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Operational Test Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Test Engineer (T&E)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The candidate will work with cross-functional technical and operational teams to help evaluate ... JOB DUTIES: * Support test planning, coordination, execution, and reporting for experimental ...

$140 - $165/hr

The Senior Test and Evaluation Engineer will work with government program managers, systems engineers, operational users, test organizations, laboratories, platform integration teams and industry ...

Test Engineer (T&E)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The candidate will work with cross-functional technical and operational teams to help evaluate ... JOB DUTIES: * Support test planning, coordination, execution, and reporting for experimental ...

Support Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E), Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E), and end-user ... operational testing activities. * Coordinate test activities among government organizations ...

NY ยท On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Support Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E), Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E), and end-user operational testing activities. * Coordinate test activities among government organizations ...

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Operational Test information

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How much do operational test jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 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 $42,045 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Senior Test Engineer - CONTINGENT - 26-031 - Hybrid

Koitecc Solutions

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$140 - $165/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description:

THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON CONTRACT AWARD.

JOB TYPE: FULL-TIME

MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE SECRET CLEARANCE UPON HIRE TO BE CONSIDERED.

WE USE E-VERIFY TO ELECTRONICALLY CONFIRM THE EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY OF NEWLY HIRED EMPLOYEES.

COMPETITIVE SALARY, COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS AND A COMPANY THAT CARES!

THIS IS A HYBRID POSITION. APPROXIMATELY 60% ONSITE/40% REMOTE.

AUSGAR Technologies, Inc., an equal opportunity employer, is an established, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Department of Defense, government contractor with core competencies in Information Assurance, Cybersecurity and Systems Engineering. With offices on both the East and West coasts, an inviting culture and above-standard benefits, opportunity abounds for the right individual!

Senior Test Engineer CONTINGENT - 26-031 Hybrid

As a growing Department of Defense Contractor, AUSGAR Technologies has an exciting NEW opportunity for a Senior Test Engineer to join our team of smart and innovative technical team members in the Old Town area of San Diego.

Support mission-critical U.S. Navy communications and navigation programs involving the design, integration, testing, deployment and sustainment of complex defense systems.

Seeking a Senior Test and Evaluation Engineer to support the U.S. Navy's PMW/A-170 Program Office. The successful candidate will lead and support the planning, coordination, execution, analysis and documentation of test and evaluation activities for within the assigned division.

The Senior Test and Evaluation Engineer will work with government program managers, systems engineers, operational users, test organizations, laboratories, platform integration teams and industry partners to verify system requirements and evaluate operational performance. The position requires extensive experience developing test strategies, preparing test documentation, managing test events, analyzing technical data, identifying deficiencies and communicating results to technical and program leadership.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition and test processes, complex hardware and software systems and the challenges associated with delivering reliable capabilities in contested, denied or degraded operational environments.

  • Facilitate the development and execution of integrated test and evaluation strategies for communications and navigation systems, subsystems, software, equipment and platform integration.
  • Support the program's Assistant Program Managers, Lead Engineers, Test IPT and coordinate Test & Evaluation (T&E) efforts.
  • Plan, coordinate and support Developmental Test and Evaluation, Operational Test and Evaluation, interoperability testing, integration testing, shock and vibration testing, cybersecurity testing, certification testing and regression testing.
  • Develop, review and maintain Test and Evaluation Master Plans, test strategies, test plans, test procedures, test readiness review materials, test reports and other technical documentation.
  • Coordinate with other agencies including, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR), Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC), OPNAV resource sponsors, PAE T&E Directors, fleet representatives, laboratories, warfare centers, platform program offices and external stakeholders as required.
  • Support the technical lead during laboratory, land-based, platform, flight, shipboard and operational test events, as applicable.
  • Develop data collection plans and support quantitative and qualitative analysis and identify, document and track test deficiencies, anomalies and risks.
  • Lead the development of required testing deliverables, including test plans, test procedures, test reports, and Test Readiness Review (TRR) artifacts and support Systems Engineering Technical Reviews and other reviews as required.
Requirements:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:
  • Active Secret clearance required.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics or a related technical field from an accredited college/university and 8+ years of relevant engineering experience supporting complex Department of War (DoW) systems and 4+ years of developmental or operational test and evaluation experience.
  • Experience developing test plans, procedures, reports, performance measures and requirements-traceability products.
  • Strong knowledge of Department of War acquisition, systems engineering, verification, validation, configuration-management and risk-management processes.
  • Employ strong written and verbal communication skills to advise various levels of technology stakeholders, program initiatives and accrediting authorities on security requirements and cybersecurity trends and solutions, to include risk assessments and mitigations
  • Must be able to work independently and be a self-starter.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certificated Test and Evaluation Professional CTEP
  • DAWIA Test and Evaluation Practitioner Certification
  • Experience supporting PMW/A-170, PEO C4I, NAVWAR, NAVAIR, NIWC or other Navy acquisition programs.
  • Experience with GPS, GNSS, inertial navigation, precision timing, assured PNT, anti-jam technologies or alternative navigation systems.
  • Experience testing systems in contested, degraded, jammed, spoofed or GPS-denied environments.
  • Familiarity with DOORS, Jira, Confluence, MATLAB, Python or similar engineering and test tools.

Expected travel up to 10%.

This is a hybrid position. Approximately 60% onsite/40% remote.

Salary Range: $140K-$165K

Based on your qualifications, you will be placed in Level I-V.

An essential qualification for this position is successfully obtaining a security clearance issued by the Federal Government, which may require successful completion of a background check.

We use E-Verify to electronically confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees.

AUSGAR's salary range is dependent upon a variety of factors, which include experience, skills, education, certifications and geographical location. Our salary range includes a base salary and excellent benefits package as part of our total compensation.

AUSGAR Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and need assistance in completing the application, you have the right to request reasonable accommodation. Please e-mail us at jobs@ausgar.com if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access www.ausgar.com careers page as a result of your disability.

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