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Operational Test Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plan and design realistic operational tests; analyze the resulting data to infer statistically defensible conclusions in conjunction with operational mission-based Critical Operational Issues (COIs ...

Senior-Level Test Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO ยท On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Testing will be on operational, fielded systems and in laboratories with operationally ... The candidate will support a test team to develop operational test products for test planning ...

$140K - $160K/yr

Testing will be on operational, fielded systems and in laboratories with operationally ... Test and Evaluation Strategy (TES), Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP), Test Campaign Plans ...

Test & Evaluation Specialist

Solomons, MD ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Advanced Test Engineer

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site

$134K - $241K/yr

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 ...

Advanced Test Engineer

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site

$134K - $241K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Support MMIII operational test launch preflight mission planning, test launch meetings, post launch flight assessment, and analysis discussions. * Provide on-site engineering expertise, insight ...

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.

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.

Showing results 21-40

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How much do operational test jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational test analyst?

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 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.

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 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 $42,045 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Test and Evaluation Analyst

Norfolk, VA โ€ข On-site

AERMOR LLC
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturingย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Norfolk, VA
Clearance: Secret

AERMOR is hiring a Test and Evaluation Analyst with Surface or Sub-surface Anti-Warfare (ASW) experience for Test & Evaluation (T&E) support on AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 System, Integrated Undersea Surveillance (IUSS), and Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) Platforms.  Duties will be performed primarily each business day on-site in Norfolk, Virginia at Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR).
Responsibilities Include:
 
  • Provide Subject Matter Expertise on current Surface ASW operational tactics and procedures.
  • Review program documentation to include ASW Required Operational Capabilities/ Projected Operating Environment (ROC/POE), Concept of Operations (CONOPS), Operational Requirements Documentation (ORD), manning documents, training manuals, certification and accreditation packages, and provide/adjudicate comments from the Comments Resolution Matrix.
  • Plan and design realistic operational tests; analyze the resulting data to infer statistically defensible conclusions in conjunction with operational mission-based Critical Operational Issues (COIs), cross-referenced with Navy Mission Essential Task Lists and/or Joint Mission Essential Task Lists.  Compile data necessary to draft Test Plans; perform data reduction and preliminary data analysis to ensure validity.
  • Develop Operational Test Plans for various types of acquisition testing: Operational Testing, Developmental Testing assists, Early Operational Assessments, Operational Assessments, Joint Concept Technology Demonstrations, Quick Reaction Assessments, Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E), and Follow-on Test and Evaluation (FOT&E).
  • Helping Navy laboratories and other agencies to ensure that Modeling and Simulation (M&S) solutions provide a realistic operational model to support operational testing. Drafting Accreditation Plans for M&S use in operational testing.
  • Provide the following Operational Test Reports for various types of acquisition testing: Operational Test Agency Assessment Report and Operational Test Agency Milestone Assessment Report, Operational Evaluation Report, Letter of Observation, Operational Utility Assessment, and Independent Operational Test and Evaluation Report.
  • Provide the Contractual and Technical Point of Contact with Trip/Technical Reports, Monthly Progress Reports, Annual Summary Reports, progress of work on assigned tasks, attend conferences/meetings, work plans, and the expenditure of funds and labor hours during the month.
  • Drafting Naval Correspondence to transmit, update, or document the other products you are responsible for creating.

Qualifying Requirements:
 
  • Must be Secret Security Clearance access eligible.
  • Minimum of four years of experience in Surface or Sub-surface ASW systems, support systems, policies, and operations that will be supporting Surface ASW.
  • Ability to apply analytical methodologies to evaluate the operational effectiveness and suitability of combat systems, weapon systems, and combat support systems.
  • Possess superior technical writing skills to draft unambiguous and concise test plans, test reports, and supporting documents.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or science-related field is preferred but not required.
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps, Office 2016, Office 2019, Word, and/or Excel) or Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate (Microsoft 365 Apps, Office 2016, Office 2019, Word, and/or Excel) preferred, but not required.
  • Statistical Thinking for Industrial Problem Solving (STIPS) or similar preferred but not required.

Compensation: 
 
Compensation for this position is based on several considerations, including applicable contract wage rates and labor categories, geographic location, relevant professional experience, technical expertise, education, certifications, and overall alignment with the role's requirements.
AERMOR is committed to providing competitive pay along with a benefits package designed to support employees throughout their careers. Eligible employees may receive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
Salary Range: $80,000-$90,000/yr
 

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About AERMOR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Virginia Beach, VA, US

Year founded

2010

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