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Operational Test Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Certify as Sonar Test Director to oversee and evaluate software longevity testing. * Event testing ... Ability to investigate, troubleshoot and design solutions to problems in operational software and ...

Certify as Sonar Test Director to oversee and evaluate software longevity testing. * Event testing ... Ability to investigate, troubleshoot and design solutions to problems in operational software and ...

Sonar Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Certify as Sonar Test Director to oversee and evaluate software longevity testing. * Event testing ... Ability to investigate, troubleshoot and design solutions to problems in operational software and ...

Certify as Sonar Test Director to oversee and evaluate software longevity testing. * Event testing ... Ability to investigate, troubleshoot and design solutions to problems in operational software and ...

Showing results 21-40

Operational Test Director information

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.

What are popular job titles related to Operational Test Director jobs in Virginia?

For Operational Test Director jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operational Test Director jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Operational Test Director jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Operational Test Director jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Operational Test Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Operational Test Director job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Advanced Test Engineer

Parsons Services Company

Dahlgren, VA • On-site

$134K - $241K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!
At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.
Job Description:
Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Advanced/Senior Test Engineer to join our team! In this role you will provide programmatic, technical, and analytical support to the Missile Defense Agency test team. Individual will support testing through all phases of its life cycle. Travel will be required.
Position Overview: This position requires a highly motivated detailed oriented advanced/senior engineer to be part of a team of dedicated professionals in support of the Missile Defense Agency in Dahlgren, VA. Candidate is responsible for providing test oversight throughout all phases of developmental and operational test events including flight, ground test, hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), and operational test events. This oversight encompasses the full test lifecycle for flight, ground, and cyber testing, including the development and verification and validation of requirements, detailed test planning, execution of test activities, and post-test analysis and reporting.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Ability to lead and execute extensive testing and provide engineering support on systems, system elements, interfacing systems, components, devices and/or processes for complex weapon systems programs during developmental and operational test events, including flight, hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), and operational environments.
  • Ability to apply in-depth technical and theoretical DoD knowledge of developmental and operational testing; able to apply system engineering principles; verification and validation activities of the engineering V; and/or broad knowledge of MDS, components, and system-level topics.
  • Demonstrate the capability of analyzing and integrating complex data, drawing reasonable and logical system-level conclusions, and developing courses of action for senior leadership and test decision forums.
  • Capable of establishing and optimizing priorities and managing planning and readiness activities of MDS test events IAW approved Test issuances (e.g., CONOPS).
  • Capable of providing expertise in support of element level scenario development, test design, test planning, and/or test execution during all phases of the Test CONOPS.
  • Capable of creating and applying process improvement, strategic planning skills and resolving significant/controversial technical matters
  • Experience with explaining technical information and possess exceptional technical writing and Government reporting/documentation skills (e.g., Congressional/GAO Test inquiries and Deputy Director, Development Test, Evaluation, and Assessment (DTE&A)/Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) reports).
  • Ability to work independently, as a team member, or leading teams/tasks to solve analysis/engineering problems.
  • Ability to provide daily supervision and direction to support teams.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:
  • Education: MS in an engineering field. A BS in an engineering field with five years of additional relevant experience may be substituted for the MS degree requirement.
  • Experience: 10 years relevant experience.
  • Clearance: Secret to TS/SCI.
  • Travel is required

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:
  • US Navy background/experience is desired
  • Aegis knowledge is desired
  • Experience in MDA testing is desired
  • Experience in MDA engineering is desired

Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.
This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.
The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.
Salary Range: $134,100.00 - $241,400.00
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!
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