1

Operational Test Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applies knowledge of the operational test lifecycle. Incorporates broad technical knowledge in one or more areas on specific systems or applications. Responsibilities * Evaluates, recommends, and ...

Cyber Test Engineer

TX · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Applies knowledge of the operational test lifecycle. Incorporates broad technical knowledge in one or more areas on specific systems or applications. Responsibilities * Evaluates, recommends, and ...

The Operational Test and Evaluation Engineer will conduct operational tests and evaluations to ensure the effectiveness and suitability of Marine Corps aviation assets, which include UAS, helicopters ...

Test & Evaluation Specialist

Solomons, MD · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Four or more years (within the last 8) of specialized experience in developmental or operational test and evaluation of tactical aircraft, weapons, software or systems. Position Description: The Test ...

SSBN operational tactics and procedures. * Collaborate with government and industry stakeholders to ... Test planning: Develop comprehensive operational test plans that define objectives, methodologies ...

New

Test and Evaluation Analyst

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

SSBN operational tactics and procedures. * Collaborate with government and industry stakeholders to ... Test planning: Develop comprehensive operational test plans that define objectives, methodologies ...

New

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 ...

New

Be Seen First

Test & Evaluation Lead

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$1.0K - $1.0K/yr

Operational test plans for complex systems * Define: * * Acceptance criteria * Verification methodologies * Instrumentation and data collection strategies Engineering Integration & Reviews * Review:

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 ...

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 ...

Operational Research Systems Analyst

Fort Bliss, TX · On-site

$89K - $106K/yr

Analyze test data, system performance metrics, operational effectiveness measures, and mission outcomes to support government decision-making. * Develop statistical models, data analysis ...

Supervise field operations, logistics, data collection, and data management activities supporting test events. * Serve as Test Team Lead or Site Lead for multi-location test events, as assigned.

Operational Research Systems Analyst

Fort Bliss, TX · On-site

$89K - $106K/yr

Analyze test data, system performance metrics, operational effectiveness measures, and mission outcomes to support government decision-making. * Develop statistical models, data analysis ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Operational Test information

See salary details

$8

$20

$30

How much do operational test jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for operational test in the United States is $20.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of operational testing, high-paying roles such as senior test engineers, test directors, or program managers in defense, aerospace, or technology sectors can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and security clearances. These positions often involve leadership, complex project management, and advanced technical expertise, sometimes supplemented by bonuses or profit sharing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operational Test Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operational Test Analyst, you need a solid understanding of test methodologies, systems analysis, and data evaluation, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with test management tools, data analysis software, and sometimes certifications like ISTQB are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you interpret results and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure accurate, reliable testing that improves product quality and operational effectiveness.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Operational Test roles typically do not pay $4,000 weekly without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades such as commercial diving, certain sales positions, or entrepreneurial ventures, but these usually require specific skills, training, or licensing. Most roles offering such high weekly pay are either highly specialized or involve significant risk or responsibility.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in Operational Test roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Operational Test roles often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, adapting test plans to evolving requirements, and managing tight deadlines. Successfully addressing these challenges involves strong communication skills, proactive risk management, and the ability to adapt quickly to changes in operational environments. Building collaborative relationships with engineering, program management, and end-user teams also helps ensure tests are meaningful and results are actionable.

What is the difference between Operational Test vs Quality Assurance Tester?

AspectOperational TestQuality Assurance Tester
CredentialsTypically requires technical knowledge, sometimes certifications in testing or systemsOften requires certifications in QA methodologies, testing tools, or software testing
Work EnvironmentConducted in operational or real-world settings, often on live systemsPerformed in controlled environments, focusing on software or product quality
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by defense, military, or government agencies to evaluate systemsCommon in software, manufacturing, and tech industries for product quality checks

Operational Test and Quality Assurance Tester roles both involve testing, but Operational Tests focus on evaluating systems in real-world conditions, often in government or defense sectors. QA Testers primarily focus on ensuring product quality in controlled environments across various industries.

What is an Operational Test?

An Operational Test is a formal evaluation process where a system, product, or process is tested under realistic operating conditions to determine its effectiveness, suitability, and reliability for intended use. This type of testing is often used in industries like defense, aviation, and technology to ensure that equipment or software performs as expected in real-world scenarios. Operational tests are usually conducted by independent teams and are a critical step before full-scale deployment or adoption. The results help organizations identify potential issues and make informed decisions about the readiness of a system.

Is operations a high paying job?

Operational Test jobs can offer competitive salaries, especially for roles requiring specialized skills, certifications, or security clearances. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and industry, with some positions paying above average for technical and managerial responsibilities.

What is operational test and evaluation?

