Specialist, Combat Systems

Irving Shipbuilding, Inc.; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Irving Shipbuilding, Inc. is seeking a Combat Systems Specialist to oversee the design, integration, testing and accreditation of combat systems aboard Canada’s River Class Destroyer.

You will work within the Combat Systems Team, providing technical oversight from design to final acceptance, coordinating with internal teams, subcontractors, and Navy stakeholders to deliver critical capability on one of Canada’s largest defense programs. The role requires a Bachelor's in engineering (P.Eng.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• P.Eng. designation or equivalent is required/asset.
• 4–10 years of experience in shipbuilding, naval programs, or defence industry.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight for combat systems across the River Class Destroyer program.
• Review subcontractor designs, reports, models and specs to ensure requirements are met.
• Lead resolution of complex technical issues during design, integration, production, testing and evaluation.
• Assess combat system requirements to ensure optimal solutions are delivered.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies for program success.
• Coordinate planning, scheduling and execution of key system activities and milestones.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Design for Build and Platform teams.
• Manage stakeholder inputs, including subcontractors and the Royal Canadian Navy.

Skills

Technical problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or related discipline

Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Join Canada ' s largest shipbuilding program and help shape the future of naval defence. As a Combat Systems Specialist, you will play a key role in ensuring the combat systems aboard the River Class Destroyer (RCD) are designed, integrated, tested, and accredited to meet the operational needs of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Working as part of the Combat Systems Team, you will provide technical oversight throughout the system lifecycle, from design and development to integration, production, testing, and final acceptance. You'll collaborate with internal teams, subcontractors, and Navy stakeholders to deliver capability on one of Canada's most complex defence programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical oversight and support for combat systems-related activities across the RCD program.
• Review subcontractor designs, technical reports, models, and specifications to ensure requirements are achieved.
• Lead the resolution of complex technical issues during design, integration, production, testing, and evaluation.
• Assess combat system requirements and capabilities to ensure optimal solutions are delivered.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies to support program success.
• Coordinate planning, scheduling, and execution of key system activities and milestones.
• Collaborate across Engineering, Production, Design for Build, and Platform teams.
• Manage and integrate stakeholder inputs, including subcontractors and the Royal Canadian Navy.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation, or equivalent.
• 4-10 years of experience in shipbuilding, naval programs, or the defence industry.
• Knowledge of maritime combat systems, including weapons, sensors, command and control, communications, navigation, electronic warfare, or underwater warfare systems.
• Experience with systems engineering, requirements management, integration, testing, verification, and validation.
• Strong technical problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with naval system certification, accreditation, commissioning, and production environments is considered an asset.

Due to the nature of work Irving Shipbuilding does, all successful applicants must meet requirements for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Please note this position requires a full-time, in-office presence.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.
We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.
Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.
Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.
We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Irving Shipbuilding is proud to be Canada's National Shipbuilder. Our team is constructing more than 20 modern patrol ships and destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard as part of the largest defence procurement project in Canadian history.
By joining our team of more than 2,400 shipbuilders, you can enjoy a dynamic and exciting career with a company dedicated to your success, development, and safety.
At Irving Shipbuilding, we're making history - why not make it with us? Learn more about careers at Irving Shipbuilding: shipsforcanada.ca/opportunities.
We invite applications from all qualified candidates, including racially visible persons, women in underrepresented roles, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage applicants to self-identify.