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Operational Test Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SimIS Inc

Test Director (DHS)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

SimIS seeks a Test Director to lead the planning, execution, and analysis of operational tests for border security technologies across diverse and challenging environments. This role requires ...

JT4, LLC

Operations Test Analyst III

Edwards, CA · On-site

$94K - $130K/yr

JOB SUMMARY - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES JT4 is currently seeking experienced Flight Test Operational Test Analyst to join our test team as a Test Conductor/Test Director performing developmental ...

SimIS Inc.

Test Director (DHS)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

SimIS seeks a Test Director to lead the planning, execution, and analysis of operational tests for border security technologies across diverse and challenging environments. This role requires ...

SimIS Inc.

Test Director (DHS)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

SimIS seeks a Test Director to lead the planning, execution, and analysis of operational tests for border security technologies across diverse and challenging environments. This role requires ...

ASD Solutions

Test Analyst

Edwards, CA · On-site

Drafts operational effectiveness test plans, reports, and various supporting documents and briefings. * Assists the test director in timely preparation of high-quality analysis across the varied test ...

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Operational Test Director information

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$11K

$97.5K

$153K

How much do operational test director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational test director in the United States is $97,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operational test director?

An Operational Test Director is a professional responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing operational testing of systems, equipment, or processes, often within military, defense, or aerospace environments. Their primary role is to ensure that a system or product meets performance requirements under realistic operational conditions. They coordinate test activities, manage resources, analyze results, and provide recommendations based on test outcomes. The position often requires strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of testing protocols and relevant regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational test director?

To thrive as an Operational Test Director, you need expertise in test planning, data analysis, and systems evaluation, often supported by a degree in engineering, science, or a related field. Familiarity with test management software, data collection tools, and relevant certifications such as ISTQB or DAU credentials is typically required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help coordinate teams and manage complex test scenarios. These skills are crucial to ensure operational effectiveness, accurate test results, and successful project outcomes in high-stakes environments.

What are some common challenges faced by operational test directors during multi-phase testing programs?

Operational Test Directors often encounter challenges such as coordinating across multiple teams, managing tight testing schedules, and adapting to evolving test requirements. Balancing the need for thorough evaluation with limited resources and time constraints can be demanding. Additionally, ensuring effective communication among stakeholders—such as engineers, analysts, and program managers—is crucial for identifying and addressing issues quickly. Successful Operational Test Directors typically excel at problem-solving, prioritization, and fostering collaboration in high-pressure environments.

What is the difference between Operational Test Director vs Test Engineer?

AspectOperational Test DirectorTest Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; often with security clearancesUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, computer science, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentLeads testing programs in military, aerospace, or defense settings, overseeing operational testing processesConducts testing, analysis, and troubleshooting in labs or field environments
Employer & IndustryPrimarily employed by defense contractors, government agencies, or aerospace companiesWorks for similar organizations, focusing on product testing and quality assurance

The Operational Test Director oversees large-scale operational testing programs, ensuring systems meet mission requirements, while the Test Engineer focuses on designing, executing, and analyzing specific tests. Both roles require technical expertise, but the Director has broader managerial and oversight responsibilities in complex testing environments.

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Operational Test Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Test Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,531 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Operational Test Director/Reliability T&E Expert

Arlington, VA • On-site

PPT Solutions, Inc
See more jobs at PPT Solutions, Incexternal

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

The Operational Test Director (OTD)/Reliability T&E Expert will lead, coordinate, and execute operational test and evaluation (OT&E) activities in support of Department of Homeland Security programs. This role ensures that systems under test are evaluated rigorously for operational effectiveness, suitability, and cyber resilience, and that all test artifacts meet DHS and federal T&E standards.

Position Summary

The OTD serves as the primary technical authority for planning, conducting, analyzing, and reporting on operational tests. This position requires deep experience in OT&E, strong analytical capability, and exceptional communication skills to deliver clear, defensible findings to program leadership and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead OT&E activities across planning, execution, data collection, analysis, and reporting phases
  • Develop comprehensive test plans, test reports, evaluation frameworks, and supporting documentation
  • Coordinate with program offices, operators, cybersecurity teams, and technical SMEs to ensure realistic operational scenarios
  • Assess system operational effectiveness, operational suitability, and cyber resilience using quantitative and qualitative methods
  • Oversee data collection methodologies, instrumentation, and validation of results
  • Present findings to DHS leadership through written reports, briefings, and technical discussions
  • Ensure compliance with DHS, DOT&E, and federal T&E policies, directives, and best practices
  • Support risk assessments, readiness reviews, and evaluation of corrective actions
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and 15-18+ years of relevant experience
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the required level
  • Demonstrated experience supporting operational test and evaluation activities for DHS
  • Strong knowledge of test planning, execution, analysis, and reporting methodologies
  • Proven experience developing test plans, test reports, and evaluation documentation
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and briefing delivery
Benefits offered
  • medical
  • dental
  • vision
  • basic life w/AD&D
  • supplemental life
  • short and long-term disability
  • EAP
  • FSA
  • 401(k)
  • paid holidays
  • paid time off
  • employee referral award program
  • reimbursable job-related education/professional certification training

At PPT, we value our employees. You can take comfort in the fact that here you will be treated as a professional, given room to grow and compensated with a benefits package to care for you and your family. You have made the decision to do meaningful work and we believe you should be rewarded for that decision. Explore our website and learn more about what it means to be a part of PPT Solutions.

PPT Solutions, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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