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Operational Test Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Test Director

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The Test Director will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing to validate system performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements.

New

Job Title: Operational Test Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum ... Direct test design, test planning, test execution, and test reporting efforts for the assigned ...

$150 - $200/hr

The Test Director will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing to validate system performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements.

New

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 ...

The Test Director will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing to validate system performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements.

The Test Director will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing to validate system performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements.

The Test Director willbe responsible forplanning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing tovalidatesystem performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements. This ...

Test Director

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The Test Director will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing to validate system performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements.

Test Director

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The Test Director will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing to validate system performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements.

The Test Director willbe responsible forplanning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing tovalidatesystem performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements. This ...

The Test Director willbe responsible forplanning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing tovalidatesystem performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements. This ...

The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive experience in flight test operations, team ... Direct cross-functional teams on-site during test execution at various test facilities, ensuring ...

The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive experience in flight test operations, team ... Direct cross-functional teams on-site during test execution at various test facilities, ensuring ...

Showing results 21-40

Operational Test Director information

See salary details

$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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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.

Test Director

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Are you ready for your next career challenge?

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with “can't fail” missions.

Test Director

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Test Director to lead and oversee all testing activities associated with our RADAR system development and deployment program. The Test Director will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing to validate system performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements. This is a critical role that requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

Primary ResponsibilitiesTest Planning and Strategy:
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive test plans, test procedures, and test schedules for RADAR system developmental and operational testing.
  • Define test objectives, scope, and success criteria based on system requirements and program goals.
  • Coordinate with program management, engineering, and logistics teams to ensure test readiness.
Test Execution and Oversight:
  • Direct and oversee all aspects of RADAR system testing, including laboratory, field, and operationally relevant threat environment testing.
  • Monitor test execution to ensure adherence to approved plans, procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Serve as the primary decision-maker during test events, with authority to halt testing in the event of safety concerns or anomalies.
  • Travel up to five months at a time to customer testing sites.
Team Leadership and Coordination:
  • Serve as Integrated Program Team (IPT) Lead
  • Maintain IPT's budget as a Cost Account Manager (CAM)
  • Lead and manage a multidisciplinary test team, including engineers, data analysts, and subject matter experts.
  • Assign roles and responsibilities to team members and ensure they are trained on testing procedures and tools.
  • Coordinate with government test agencies as required including frequent presentation of status and plans to customer.
Data Collection and Analysis:
  • Oversee the collection, processing, and analysis of test data to evaluate RADAR system performance against requirements.
  • Identify anomalies, trends, and areas for improvement based on test results.
  • Ensure accurate and thorough documentation of test data and findings.
Reporting and Communication:
  • Prepare and present detailed test reports, after-action reviews, and briefings to program management and stakeholders.
  • Communicate test results, findings, and recommendations clearly and effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Conduct post-test debriefs and hotwashes to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement.
Compliance and Risk Management:
  • Ensure all testing activities comply with applicable standards, regulations, and government requirements, including cybersecurity and environmental standards.
  • Identify and mitigate risks associated with test activities, including operational disruptions and safety concerns.
  • Maintain compliance with DoD testing policies and directives.
Continuous Improvement:
  • Analyze results from previous test events to identify trends and areas for improvement.
  • Refine testing methodologies, tools, and procedures based on lessons learned and evolving program requirements.
  • Support the integration of digital engineering tools and methodologies into the test process.
System Integration and Check Out (SICO):
  • Support SICO activities to ensure RADAR system components are properly integrated and ready for testing.
  • Coordinate with engineering teams to resolve integration issues identified during SICO.
Basic Qualifications
  • The position requires an ABET accredited B.S. or equivalent degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in systems testing, test management, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in RADAR system testing, development, or operations.
  • Demonstrated experience planning and executing developmental and operational testing for complex systems.
  • Strong understanding of RADAR system principles, components, and performance metrics.
  • Familiarity with test and evaluation methodologies, including developmental testing (DT) and operational testing (OT).
  • Knowledge of applicable standards and regulations, including DoD testing policies and directives
  • Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to address challenges and resolve issues under pressure.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
  • Experience preparing and presenting test reports, briefings, and after-action reviews.
  • Active Secret security clearance required, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance if needed.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.
  • Experience working with government test agencies, such as the U.S. Army Operational Test Command or U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command.
  • Experience with RADAR systems in an operational or deployed environment.
  • Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and program management principles.
  • Experience supporting System Integration and Check Out (SICO) activities for complex systems.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity standards and best practices for RADAR systems, including compliance with DoD cybersecurity directives.
  • Experience with environmental testing, including temperature, vibration, humidity, and electromagnetic interference testing
  • Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Test and Evaluation certification.
  • Systems Engineering certification or equivalent.
  • Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

September 1, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

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