ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Operational Test Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Serco Inc.

Test Engineer with Security Clearance

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support the USCG Operational Test Director in providing a T&E Strategy brief to the Department of Homeland Security Director of T&E for all major acquisition programs under DHS engagement. * Provide ...

The Air Force Civilian Service

OT&E Program Manager

Edwards, CA · On-site

$104K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Member will serve as a Test Director, leading the operational testing of Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition Category (ACAT) I, II, or DoD oversight major weapons systems programs. Leads, plans ...

SAIC

Flight Test Director

Huntsville, AL

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 ...

Qualis LLC

Space Systems Analyst

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Qualis LLC is seeking a highly qualified Space Systems Analyst for the Operational Test ... Review, analyze, and report to test director status of Systems Program Office, and developmental ...

WR Systems

Navigation Test Director

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$61K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

WR has a potential opportunity for a Navigation Test Director for an exciting and challenging role ... Operational Requirements * Test & Evaluation * Training * Recognized expert who has demonstrated ...

WR Systems

Navigation Test Director

Norfolk, VA

$61K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

WR has a potential opportunity for a Navigation Test Director for an exciting and challenging role ... Operational Requirements * Test & Evaluation * Training * Recognized expert who has demonstrated ...

Leidos

Senior Test Director

You will define and execute the overall test strategy to validate Enterprise Core Services (ECS), Client Provisioning Services (CPS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), DevOps, and Service ...

Serco USA

Senior Test Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Completion of the OPTEVFOR Operational Test Director (OTD) Course Company Overview Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco's 9,000+ employees strive ...

Qualis LLC

Space Systems Analyst

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$113K - $135K/yr

... Infrared (OPIR), Directed Energy, Electronic Warfare, proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO ... This position requires operational test experience with a mathematical background in statistics.

Socket.dev

Senior Test Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Completion of the OPTEVFOR Operational Test Director (OTD) Course Serco is an equal opportunity employer We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsTechnology JobsSoftware JobsDirector of Software Development JobsOperational Test Director Jobs

Operational Test Director information

See salary details

$11K

$97.5K

$153K

How much do operational test director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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.

More about Operational Test Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Operational Test Director jobs?

Cities with the most Operational Test Director job openings:

What states have the most Operational Test Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Operational Test Director jobs include:

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

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

Operational Test Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Test Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,531 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Director, Test Engineering - ACP Programs (R5044)

Shield AI

Washington, DC

$210K - $310K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 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 Hivemind Solutions Flight Test Director (ACP Programs), you will serve as the end-to-end technical leader responsible for the integration, verification, and operational test of Hivemind AI Pilot capabilities on portfolio of group 5 UAS/Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP).

You will own the strategy, planning and execution of complex, multi-phase test campaigns supporting the transition of autonomy capabilities from simulation and lab environments to full-scale flight test and operationally relevant mission scenarios, including multi-vehicle coordination. Using a disciplined fly–fix–fly methodology, you will drive rapid capability maturation while maintaining rigorous safety, configuration control, and mission assurance standards. 

This role will serve as the single technical authority for test execution across the portfolio of ACP efforts, responsible for managing risk, test readiness and driving test execution  Here, you will serve as primary focal to facilitate coordination across OEM partners, government customers and internal functional teams rs to deliver high-impact autonomy capabilities at scale.

What you'll do:
  • Act as Test Director and technical lead for integration and flight test of Hivemind autonomy on group 5 ACP systems, including multi-aircraft coordination scenarios in LVC and empirical flight test scenarios.
  • Own test strategy and execution across the full development lifecycle, including system-level verification & validation, test phasing, and prioritization across SIL, HIL, simulation, ground, and flight test environments
  • Plan and execute large-scale flight test campaigns, including complex mission scenarios involving cooperative autonomy, human-machine teaming, and distributed systems
  • Serve as the final authority during mission autonomy test operations, directing test conduct and approving test plans, procedures, and execution flow
  • Coordinate cross-functional execution across software, hardware, systems engineering, flight operations, safety, and program leadership teams
  • Define mission-level performance metrics and success criteria, ensuring traceability from requirements to test outcomes and operational effectiveness
  • Own test infrastructure strategy, including large-scale simulation environments, SIL/HIL systems, aircraft integration labs, and flight test assets
  • Lead on-aircraft integration and flight test operations with platform OEM partners, including system configuration, software deployment, real-time troubleshooting, and post-flight data analysis
  • Serve as primary coordinator working with platform OEMs to define and enforce test readiness criteria (entry/exit), define safety-of-flight and mission risk management, airspace coordination and test hazard identification, analysis, and mitigation to ultimately make go/no-go decisions for progression into ground and flight test events
  • Establish and scale test processes, standards, and best practices aligned with DoD DT&E/OT&E expectations and operational test rigor
Required qualifications:
  • Typically requires 15+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 14+ years with a Master’s; or 12+ years with a PhD; or equivalent experience
  • Demonstrated experience leading flight test or large-scale system integration efforts, including authority over test readiness, execution, and risk decisions
  • Strong background in full-scale aviation test environments, including aircraft integration, ground test, and flight operations
  • Experience with system-level verification & validation across multiple test environments (SIL, HIL, simulation, and flight)
  • Proven ability to plan and execute complex, multi-phase flight test campaigns involving multiple stakeholders and dependencies
  • Experience working cross-functionally across software, hardware, avionics, systems engineering, safety, and program teams
  • Strong understanding of safety-of-flight principles, risk management, and disciplined test execution in aviation environments
  • Proficiency in Python or similar tools for test automation, data analysis, or system validation
  • Excellent technical leadership and communication skills, including briefing to senior leadership and external customers
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience supporting Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP), loyal wingman concepts, or multi-vehicle autonomous systems
  • Prior role as Flight Test Director, Test Conductor, or Lead Flight Test Engineer on full-scale aircraft programs
  • Familiarity with military aviation test processes, including DT&E and OT&E frameworks
  • Experience operating in or supporting government flight test ranges and operational environments
  • Background in autonomy, AI/ML-enabled systems, or human-machine teaming in aviation contexts
  • Experience with airworthiness processes, flight clearance, and configuration control for aircraft systems
  • Familiarity with tools such as Git, Jira/Azure DevOps, and CI/CD pipelines
  • Active SECRET clearance
#LI-KK1
#LF

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.
 
###
 
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.