Job Overview

The Test Planner defines and sequences all forms of testing required to bring a vessel from fabrication through commissioning and delivery, covering structural/tank testing, piping system testing, electrical testing, machinery and propulsion trials, and vessel-level dock and sea trials. This role establishes the master test plan that ties every discipline's test requirements into a single, logical sequence tied to the build schedule.

Shipbuilding test programs span dozens of interdependent test types across structural, piping, electrical, HVAC, machinery, and outfitting systems, each with its own prerequisites, acceptance criteria, and regulatory requirements. The Test Planner ensures these tests happen in the right order, at the right stage of construction, without forcing rework or blocking downstream trades, and draws on experience from other shipyard programs to anticipate sequencing issues before they surface.

This role works closely with design engineering, production engineering, quality assurance, classification society surveyors, and the Master Planner to build a test program the yard can execute reliably across multiple ship programs.

Responsibilities

Test Program Development

• Establish the master test plan defining every test required from first fabrication through sea trials and delivery.

• Define test sequence, prerequisites, and dependencies across structural, piping, electrical, HVAC, machinery, and outfitting disciplines.

• Translate classification society and regulatory test requirements (ABS, USCG, NAVSEA) into an executable test schedule.

Discipline Test Planning

• Define tank and compartment testing requirements (hydrostatic, hydropneumatic, air/hose testing) and their sequence relative to structural closure and coatings.

• Define piping system test requirements (hydrostatic, pneumatic, flushing) and electrical test requirements (continuity, megger, hi-pot, functional checks) at the correct build stage.

• Define machinery and propulsion test requirements, including dock trials, harbor trials, and sea trials, in coordination with propulsion and machinery installation planning.

Schedule Integration

• Integrate the test plan with the integrated master schedule, working with the Master Planner to protect test windows and sequence dependencies.

• Identify where test requirements constrain or are constrained by construction sequence, coatings, or outfitting completion.

• Flag schedule risk associated with test readiness and escalate conflicts before they affect milestone dates.

Cross-Program Knowledge Application

• Apply lessons learned and test sequencing practices from other shipyard programs to anticipate issues before they occur at Saronic.

• Identify where test program structure used on prior programs can be adapted to Saronic's vessel designs and build strategy.

• Benchmark test program efficiency and rigor against practices observed at other shipyards.

Execution Support & Continuous Improvement

• Support test execution, working with production, quality, and classification surveyors to resolve test failures and retest requirements.

• Maintain test documentation, acceptance records, and the traceability required for classification and regulatory review.

• Refine the test plan and sequencing standards based on execution results and lessons learned across programs.

What Success Looks Like

• Tests happen in the correct sequence, without rework caused by testing too early or too late in the build.

• Test failures are rare, and when they occur, root cause and retest paths are clearly defined.

• The test schedule integrates cleanly with the master schedule without becoming a hidden source of schedule risk.

• Classification society and regulatory test requirements are met without last-minute scrambles.

• Production, quality, and program leadership trust the test plan as an accurate, executable reference across every ship program.

Qualifications

Required

• Experience developing or executing test plans and test sequencing on at least one other shipyard or large-scale marine/industrial construction program.

• Strong understanding of how structural, piping, electrical, HVAC, and machinery test requirements interact with overall build sequence.

• Ability to read and interpret test procedures, acceptance criteria, and classification society test requirements.

• Strong organizational and scheduling skills, with the ability to manage a large number of interdependent test requirements across multiple disciplines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to coordinate test requirements across design, production, and quality teams.

Preferred

• Experience with multiple vessel classes or multiple shipyard programs, bringing outside perspective on test program structure and sequencing.

• Familiarity with ABS, USCG, or NAVSEA test and trials requirements.

• Experience with dock trials, harbor trials, or sea trials planning and execution.

• Experience with PLM/ERP or test management software used to track test status and documentation.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field (mechanical, electrical, naval architecture, or similar), or equivalent hands-on test planning experience.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Occasional standing and walking within the office

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match