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Operational Test Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

Lumbee Tribe Holdings, Inc.

TEST DIRECTOR

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

The Test Director leads cross-functional teams, manages test environments, and coordinates logistics while adhering to security and operational protocols. The ideal candidate possesses strong ...

New

Radiance Technologies

Test Director

Huntsville, AL

Radiance Technologies, a rapidly growing employee-owned company, is looking for a Directed Energy ... operations. * Experience supporting diverse teams in dynamic, fast-paced test and evaluation ...

Radiance Technologies

Test Director

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Radiance Technologies, a rapidly growing employee-owned company, is looking for a Directed Energy ... operations. * Experience supporting diverse teams in dynamic, fast-paced test and evaluation ...

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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 Jul 29, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operational Test Director, and why are they important?

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 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.
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Operational Test Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Test Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 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.
Staff Systems Test Engineer - Test Director

Staff Systems Test Engineer - Test Director

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Edwards, CA

$161K - $241K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Staff Systems Test Engineer - Test Director to join the team of qualified individuals. Position will be in Edwards AFB, CA or Palmdale, CA.

The System Test IPT is seeking a Staff System Test Engineer to serve as a Test Director for the Flight Test Department. The Test Director supervises the execution of test missions, with a primary focus on safety, execution efficiency, standards, and test discipline. The Test Director ensures mission preparation is completed in accordance with local procedures, oversees the scheduling of resources and assets, and coordinates with all engineering disciplines and external agencies to ensure successful test execution. The Test Director safeguards sensitive and critical test information and adheres to the relevant Security Classification Guide. The Test Director has the authority to terminate the test event if the technical validity of the test is in question or safety jeopardized. Finally, the Test Director also helps to develop and review flight test plans and safety plans.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Brief pre- and post-event meetings
  • Supports test readiness reviews
  • Provides mission control room support and makes real-time decisions regarding safety, security, effectiveness, and efficiency.
  • Supports simulations
  • Conducts and contributes to pre and post-test data analyses to support anomaly identification and resolution.
  • Instructs other test directors, experience permitting
  • Brief upper management on event outcomes and planning

This position requires outstanding written and oral communications skills. Individuals must be able to work without appreciable direction to develop solutions to complex problems; must be able to work both within a team environment and independently; must be self-motivated, thorough, and detailed; and must be willing to learn additional engineering discipline areas.

Position requires willingness to accept changing and evolving roles & responsibilities in support of customers' requirements and need.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 4/10 work schedule with every Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 12 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master's degree AND 10 years of related professional/military experience OR a Ph.D. AND 8 years of related professional/military experience.
  • Must have an active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Maturity and professionalism to lead the execution of flight test missions, briefings and oversee team of test control and discipline engineers in Mission Control Room.
  • Effectively function and make decisions in dynamic, high-pressure environments
  • Mission control experience
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Ability to work odd shifts, weekends and/or overtime.
  • Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
  • Ability to adhere to rules and regulations, and willingness to help change rules and regulations as applicable.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • FAA pilot rating
  • Military operations experience
  • Previous experience as aircrew member (Pilot, EWO, NAV, etc.)
  • Advanced Flight Test Operations and Control Room experience
  • Developmental Test and Operational Test operations experience.
  • Previous qualification as a Test Conductor/Director
  • Test Pilot School Graduate
Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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