Principal Test Specialist, Mechanical (Permanent)

Principal Test Specialist, Mechanical (Permanent)

Victoria, BC (Band 4.2)

In determining the final salary, Babcock will consider a variety of factors including the successful Candidate’s skills and experience and internal equity. The final base salary offer will be at the Company’s sole discretion and be presented as part of a competitive total compensation package.

Underpinned by a deep understanding of technology integration, asset management, and specialist training, Babcock International works with customers around the world to improve the capability, reliability and availability of their most critical assets within the key market sectors of Marine, Land, Aviation, and Nuclear.

In Canada, Babcock works in the Marine sector, where our teams provide critical and complex support to Canada’s submarine fleet. Our Canadian team is proud to be trusted to deliver key naval in-service support for the Royal Canadian Navy. We also operate in the Aviation sector, where Babcock ensures that the aircrew trainees of our partner nations receive the world’s best flying training. We deliver vital aerial emergency services and are proud to have been selected by the Government of Manitoba to deliver their wildfire suppression services, as well as key components of their critical air ambulance services.

Whether it is providing technical training instruction, developing training materials or maintaining critical training assets, Babcock is trusted by its customers to deliver world-class training solutions.

Babcock’s Purpose is to create a safe and secure world, together . Our Principles create the foundation for how we will do this. They keep us on the right course, unify the way we work and guide us towards success. By thinking, connecting, and acting in line with these Principles, we’ll deliver better outcomes for our Culture, Customers and Communities. Collectively at Babcock, our employees embody the Principles that help make us great at what we do:

• Challenge the status quo, Be Curious , and ask, ‘how might we?’
• Whenever measuring success, Think: Outcomes and positive impacts.
• Be Kind to ourselves, each other, and our planet.
• Babcock employees Collaborate – we are greater than the sum of our parts,
• Be Courageous – be brave, ambitious, and determined.
• Everyone has a part to play - Own and Deliver to be successful.

Babcock is grateful to work on the traditional territories of many Nations across Canada. Babcock respects the special relationship that the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have with the land and recognizes that we are privileged to use and share this land. Babcock is committed to being a good neighbour, ensuring that we are positively contributing to society’s progress and building meaningful and mutually beneficial relations with Indigenous peoples, businesses, and communities.

We encourage you to explore our Babcock Canada website to learn more about us at  .

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal Test Specialist (Mechanical) to lead a team of Test Directors responsible for the set-to-work testing/commissioning of Victoria Class Submarine (VCS) systems.

In this role, you will: 

• Oversee testing, acceptance and maintenance activities for various Victoria Class Submarine (VCS) systems and equipment.
• Oversee a Test Director and direct multi-disciplinary employees during the testing of submarine systems and equipment.
• Oversee equipment troubleshooting, fault diagnosis and corrective maintenance.
• Provide leadership and guidance to Test Specialists responsible for execution of test instructions.
• Contribute to the determination of solutions to problems and issues of moderate to high complexity and clearly articulate complex technical issues, solutions and risks to all stakeholders (technical and non-technical).
• Work effectively as part of a broader technical team and lead small to medium sized teams to deliver assigned projects or tasks.
• Provide mentorship or guidance for other Test Specialists.
• Record defects using Babcock Canada IT applications.
• Be responsive to Commissioning Managers for dynamic program delivery requirements in a shipyard waterfront environment.
• Draft and review test documentation and work instructions.
• Draft and review lockout/tagout documentation required to make systems safe and conduct commissioning activities.
• Identify risks and opportunities during the course of testing and maintenance.
• Other duties as required.

The ideal candidate brings: 

• Strong technical skills including post-secondary education; degree, diploma and/or certificate in engineering technology or equivalent experience.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng), Applied Science Technologist (AScT), or Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T) with the applicable provincial association, or eligibility to complete such registration within 12 months of commencing employment. 
• 10+ years of related technical experience.
• Marine, offshore oil and gas drilling, naval vessel, or submarine operational experience, an asset.
• Experience operating, testing/commissioning mechanical systems, an asset.
• Have the physical ability to climb and descend ladders and stairs to access work areas.
• Have the physical ability to walk and/or stand for extended periods.
• Have the physical dexterity to allow for working in confined spaces and areas with limited room for movement.
• Is comfortable working on scaffolding at heights and around water.
• Is comfortable working in an industrial environment and around moving equipment (forklifts, cranes, etc.) .
• Preferred working knowledge in a variety of mechanical related technologies:
  • Hydraulic systems
  • Pneumatic systems
  • Internal Combustion Engines, Diesel, super/turbochargers
  • Mechanical linkages, alignment, rotating machinery
  • Pumps, valves, actuators, motors
  • Awareness of functional and non-functional system performance testing in new construction or retro-commissioning.
• Strong communication skills; written, verbal and interpersonal.
• Strong computer skills including MS Office suite.
• Eligible for a Canadian Secret Security and ITAR Clearance

Babcock Canada supports the safety and wellbeing of our employees through the following programs:

• Contributions towards an employee’s physical and mental health
• Wellness days
• Supportive work life balance: flexible work schedule and competitive annual vacation time off
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave top-up available
• Employer matching of employee retirement contribution
• Employee recognition and bonus programs
• Support of professional development and reimbursement of membership dues
• Relocation assistance for individuals and families

Babcock is committed to promoting a workforce without boundaries. One that welcomes everyone to contribute to our success regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability, and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered. If you require accommodation during any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know how we can assist you.

This posting is for an existing vacancy

Applicants, please apply online at