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Shipyard Test Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waterfront Test Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Coordinate shipyard test support amongst NSWC-PD Codes * Interface with shipyard test management personnel * Provide weekly status reports per CDRL A001 * Specialize in Quality Assurance / Quality ...

Waterfront Test Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Coordinate shipyard test support amongst NSWC-PD Codes * Interface with shipyard test management personnel * Provide weekly status reports per CDRL A001 * Specialize in Quality Assurance / Quality ...

$60 - $80/hr

Coordinate shipyard test support amongst NSWC-PD Codes * Interface with shipyard test management personnel * Provide weekly status reports per CDRL A001 * Specialize in Quality Assurance / Quality ...

Coordinate shipyard test support amongst NSWC-PD Codes * Interface with shipyard test management personnel * Provide weekly status reports per CDRL A001 * Specialize in Quality Assurance / Quality ...

NY · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Coordinate shipyard test support amongst NSWC-PD Codes * Interface with shipyard test management personnel * Provide weekly status reports per CDRL A001 * Specialize in Quality Assurance / Quality ...

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Shipyard Test information

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How much do shipyard test jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipyard test in the United States is $17.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shipyard test?

Shipyard Test jobs involve inspecting, testing, and evaluating ships, submarines, or maritime equipment to ensure they meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. Professionals in this role often work with engineering teams to conduct tests on systems such as propulsion, electrical, and safety mechanisms. They document results, troubleshoot issues, and help certify that the vessel is ready for deployment or delivery. This work is crucial in maintaining the integrity and reliability of ships before they enter service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shipyard test engineer?

To thrive as a Shipyard Test Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with ship construction standards, often supported by a relevant engineering degree or equivalent experience. Proficiency with ship testing equipment, data analysis software, and knowledge of safety and quality assurance protocols is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with cross-functional teams and resolving technical issues. These skills ensure that ship systems are tested thoroughly and comply with safety and performance standards, which is vital for operational reliability and regulatory compliance.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by professionals in a shipyard test role, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in a Shipyard Test role frequently encounter challenges such as tight project timelines, coordinating with multiple departments, and ensuring compliance with rigorous safety and quality standards. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to manage schedules and resolve unexpected technical issues. Building good relationships with engineering, production, and quality assurance teams can help streamline troubleshooting and testing processes. Staying proactive about documentation and safety protocols also helps minimize delays and ensures successful project completion.

What is the difference between Shipyard Test vs Shipyard Welder?

AspectShipyard TestShipyard Welder
Required CertificationsBasic safety and test-specific certificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, CWI)
Work EnvironmentTesting facilities, shipyards, or construction sitesShipbuilding yards, repair docks, fabrication shops
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by employers to assess candidate skills for various rolesUsed by shipbuilding companies for welding positions

The Shipyard Test is a skills assessment used to evaluate candidates' abilities for various shipyard roles, including welding, fitting, or inspection. In contrast, a Shipyard Welder specializes in welding tasks within the shipbuilding industry, often requiring specific welding certifications. While the Shipyard Test may include welding assessments, it broadly covers multiple skills, whereas the Shipyard Welder role focuses solely on welding expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Shipyard Test jobs?

For Shipyard Test jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Shipyard Test job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,218 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Shipyard Test Technician

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

General Dynamics Electric Boat
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


General Dynamics Electric Boat rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 166 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 547 rated manufacturers


Job description

Specific responsibilities include, but not limited to: 

  • Advise the Shift Test Engineer on safe and effective execution of operations and testing.
  • Maintain required paperwork (review paperwork daily for completeness and accuracy).
  • Complete and maintain the required training to perform electrical & mechanical operational testing of Steam & Electric Plant Systems.
  • Complete and maintain the required training to perform watch standing duties to include: operate ship’s electrical/mechanical systems; support roving watches; monitor electrical/mechanical systems required as part testing which may include weekend work.
  • Complete and maintain the required training to perform the duties of a safety technician which requires making systems safe for trade work utilizing Electric Boat’s Lock out/Tag out procedures
  • Complete and maintain the required training to maintain the requirements for system cleanliness
  • Ability to follow written procedures and comply with requirements
  • Install, maintain and remove test equipment (hoses, fittings, test pumps, meters etc.) and have the ability to understand the different types of test equipment, fittings and hoses for each system and apply them correctly per system requirements.
  • Exhibit high moral character and integrity required to certify NAVSEA test requirements
  • Exhibit the ability to read and understand various system and test diagrams/drawings required for all electrical and mechanical system testing.
  • Be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
  • Ability to work all shifts (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) including occasional weekend work is required based on department/project needs

**Please note this job is located in Philadelphia, PA.**


Qualifications Required:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent required
  • 2+ years of experience relevant to design, operation, maintenance, and/or testing of marine propulsion systems or similar power generation/control systems. Will accept a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in lieu of 2+ years experience.

Preferred:

  • Engineering Degree or Qualification on U.S. Navy nuclear submarine experience involving the operation, test, and maintenance of propulsion plant and associated components is highly desired.
  • Engineering or shipyard environment related to test or operations is highly desired.
  • Familiarity and experience with the COLUMBIA electric plant design and operation.
  • Demonstrated knowledge in the area of power generation, power electronics and controls, electric motor drive systems, and/or power distribution systems operation.

Skills:

  • Attention to detail
  • Proven strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work in a teaming environment with remote participants, including interfacing regularly with the nuclear Navy customer

Climbing, Color Vision, Crawling, Heavy Lifting, Kneeling, Light Lifting, Medium Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Stooping, Twisting
Acids or Alkalis, Cold, Dry, Dusty, Fumes, Hot, Inside, Noise, Oily, Outside, Wet

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