The Quality Assurance & Test (QA&T) Engineer supports RECONCRAFT evaluating and improving existing vessel designs, leading hands-on testing, evaluation, and system-level analysis to assess and optimize the vessels’ performance, durability, and reliability against operational requirements. This role also functions in a “pit crew” capacity, performing on-the-spot maintenance and repairs on vessels during evaluations and field exercises to keep vessels mission capable and evaluation schedules on track. The QA&T Engineer translates operational requirements into vessel systems requirements, identifies and documents design and system improvement opportunities, and works closely with engineering, program, and production teams to implement and validate design changes. This role spends significant time on the water and in the field, including forward-deployed evaluation sites and exercises.
This is a temporary position with the ability to move to a permanent position.
Essential Job Functions:
Vessel Test & Evaluation (primary focus)
Develop, implement, and execute test and evaluation plans for an existing vessel design, including test procedures, data collection plans, and evaluation criteria
Conduct static and underway performance testing and trials to assess speed, handling, seakeeping, durability, maintenance, and reliability against operational requirements
Collect, analyze, and document test data; compile test reports, findings, and improvement recommendations
Translate operational requirements (mission profile, sea state, payload, endurance, crew tasks) into vessel systems and design requirements
Identify design, system, and component deficiencies; develop and document recommendations to enhance performance, durability, and reliability
Track and maintain a running log of vessel discrepancies, lessons learned, and design improvement opportunities across evaluation events
Support integration and testing of new or modified vessel systems (propulsion, hull, electrical, hydraulics, electronics, outfitting) while considering operational effectiveness and maintainability
Pit Crew — Maintenance & Field Support
Serve as the primary hands-on maintenance and repair technician supporting vessels during evaluations, trials, and field exercises
Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on vessel systems (mechanical, electrical, propulsion, hydraulic) to keep vessels mission capable
Stage, transport, and maintain tools, spare parts, and support equipment needed to sustain vessel operations away from the home facility
Respond quickly to in-field equipment failures or damage during exercises, making sound rapid repair and return-to-service decisions
Coordinate with program, engineering, and production teams to source parts, escalate issues, and implement fixes or design changes as needed
Maintain maintenance logs, repair records, and equipment status reporting for each evaluation event
Systems Engineering & Design Optimization
Partner with engineering and design teams to recommend vessel system and design modifications that improve performance, durability, reliability, maintainability, etc.
Evaluate proposed design changes for operational suitability and feed field/test results back into the design process
Support development of technical specifications, drawings, and work packages reflecting approved design improvements
Participate in design reviews and provide test-informed input on system trade-offs
Reporting & Documentation
Develop and maintain test plans, checklists, data logs, and after-action reports for each evaluation and exercise
Brief program, engineering, and customer stakeholders on test results, vessel status, and improvement recommendations
Maintain accurate, organized documentation supporting program and contractual requirements
Essential Skills and Experience:
Education
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Marine Technology, or a related technical field, or 5+ years of relevant marine operational, technical, or maintenance experience in lieu of degree
Required Knowledge/Experience
5+ years of hands-on marine vessel operation, maintenance, or repair experience, including military, government, or commercial vessel systems
Strong operational and maintenance knowledge across vessel systems: propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and outfitting
Demonstrated ability to translate operational requirements into vessel systems and design requirements
Experience developing and executing test plans and documenting test results and findings
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and specifications
Strong troubleshooting and field-repair skills; comfortable making rapid, sound maintenance decisions under time and operational pressure
Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable briefing program, engineering, and customer stakeholders
Self-motivated and able to work independently in forward-deployed or field environments with limited support
Valid driver's license; ability to obtain a passport if not currently held
Ability to obtain a state Boater's certification/card in appropriate jurisdiction(s)
Physical Requirements
Ability to perform physically demanding maintenance and repair tasks in varying weather and sea conditions
Ability to lift and move tools, parts, and equipment; work in confined vessel spaces; stand, kneel, and work for extended periods on and off the water
Ability to travel as needed, including to forward-deployed sites, for extended evaluation and exercise periods
Preferred Knowledge/Experience
Prior experience supporting vessel test and evaluation programs, R&D, or prototype/first-of-class vessels
Marine mechanic, diesel/outboard technician, or similar hands-on maintenance background
Current USCG Master License (any tonnage) or equivalent boat-handling credential
Familiarity with government contracting test and evaluation requirements
Other Responsibilities
Perform other tasks consistent with organizational/contract/program goals
Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager or Executive Team
About Copper River & The Native Village of Eyak:
Owned by the Native Village of Eyak (NVE), a federally recognized Alaska Native Tribe, the Copper River Family of Companies are a collection of entities that deliver a complementary set of solutions and services to support the diverse missions and requirements of our clients. Proud participants of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program since 2006, our companies consist of both current and graduation SBA 8(a) entities. It is our collective purpose to support the Tribe and diversify the NVE’s ability to facilitate economic advancement.
