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Operational Test Director Jobs in West Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... safety operations dynamically align with shifting state and federal legal statutes, internal ... Command the global incident command structure; design, test, and activate enterprise-wide crisis ...

Operations Management Program Director Looking for rewarding work in an organization dedicated to ... Physical in the past 12 months with TB test. Why Join Us? * Full compensation/benefits package for ...

... operations across West Virginia. This partnership moves over 5,400 patients per year by air and 42 ... Ability to successfully complete initial and recurrent physical agility test. Position Specific ...

... operations across West Virginia. This partnership moves over 5,400 patients per year by air and 42 ... Ability to successfully complete initial and recurrent physical agility test. Position Specific ...

Director of Pharmacy

Beckley, WV · On-site

$110K - $188K/yr

As a Director of Pharmacy you will lead all aspects of pharmacy operations, including planning ... Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Director of Pharmacy

Beckley, WV · On-site

$110K - $188K/yr

As a Director of Pharmacy you will lead all aspects of pharmacy operations, including planning ... Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

... string-test facility that enables full-speed, full-load testing. Our Houston, Texas, office is a ... Partner with clients to assess operational needs, develop customized microgrid solutions, and ...

... string-test facility that enables full-speed, full-load testing. Our Houston, Texas, office is a ... and commercial operation * Proven experience leading and managing multi-functional teams

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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 West Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Operational Test Director job openings in West Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Senior Staff Engineer, Test Director (R5445)

Shield AI

Charleston, WV

$170K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

As a Staff Flight Test Engineer / Test Director, you will serve as the end-to-end Test Director for the integration, verification, and flight test of Hivemind Mission Autonomy on small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). You will own the technical direction, execution, and readiness of test campaigns, applying a fly–fix–fly methodology to rapidly mature autonomy capabilities from simulation and lab environments through flight. 

In this role, you are the single technical authority for test execution—responsible for determining test readiness, directing test conduct, managing risk, and ensuring data-driven decisions throughout development and flight test operations. You will lead cross-functional teams across engineering, safety, and program management, aligning stakeholders around clear objectives, disciplined execution, and continuous learning. 

What you'll do:
  • Act as Test Director for system-level integration and flight test campaigns of Hivemind Mission Autonomy on small UAS and external platforms 
  • Own test readiness decisions, including entry/exit criteria for lab, simulation, ground, and flight test phases 
  • Plan, direct, and execute fly–fix–fly test campaigns, ensuring rapid iteration while maintaining disciplined configuration control and safety 
  • Define and enforce test strategy, including system-level verification and validation, test phasing, and prioritization of objectives 
  • Direct cross-functional test execution, coordinating across various engineering disciplines and test operators. 
  • Determine test infrastructure requirements, including SIL, HIL, simulation environments, flight test assets, and automated test pipelines 
  • Approve and oversee test procedures, test cards, and execution plans, serving as the final authority during test conduct 
  • Define performance metrics and success criteria, ensuring test data is actionable and traceable to requirements and mission outcomes 
  • Lead flight test risk assessments, hazard analyses, and mitigation planning; enforce safety-of-flight discipline during operations 
  • Serve as primary test interface to internal leadership, customers, and external stakeholders, providing clear reporting on test progress, results, and risks 
  • Establish test standards, SOPs, and best practices aligned with industry and DoD DT&E/OT&E expectations 
  • Document test results, anomalies, corrective actions, and lessons learned, driving continuous improvement across autonomy flight test efforts 
  • Support travel to test sites, customer events, and integration activities as required 
  • Perform other duties as assigned 
Required qualifications:
  • B.S. degree in a STEM discipline (Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field) 
  • 7+ years of experience in system integration and test, including SIL, HIL, simulation, and flight test environments 
  • Demonstrated experience leading test execution, including authority over test conduct, readiness, and risk decisions 
  • Strong background working cross-functionally with systems engineering, software, hardware, safety, and program management teams 
  • Highly organized and methodical, with the ability to manage complex, fast-paced test campaigns 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing technical status to leadership and customers 
  • Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and commitment to high standards while fostering a collaborative, respectful team environment 
Preferred qualifications:
  • Working knowledge of DoD DT&E and OT&E processes and documentation expectations 
  • Direct experience with small UAS, autonomy, or robotic flight test operations 
  • Prior role as Test Director, Test Conductor, or Lead Flight Test Engineer 
  • Experience operating within DoD software and hardware laboratories or government flight test ranges 
  • Familiarity with safety-of-flight processes, hazard analysis, and configuration control in flight test environments 
#LI-LD1
#LE

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.