Pressure Test Technician

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Factory Services team is part of the Shared Services, Systems & Infrastructure (3SI) organization within the Maritime Division. This team owns the shared technical services that support all production business lines on site, including machining, hydrostatic testing, tooling, and 3D printing. The hydrostatic test chamber is a critical shared resource used to validate the integrity of pressurized vessels and components before they are integrated into undersea systems. As the site scales to support multiple product lines, demand on this capability will grow and this role will be essential to keeping production on schedule.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are looking for a Pressure Vessel Test Technician to operate and maintain our hydrostatic test chamber, performing pressure testing on sealed vessels, housings, and other pressurized components used in autonomous underwater vehicles. Our undersea platforms are flooded vehicles, meaning the electronics and other water-sensitive subsystems are housed inside individually sealed, pressurized enclosures. This role is responsible for verifying the structural integrity and watertight seal of those enclosures before they are integrated into production vehicles. You will set up and execute test procedures, monitor pressure data, document results, and work closely with production and engineering teams to ensure components meet specifications. This is a hands-on role that requires mechanical aptitude, comfort working with high-pressure systems, strong attention to detail, and the discipline to follow test procedures precisely. If you are someone who takes pride in getting the details right and understands that your work directly impacts the reliability of fielded systems, this role is for you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Hydrostatic Test Execution: Set up, operate, and monitor the hydrostatic test chamber to perform pressure testing on sealed vessels, housings, and pressurized components. Follow established test procedures to pressurize components to specified levels, hold for required durations, and monitor for pressure loss or leaks.
• Test Preparation and Fixturing: Prepare components for testing by installing fittings, plugs, seals, and connections. Verify test setup is correct before pressurization. Maintain and organize test fixtures, tooling, and support equipment.
• Inspection and Defect Identification: Visually inspect components before, during, and after testing for leaks, pinholes, seal failures, weld deficiencies, or other nonconforming conditions. Identify and clearly document any anomalies found during testing.
• Data Recording and Documentation: Accurately record all test parameters, results, and observations. Complete test reports and quality records in accordance with standard operating procedures. Interpret pressure gauge readings and calibration data to ensure testing accuracy.
• Equipment Maintenance and Calibration: Perform routine maintenance on the test chamber, pumps, gauges, fittings, and related equipment. Support calibration activities and flag equipment that is out of tolerance or in need of repair.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere strictly to all safety protocols for high-pressure testing operations. Maintain a clean and organized work area. Report any safety concerns, near-misses, or equipment malfunctions immediately.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Work with production teams, quality, and engineering to schedule tests, communicate results, and support troubleshooting when components do not pass. Provide feedback to engineering on recurring test failures or design concerns.
• Process Improvement: Contribute to the development and refinement of test procedures, fixturing, and workflows. Identify opportunities to improve test efficiency, throughput, or reliability as the site scales.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 4+ years of experience in a hands-on testing, inspection, or manufacturing technician role
• Familiarity with pressure testing (hydrostatic or pneumatic), leak detection, or similar quality verification processes
• Ability to read and work from technical documentation, engineering drawings, and test procedures
• Strong attention to detail with a disciplined approach to following procedures and recording data accurately
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with high-pressure systems, pumps, fittings, and gauges
• Effective communicator who can clearly document and convey test results to engineering and production teams
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in defense, aerospace, or maritime manufacturing
• Experience with pressure vessel testing, proof testing, or burst testing of sealed enclosures or housings
• Familiarity with subsea, AUV, UUV, or underwater robotics systems
• VT (Visual Testing) or PT (Penetrant Testing) certification, or willingness to obtain
• Experience with ERP or MES systems for test record management and work order closeout
• Confined space, crane, or rigging certification
• High school diploma or technical certificate in a relevant trade; associate degree in a technical field is a plus