The income generated from our companies helps the Native Village of Eyak fund health and social services, economic development, natural resource/environmental education, jobs, job training, and other benefits to the NVE in a manner that is consistent with Alaskan Native cultural values and traditions.
Copper River’s Culture
The Copper River Family of Companies has a positive, supportive, and thriving culture. At the foundation of our culture is a focus on collaboration. No matter your role or which operating company you work for, we are ONE TEAM working toward the same goals for our customers and for our collective owner- The Native Village of Eyak. How we treat each other is just as important as the work we deliver.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent care
- Health Savings Account - high deductible medical plan
- Retirement 401(k) with employer match
- Open leave policy and paid holidays
- Additional benefits including tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more!
Note: Benefits are offered based on employment classification and applicable contract requirements. Eligibility may vary by position.
Disclaimer:
The Copper River Family of Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Marine Technology, or a related technical field, or 5+ years of relevant marine operational, technical, or maintenance experience in lieu of a degree.
- 5+ years of hands-on marine vessel operation, maintenance, or repair experience, including military, government, or commercial vessel systems.
- Strong knowledge of propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and outfitting vessel systems.
- Ability to translate operational requirements into vessel systems and design requirements.
- Experience developing and executing test plans and documenting test results and findings.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and specifications.
- Strong troubleshooting and field-repair skills, including rapid maintenance decisions under operational pressure.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to brief program, engineering, and customer stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently in forward-deployed or field environments with limited support.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability to obtain a passport if not currently held.
- Ability to obtain a state boater’s certification or card in applicable jurisdictions.
- Ability to perform physically demanding maintenance and repair tasks in varying weather and sea conditions.
- Ability to lift and move tools, parts, and equipment; work in confined vessel spaces; and stand or kneel for extended periods.
- Ability to travel to forward-deployed sites for extended evaluation and exercise periods.
- Experience supporting vessel test and evaluation programs, research and development, or prototype vessels.
- Marine mechanic, diesel or outboard technician, or similar hands-on maintenance background.
- Current USCG Master License or equivalent boat-handling credential.
- Familiarity with government contracting test and evaluation requirements.
What We Do
Welcome to Copper River Shared Services! The Shared Services Division of the Copper River Family of Companies provides long-term strategic business planning, new company startup and acquisition strategies, complete back office support services, regulatory training, compliance, and governance oversight to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the Copper River Family of Companies. We are proud to be owned by the Native Village of Eyak, a Federally recognized Alaska Native Tribe located in Cordova, Alaska. With over 500 professional industry leading experts, the Copper River Family of Companies are driven to support the needs of our clients and their missions both at home and abroad. We stand ready. Our mission is to Diversify the Native Village of Eyak’s Ability to Facilitate Economic Advancement; it’s what binds us now and into the future. We accomplish this through the work of our strategic alliance of agile Operating Companies, guided by our core values of Collaboration, Integrity, and Empathy.
