Quality Assurance & Test Engineer

The Quality Assurance & Test (QA&T) Engineer supports RECONCRAFT evaluating and improving existing vessel design s , 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 co