Operational test and evaluation (OT&E) is a process used to assess whether a system, such as military equipment or technology, meets operational requirements and is suitable for real-world use. It involves testing the system in conditions that simulate actual operational environments to identify issues and ensure performance, often conducted by specialized testers or evaluators. OT&E helps inform decision-making before full deployment or procurement.
More about Operational Test jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Operational Test jobs? The most popular types of Operational Test jobs are:
Infographic showing various Operational Test job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,045 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Cyber Test Engineer

$95K - $100K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Cyber Test Engineer - TS/SCI Level Clearance Required - Located at JBSA Lackland AFB San Antonio, Texas
Job Description
In this portion of IPSecure Inc., you’ll shape the future of DoW Cyberspace Weapon Systems by addressing the cyber warfighter operational requirements with rigorous testing on enhancements to current systems or employment of future systems in live or operational representative environments. Team IPSecure builds and test the technology to tackle the toughest challenges and stay ahead of the latest threats. Member of a test team that plans, executes, and reports on operational test and evaluations of a cyber-weapon system. Applies knowledge of the operational test lifecycle. Incorporates broad technical knowledge in one or more areas on specific systems or applications.
Responsibilities
  • Evaluates, recommends, and implements automated test tools and strategies.
  • Designs, implements, and conducts Operational Test and Evaluation (OT amp;E), analyze, and reporting procedures to ensure requestor requirements are met.
  • Plan, execute test, and reports findings on the operational telecommunications or cyberspace system in operational realistic environments.
  • Develops, maintains, and upgrades automated test and architectures for application products. Also writes, implements, and reports status for system test cases for testing. Analyzes test cases and provides regular progress reports.
  • Serves as subject matter expert, possessing in-depth knowledge of a particular area, such as Cyberspace weapon system operational experience, Test and Evaluation (T amp;E) applications, business, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or the various sciences. Provides testing know-how for the support of user requirements of complex to highly complex software/hardware applications.
  • Directs and/or participates in all phases of risk management assessments and software/hardware development with emphasis on analysis of user requirements, test design and test tools selection.
  • Provides technical knowledge and analysis of highly specialized applications and operational environments, high-level functional systems analysis, design, integration, documentation and implementation advice on exceptionally complex problems that need extensive knowledge of the subject matter for effective implementation.
  • Participates as needed in all phases of cyberspace applications with emphasis on the planning, analysis, testing, integration, documentation, and presentation phases.
  • Applies principles, methods and knowledge of the functional area of capability to specific task order requirements, advanced mathematical principles and methods to exceptionally difficult and narrowly defined technical problems in engineering and other applications to arrive at analytical justified recommendations. Apply knowledge of Department of Defense Operational Test amp; Evaluation (OT amp;E) process
  • Detects, diagnoses, and reports severity and impact of related problems.
  • Makes recommendations to the test requestor regarding effectiveness, suitability, and security of proposed software/hardware, documentation, and training applications
Basic Qualifications
  • Experience with DevSecOps and/or Scaled Agile Framework Enterprise (SAFE)
  • Active DoD TS/SCI government clearance in JPAS
  • Bachelor's degree in related field; additional years of experience in lieu of degree will be considered
  • 1-3 years of experience in Test Engineer role preferred
  • Requires a DoD 8140 IAT level II certification or higher (example: a minimum of CCNA Security, CySA+, GICSP, GSEC, Security+ CE, CND, or SSCP)
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate to the assigned legacy systems, current operational systems, and latest trends in related technologies for future weapon systems
  • Knowledge of operations test and evaluation (OT amp;E) types and applications for evaluating, analyzing, maintaining, managing, or improving cyberspace system performance.
  • Knowledge of operational test initiation, risk management, planning, execution, data collection, analyzing, evaluating, and reporting activities.
  • Knowledge of Headquarters Air Force and Air Combat Command Test and Evaluation directives.
  • Experience with SCRUM/AGILE test framework
  • Operating System Command Line experience with LINUX and Windows
  • Zero Trust

  • Cloud Architecture/Engineering

  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

  • Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR)

  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

  • Programming experience in Python, Batch, C++, JAVA, SQL
  • Experience with Docker and Robot Framework
  • Experience with Link 16 or other Data Transfer systems
  • The initiative to work the advancement of activity in a defined test process lifecycle.
  • Adept at problem solving, identifying risk, and clearly communicate results and recommendations to decision makers at all levels.
  • Intermediate level of experience in use Microsoft Office programs plus Project, Visio, SharePoint applications.
  • Travel is limited but may be needed
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, Unlimited Vacation, Sick Leave, Paid Federal Holidays, Education and Certification Reimbursement Program, 401(k) retirement plan with safe harbor employer match after 3 months, Prepaid legal plan and ID protection plan available, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance available.
EEOC Statement
IPSecure does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.