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Operational Test Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Director

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

Operational experience as a Pilot or CSO/NFO of USAF, USN, or USMC 4th or 5th generation fighter ... Experience planning and directing test events with go/no-go decision authority in developmental ...

WR Systems

Navigation Test Director

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$61K - $105K/yr

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 ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Director

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$220K - $292K/yr

Operational experience as a Pilot or CSO/NFO of USAF, USN, or USMC 4th or 5th generation fighter ... Experience planning and directing test events with go/no-go decision authority in developmental ...

WR Systems

Navigation Test Director

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$61K - $105K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Serco USA

Senior Test Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

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 ...

WR Systems

Navigation Test Director

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$61K - $105K/yr

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 ...

Qualis Corp

Space Systems Analyst

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

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

General Atomics

System Test Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

... operations. Test duties include system level T&E of hardware and software with emphasis placed on test asset coordination, resource allocation, generating test documentation, conducting and directing ...

CAE, Inc.

F-16 Pilot/Test Director

Arlington, TX · On-site

... operations with digitally immersive solutions to elevate safety, efficiency and readiness. * CAE ... Summary A Test Director (TD) shall provide the testing and evaluation of Military Single or Multi ...

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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 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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Operational Test Director jobs near you
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.

Flight Test Director

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Science Applications International Corporation
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Science Applications International Corporationexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee hypersonic flight test operations, ensuring team collaboration and mission preparedness.

  • Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex hypersonic test campaigns, including managing action items, resources, and risk analysis.

  • Direct on-site test activities, ensuring successful completion of objectives and proper documentation of test procedures and results.

SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 226 rated it services

Job description


SAIC is seeking highly experienced Flight Test Director to support the NSWC Crane Multi-Service Advanced Capabilities Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) Test Execution Team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in executing hypersonic flight test missions, overseeing mission planning and execution, and directing multi-disciplinary teams to accomplish high-stakes objectives in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive experience in flight test operations, team leadership, and mission execution within the defense industry.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide leadership and oversight as for hypersonic flight test operations, ensuring preparedness and effective collaboration among Mission Execution Team (MET) members, including stakeholders such as NSWC Crane, combatant commands, DOT&E, and other external agencies.
  • Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex, multi-phase hypersonic test campaigns, including action item management, resource allocation, risk analysis, and contingency planning.
  • Prepare and execute mission-critical documentation, including Checklists, Test Constraints Documents, Launch Decision Briefings, Communications Matrices, and Test Plans, to support mission walk-up activities.
  • Direct cross-functional teams on-site during test execution at various test facilities, ensuring successful completion of planned objectives even under compressed timelines and challenging circumstances.
  • Develop strategies for robust system integration, ensuring distributed assets are synchronized and meet system performance benchmarks.
  • Chair working group sessions, support on console training, and conduct readiness briefings to prepare test personnel.
  • Adjudicate on-site test observations, mitigating risks, and ensuring data collection supports robust system evaluation and operational readiness assessments.
  • Mentor and train junior test engineers, technical personnel, and early-career professionals, fostering knowledge transfer and skill-building through direct guidance and oversight.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelors in an Engineering Discipline and nine (9) years of experience or Masters and seven (7) years of experience.
  • Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Certifications:
    • Practitioner Level Certification in Test & Evaluation
    • Level II - Test & Evaluation
    • Level I - Systems Engineering
  • Interim Secret clearance required with ability to obtain TS/SCI.
  • Experience in flight test planning, management, and execution within the Department of Defense (DoD).
  • Demonstrated experience as a Mission Test Director or equivalent with a proven record of success in overseeing and directing test missions, including multi-phase campaigns with distributed assets.
  • Expertise in authoring mission-critical documents such as execution checklists, test constraints, and risk mitigation plans.
  • Skilled in leading cross-functional teams and collaboration with key stakeholders, including government organizations, combatant commands, and external agencies.
  • Recognized ability to solve complex problems autonomously while maintaining composure under high-pressure scenarios.
  • Strong understanding of hypersonic systems, missile defense, and related test architectures.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous experience with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), particularly as part of the Flight Test Directorate.
  • Knowledge of hypersonic test beds, including MACH-TB systems or equivalent advanced defense platforms.
  • Familiarity with Wallops, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) and other test sites.
  • Hands-on experience with integrating and evaluating high-risk defense systems, including large-scale multi-stakeholder test campaigns.

About Us
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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