Freelance Manual Software Testing Jobs in Rhode Island

MIKEL invests in people and technology – empowering the creative process, building responsive relationships, and propelling innovative solutions from conception to completion for the U.S. Navy. MIKEL is a small woman owned business that has been providing Undersea Warfare Solutions to the Department of Defense since the company’s inception in 1999.

Be a part of our dynamic team whose solutions and services enable the Navy to solve their toughest problems and meet their mission requirements. We have undersea operations experience, combined with engineering and specific subject matter expertise, that provides an in-depth understanding of the problem and a novel, innovative and cost-effective solution. MIKEL is committed to providing an environment that challenges its employees to use and advance their skills and knowledge to provide solutions that exceed customer expectations.

Position: Systems Engineer III / FMS Technical Representative (AN/SQQ-89)

Nature of Role: Provides high-level technical expertise, documentation reviews, and critical testing support for the AN/SQQ-89 Surface Undersea Warfare (USW) Combat System program. This role involves close coordination with US Navy leadership and requires executing on-site system troubleshooting and installation checkouts (INCO) in Japan under strict Foreign Military Sales (FMS) guidelines.

Responsibilities:

include but are not limited to:

• Technical Documentation Reviews: Conduct comprehensive technical reviews of Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), training curricula, and related engineering data, providing timely feedback and status reporting.
• Foreign Disclosure & Releasability: Conduct releasability and foreign disclosure reviews to ensure all technical documentation and software baselines are strictly cleared for release per FMS case guidelines.
• Test & Integration Support: Provide remote and on-site support for critical test events, including Government Independent Verification and Validation (GIV&V), integration testing, System Qualification Tests (SQTs), and all associated dry runs. Generate detailed post-event engineering reports.
• OCONUS Shipboard Support: Provide on-site technical support to the Government SQQ-89 Lead in Japan to conduct INCO events, INCO dry runs, and active system troubleshooting aboard Japanese ships and at designated shore sites.

Requirements:

• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense SECRET security clearance (Active clearance required at time of hire).
• Deployment Flexibility: Willingness and flexibility to support extended OCONUS deployments to Japan for 1–3 months at a time.
• Strict FMS/ITAR Compliance Constraints: Must adhere to foreign disclosure policies (AECA/ITAR) and the inherently governmental nature of the FMS relationship. The contractor cannot operate in Japan unaccompanied; at least one USN Government representative must be on-site alongside the contractor. Specifically, the contractor is prohibited from:
  • Representing the US Navy or signing off on official INCOs.
  • Independently answering technical questions from Japanese personnel (all inquiries must be deferred to the on-site Government representative).
  • Transferring information, data, or materials (verbally, in writing, or via hand-carry) to foreign nationals without explicit clearance.

Experience:

• AN/SQQ-89 System Expertise: Deep technical and operational knowledge of the AN/SQQ-89 combat system baselines.
• Shipyard & INCO Experience: Proven experience working within industrial shipyard environments, conducting system installations, dry runs, and checkouts.
• System Troubleshooting: Strong hands-on hardware/software diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Education/Experience Blend: Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or technical discipline, or equivalent specialized military/technical experience executing tactical systems engineering and integration.

Work Location: Rhode Island / OCONUS (Japan Deployments). Minimal-to-no telework available due to the classified nature of the data and required hands-on shipyard/shipboard testing.

MIKEL offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 401k Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and Tuition Reimbursement.

Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance or higher is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

MIKEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.