SWS Assistant Chief Test Engineer
Role summary
The Strategic Weapons System (SWS) Assistant Chief Test Engineer (ACTE) is responsible for the safe, timely, and technically correct execution of the SWS test program (D444), its financial performance, and coordination with the ship's delivery schedule for Columbia Class Submarines. This role provides direct support to the Chief Test Engineer and Supervising SWS Test Engineers, focusing on crew development, safety, quality, schedule, and cost. The ACTE acts as a backup to the Chief Test Engineer and is involved in all aspects of the test program, including installation verifications, static testing, performance operations, and system interface testing. Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining test schedules and plans, managing the test program budget, publishing daily test schedules, supervising Test Directors, and ensuring proper qualification of test personnel. The role requires coordination across multiple departments and facilities, and occasional travel.
Overview:
The Strategic Weapons System (SWS) Assistant Chief Test Engineer (ACTE) is responsible for the safe, timely, technically correct execution and operations of the SWS test program (D444), it’s financial performance and coordination with the ship’s delivery schedule. This position will provide direct support to the Chief Test Engineer and Supervising SWS Test Engineers for Columbia US/UK Hulls. The ACTE shall be dedicated to the continuous development of their crew, assignment of performance goals, have a strong focus on safety, first time quality, schedule and cost. The ACTE position is a backup to the Chief Test Engineer (CTE) who is chairmen of the SWS Joint Test Group (JTG-W) in accordance with the Manual for the Control of Testing and Ships Conditions (NAVSEA 0905-485-6010). The SWS Test Program consists of all Installation Verifications, Static Testing (Piping, Mechanical, SWS electrical & electronic power distribution), System Grooming & Performance Operations, System Interface & Post-Delivery Testing for Columbia Class Submarines.
The ACTE Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Coordination of overall test program for assigned ship, consistent with program goals, key event schedule, system status and ships conditions
- Develop and maintain long range test schedules and plans, align Artemis schedules with SWS Test playbook
- Establish / Track and progress test program budget and schedule (3-Week Plans IAW CONOPS)
- Publish a Daily Test Schedule (DTS), identifying all testing authorized for performance and highlighting testing affecting special emphasis programs. Interface with the Ships Safety Council (SSC) for testing affecting Ships Conditions
- Maintain personal knowledge of day to day test activities on the ship
- Supervise deck plate Test Directors (TD) and ensure they have approved test procedures for conduct, support SWS Interactive Test Procedures (ITP) and Test Form Certification
- Regularly surveille Test Procedure Execution, Test Change Incorporation (TCI) & Test Certification processes.
- Ensure Test Directors and Shift Test Directors (STD) are properly qualified and requalify if required
- Work with installation trades, planning, inspection and ships management to align test & installation schedules
- Interface with Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), SWS Project Officer (SWSPO) Test Documentation Group (TDG), PMS 397, SSGR, Navy Crew and Branch contractors supporting SSP
- Perform Testing IAW Columbia Integrated Test Requirements Outline (ITRO) and Strategic Weapon System Test Execution Plan (SWSTEP)
- Coordination of Testing Between Quonset Point, Groton and interfacing test departments (D972, D272, D441, D278, D445)
- Support extended testing durations and shift work (1st, 2nd and 3rd) as required to minimize schedule impacts.
- Occasional Travel required between Facilities to support SWS Test & Training Opportunities. (Quonset Point, Groton, Cape Canaveral)
- Support Sea Trials
Qualifications:
Required:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum 3 years’ Supervisory experience
- Minimum 1 year Project Management experience in the following disciplines: Electrical or Mechanical.
- Ability to Obtain and Maintain a Secret level DOD security clearance
Preferred:
- SWS Test Execution Experience (mechanical, electrical or electronic)
- Knowledge and demonstrable experience with the SSP organization, SWS Test Execution Plan, and written guidance supporting SSP’s Shipyard Installation Test Program (SITP)
- Demonstrated understanding of EB systems and software; Electronic Desktop, Artemis, SWS ITP, Teamcenter, EB7G, and Microsoft Office tools
Skills:
- Understanding of the Tools of a Learning Organization
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with all levels of Electric Boat Management and Navy personnel
- Strong technical knowledge and experience with submarine operations and test programs
- Demonstrated leadership experience
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems
- Coordination and direction of cross functional teams
- Ability to read and interpret Test Pressure Diagrams (TPD’s), Construction Support Diagrams (CSD’s) and System Diagrams
Physical Qualifications: Climbing, Crawling, Kneeling, Light Lifting, Pulling, Pushing Environmental Attributes: Cold, Dry, Dusty, Fumes, Hot, Inside, Noise, Oily, Outside, Wet