UUV Test Engineer - On-Water Autonomy

Vatn Systems; Bristol (RI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Vatn Systems seeks a UUV Test Engineer to ensure quality, reliability, and performance of our autonomous underwater vehicles. You will design and execute on-water test plans, analyze results, and collaborate with engineering teams to drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include developing test protocols across product lifecycles, contributing to government-aligned testing, and documenting findings. Expect field work, troubleshooting, and close interaction with customers and integrators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Ocean, or related field).
• Proven experience in systems engineering, integration, and comprehensive testing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing detailed Test Plans, precise Test Procedures, and Test Reports.
• Strong foundation in mechanical, electrical, and control systems theory.
• Hands-on field testing experience in demanding environments.
• Expertise in electronics troubleshooting with standard test equipment.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong communication abilities with diverse teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Support integration of sensors, navigation, propulsion, secure communications, autonomous software, and power management.
• Conduct on-water operations to execute UUV mission profiles.
• Collaborate with engineers across the development lifecycle.
• Develop and execute test protocols across development phases and checkpoints.
• Contribute to test programs aligned with government standards and best practices.
• Assist in establishing operational metrics for performance excellence and reliability.
• Support test operations for flagship platforms: pre-mission diagnostics, launch/recovery, post-mission analysis.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting, repair, and field maintenance support.
• Author detailed test reports documenting system performance for capability validation.
• Support data analysis to extract actionable insights for continuous improvement.
• Maintain configuration control and documentation standards.
• Work with customers and integrators on payload integration requirements.
• Contribute to design reviews and verification planning.

Skills

Systems engineering

Test plans

Test procedures

Field testing

Electronics troubleshooting

Engineering drawings

Cross-functional communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Test equipment

Job description

Vatn Systems seeks a UUV Test Engineer to ensure quality, reliability, and performance of our autonomous underwater vehicles. You will design and execute on-water test plans, analyze results, and collaborate with engineering teams to drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include developing test protocols across product lifecycles, contributing to government-aligned testing, and documenting findings. Expect field work, troubleshooting, and close interaction with customers and integrators.