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Operational Test Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

Test Engineer (T&E)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

This role contributes to test activities conducted across Hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), operational shipboard, and virtual environments as applicable. The candidate will work with cross-functional ...

$110K - $168K/yr

The Role Lead integration test, evaluation, readiness, and operational-transition activities for mature technologies and capabilities. What You Will Do * Plan and coordinate integration test ...

Showing results 41-60

Operational Test information

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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.

Simulation Test Engineer SME

Beavercreek, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

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


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain Test and Evaluation Master Plans, test plans, and test procedures.

  • Design test scenarios and mission threads, and plan and execute Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) exercises.

  • Analyze test data, author test reports, and support requirements traceability, verification, and validation activities.


Job description

Why Sabel Systems

Sabel Systems designs and delivers digital engineering ecosystems for DoD programs, enabling teams to connect data, systems, and personnel within secure, scalable environments. Our solutions empower programs to make faster decisions, close sustainment gaps, and meet the digital acquisition requirements. 

Rather than simply proposing transformation, we implement and operate it at scale. Our method is clear: we orchestrate existing tools into a governing system of record, ensuring government ownership of infrastructure and traceable decisions. There’s no vendor lock, no proprietary baselines, and no need for ATO rebuilds during transitions.

Sabel Systems is redefining modern defense acquisition. If you seek to solve complex challenges at scale and want your work to directly accelerate military capability while reshaping the DoD’s approach to digital engineering, this is the place for you.

Complexity Simplified. Mission Amplified.

What You’ll Do
  • Develop and maintain Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs), test plans, and test procedures consistent with DoD Instruction 5000.89 and applicable Service-specific T&E policy. 
  • Design test scenarios and mission threads that exercise system requirements across developmental test (DT), operational test (OT), and integrated test (IT) events. 
  • Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies (e.g., factorial, response surface, space-filling designs) to optimize test matrices, minimize resource expenditure, and maximize statistical power and confidence in results. 
  • Plan and execute Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) exercises, integrating live assets, virtual simulators, and constructive models to test systems in operationally realistic environments not achievable through live testing alone. 
  • Coordinate with government stakeholders, including Operational Test Agencies (OTAs), Program Management Offices (PMOs), and DOT&E (Director, Operational Test and Evaluation), to align test strategy with acquisition milestones. 
  • Analyze test data using statistical software (e.g., JMP, R, Minitab) to assess measures of performance (MOPs), measures of effectiveness (MOEs), and measures of suitability (MOSs). 
  • Author test reports, quick-look reports, and independent evaluation reports summarizing results, anomalies, and recommendations. 
  • Support requirements traceability, verification, and validation (RVV) activities linking test results back to Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and Key System Attributes (KSAs). 
  • Participate in Test Working Groups (TWGs), Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), and Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs). 
  • Identify and mitigate test range, instrumentation, and modeling & simulation (M&S) accreditation risks. 
  • Ensure compliance with safety, security, and data management requirements throughout test planning and execution. 
  • Develop comprehensive test plans, test strategies, and test cases for cloud infrastructure, containerized applications, and systems operating in classified environments 
  • Participate in requirements elicitation to build test scenarios for exercises in a live virtual constructive environment (LVC) 
  • Define test scopes, objectives, acceptance criteria, and success metrics aligned with functional requirements, security requirements, and compliance controls 
  • Work with the team to ensure test plans are compatible with system components, infrastructure, applications, configurations, security controls 
What You Bring Required
  • US Citizen with Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility; experience in classified environments preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Statistics, Physics, or a related technical field (Master's degree preferred)
  • 3+ years of experience in DoD test and evaluation, systems engineering, or a related acquisition role
  • Demonstrated experience developing test scenarios/mission threads for military systems
  • Working knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) principles and application to test planningExperience with Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) exercise design, execution, or analysis
  • Familiarity with DoD T&E policy, including DoDI 5000.89, DOT&E guidance, and Service-specific T&E regulations
  • Strong technical writing skills, with experience producing TEMPs, test plans, and evaluation reports
Preferred
  • Familiarity with modeling & simulation (M&S) accreditation processes (VV&A)
  • Experience working directly with an Operational Test Agency (e.g., ATEC, OPTEVFOR, AFOTEC, MCOTEA) or DOT&E
  • Knowledge of test range instrumentation, telemetry, and data collection systems
  • Certification such as DAWIA Test and Evaluation certification, INCOSE CSEP, or ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer
  • Recent test experience with US Space Force highly desired 
  • Experience supporting cybersecurity T&E or interoperability testing

Our Core Values

  • Bias for Action: Decisive. Purposeful. Agile. We move with the speed of relevance to drive impact and progress.
  • Integrity: Respect. Ethics. Transparency. We do what’s right and earn lasting trust.
  • Delivery Excellence: Customer-obsessed. Mission-focused. Quality-driven. We deliver innovative outcomes that exceed expectations.

Our EVP Promise
Join Sabel Systems, where your contributions drive impact, your growth is continuously supported, and your well-being is at the center of how we work. Together we can build the future with purpose. Rewarding Impact. Building Futures Together.

Compensation

Compensation will be determined in partnership with the Hiring Manager and may vary based on factors such as contract and labor category alignment, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications or licenses, and geographic location.

Sabel Systems is committed to offering all employees a competitive benefits and compensation package that is comprehensive enough to meet their goals and needs. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and one of Sabel Systems largest financial investments is our benefits program. As a valued member of the organization, employees are provided with a host of benefits to include healthcare; financial assistance in the event of illness, injury, disability, loss of work, or death; health savings accounts; retirement plans; paid time off; paid holidays; education and training program reimbursement, to name a few.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sabel Systems is an equal opportunity employer. Our hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business need. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind across all employment practices within our organization. Sabel Systems participates in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

Reasonable Accommodation

Sabel Systems is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and ensuring an accessible application process for all candidates. Applicants with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process are encouraged to contact us at recruiting@sabelsystems.com for assistance.