple systems, including combat systems, propulsion, navigation, and communications

• Planning for and ensuring safe execution of trials in accordance with naval and regulatory requirements

Systems Integration & Verification

• 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

Data Collection & Analysis

• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data

• Produce detailed test reports, including findings, anomalies, and recommendations

• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions

Stakeholder Coordination

Collaborate with:

• Shipyard teams

• OEMs and subcontractors

• Naval customer representatives

• Classification societies

Additional responsibilities include:

• Supporting customer demonstrations and acceptance processes

Compliance & Standards

Ensure compliance with:

• NATO standards (STANAGs)

• Naval regulations and safety requirements

• Classification rules (e.g., Lloyd’s Register, DNV, ABS)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Systems Engineering. Equivalent hands-on experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• 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

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.