Maritime Systems Field Test Specialist

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 59,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Maritime Systems Field Test Specialist in Laurel, MD to lead field testing and deployment of crewed and uncrewed maritime systems. You will coordinate test planning, logistics, and data capture across multiple projects with engineers, program managers, and sponsors.

Ideal candidates have experience in crewed/uncrewed maritime testing, security clearances, and regulatory compliance, plus strong technical writing and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Experience testing crewed and/or uncrewed maritime systems.
• Experience with DoD test range personnel or U.S. Coast Guard.
• Experience with classified systems and security protocols in a test environment.
• Experience with safety and compliance regulations and field test logistics.
• Strong technical writing abilities for test plans, reports, and SOPs.
• Strong organizational skills to coordinate multiple stakeholders and teams.
• Eligible for Interim Secret clearance by start date with potential for Secret; U.S. citizenship required.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of time.
• Valid state driver's license in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and compliance processes for safety, security, and operational protocols for KM's fleet of maritime test vessels.
• Manage logistics for field tests, including purchasing of test equipment and supplies, equipment transportation, hazardous materials handling, security clearances, site access, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with engineers, program leads, facility managers, and sponsor representatives to identify and mitigate technical and logistical challenges.
• Oversee asset readiness, including scheduling and maintaining field test equipment, coordinating site usage, and ensuring availability of test resources.
• Review and refine detailed test plans, procedures, and protocols to align with mission objectives and system capabilities.
• Ensure data collection and reporting by overseeing documentation of test results, lessons learned, and system performance for post-test analysis.
• Plan test events for at-sea deployments.
• Operate APL vehicles to conference rooms and specialized facilities.

Skills

Maritime testing

Logistics coordination

DoD collaboration

Security-clearance experience

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about innovative maritime technologies and their real-world deployment?

Do you have a strong background in logistics and field operations for maritime systems?

Do you thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a Maritime Systems Field Test Specialist to lead the planning, execution, and documentation of field testing and deployment for a wide range of crewed and uncrewed maritime systems. You will work alongside engineers, program managers, and sponsors to ensure the seamless integration of T&E activities across multiple projects. Your expertise in test planning, logistics, and test execution will be critical in advancing rapid prototyping and fielding efforts for the Navy's next-generation of maritime systems.

As a Maritime Systems Field Test Specialist...

• Lead the development and compliance processes for safety, security, and operational protocols for KM's fleet of maritime test vessels.


• Manage logistics for field tests, including purchasing of test equipment and supplies, equipment transportation, hazardous materials handling, security clearances, site access, and regulatory compliance.


• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, program leads, facility managers, and sponsor representatives, to identify and mitigate technical and logistical challenges.


• Oversee asset readiness, including scheduling and maintaining field test equipment, coordinating site usage, and ensuring availability of required test resources.


• Review and refine detailed test plans, procedures, and protocols to align with mission objectives, performance requirements, and system capabilities.


• Ensure data collection and reporting by overseeing the documentation of test results, lessons learned, and system performance for post-test analysis and decision-making.


• Perform test event planning for at-sea test events.


• Operate APL vehicles to conference rooms and specialized facilities.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• Possess a Bachelor's degree or have equivalent professional experience.


• Demonstrated expertise in testing of crewed and/or uncrewed maritime systems, with a track record of applying problem-solving skills.


• Experience working with DoD test range personnel or U.S. Coast Guard personnel for the testing of maritime systems.


• Have experience working with classified systems and security protocols in a test environment.


• Have experience with safety and compliance regulations, including hazardous materials, security protocols, and maritime field test logistics.


• Exhibit excellent technical writing abilities, including the development of test plans, reports, and creation of maritime vessel standard operating procedures.


• Possess strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate across multiple project stakeholders and technical teams.


• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.


• Are willing and able to travel up to 10% of your time to test locations.


• Requires valid state-of-residence driver's license in good standing.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have 5+ years of experience in test and evaluation, logistics, or operational coordination for uncrewed/autonomous systems.


• Are willing and able to travel up to 25% of your time to test locations.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$58,700 Annually

Maximum Rate

$146,300 Annually