1

Test Director Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

... tests. • Direct experience with software performance testing practices • Experience working ... testing within Commercial Cloud Platforms (ex: AWS) and DevOps tools, and working in a SAFe Agile ...

At least two (2) years direct experience with an intelligence community or signals intelligence ... Experience developing and enhancing test plans and procedures that define test strategies and ...

At least two (2) years direct experience with an intelligence community or signals intelligence ... Experience developing and enhancing test plans and procedures that define test strategies and ...

Strong verbal communication skills and confidence directing multidisciplinary teams during test execution * Ability to clearly communicate test status, technical issues, risks, and decisions to ...

Test Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Knowledge of or direct experience with software performance testing practices * Expert experience with creation, authoring, execution and documentation of test cases/result sets for software products ...

Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

... direct impact on the mission and the users we support. We are seeking a junior to mid-level Test ... Engineer to join an agile quality engineering team, modernizing legacy applications into secure ...

Test Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Knowledge of or direct experience with software performance testing practices * Expert experience with creation, authoring, execution and documentation of test cases/result sets for software products ...

Test Engineer I

Manassas, VA · On-site

$78 - $86/hr

Recording test results, updating logs, and contributing to simple test report sections as directed. * Assisting with setup, configuration, and basic troubleshooting of hardware, networks, and test ...

Test Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Knowledge of or direct experience with software performance testing practices * Expert experience with creation, authoring, execution and documentation of test cases/result sets for software products ...

Test Engineer I

Manassas, VA · On-site

$76K - $86K/yr

Recording test results, updating logs, and contributing to simple test report sections as directed. * Assisting with setup, configuration, and basic troubleshooting of hardware, networks, and test ...

Showing results 41-60

Test Director information

See Washington salary details

$12.5K

$110.5K

$173.3K

How much do test director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for test director in Washington is $110,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $158,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a test director?

A Test Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the strategy, planning, and execution of software testing within an organization or project. They lead testing teams, define testing standards, and ensure that products meet quality and compliance requirements before release. Test Directors collaborate with other departments, manage budgets, and report on testing progress and outcomes to stakeholders. Their role is critical in minimizing defects and ensuring the reliability and performance of software applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test director?

To thrive as a Test Director, you need extensive experience in software testing, quality assurance methodologies, and a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with test management tools (like Jira, HP ALM) and certifications such as ISTQB or CSTE are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help guide teams and coordinate with stakeholders effectively. These skills are essential to ensure product quality, efficient testing processes, and the successful delivery of software projects.

What are some common challenges faced by a test director and how can they be addressed?

Test Directors often encounter challenges such as managing cross-functional teams, balancing tight project timelines with quality standards, and ensuring effective communication between stakeholders. Addressing these issues involves strong leadership, proactive risk management, and the ability to adapt testing strategies based on project needs. Regular status meetings, clear documentation, and fostering a culture of collaboration can help mitigate these challenges and drive successful testing outcomes.

What is the difference between Test Director vs Test Manager?

AspectTest DirectorTest Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, or related field; certifications like ISTQB or CSTE are commonSimilar credentials as Test Director, often with additional project management certifications like PMP
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple testing teams, strategic planning, and high-level coordination in large projectsManages day-to-day testing activities, team supervision, and project execution
Industry UsageUsed in large organizations and complex projects requiring strategic oversightCommon in both large and small organizations for managing testing teams

While both roles focus on software testing, the Test Director handles strategic planning and oversees multiple testing teams, whereas the Test Manager manages daily testing operations and team coordination. The Test Director's role is more senior and strategic, often involving high-level decision-making, while the Test Manager focuses on execution and team management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Test jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Test jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Test Director jobs in Washington?

For Test Director jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Test Director jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Test Director jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Test Director jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Test Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Test Director job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,463 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Lead Maritime Test and Evaluation Director

STR

Arlington, VA • On-site

$147K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

About the Team:
The Sensors Division within STR focuses on the development and analysis of advanced sensor systems in the RF, acoustic, and electro-optical domains. This includes the design and development of novel sensors and advanced information processing techniques from ideation to prototype implementations. The Ocean Technologies & Acoustic Systems (OTAS) Group develops and delivers advanced undersea sensors, payloads, and signal processing systems for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications.
STR is seeking a Maritime Test and Evaluation Director with a highly operational centric undersea-warfare background to manage the testing of a multi-disciplinary portfolio of programs focused on future maritime and undersea systems and advanced signal processing.
The Role:
In this role, you will own the end-to-end testing lifecycle. You will establish test strategy, govern testing standards, independently determine system readiness, provide objective assessments of testing risk, and be final authority determining when a system under test is ready to move forward. You will also interface directly with company leadership, military and government stakeholders, and serve as the final authority on system readiness.
What You Will Do:
  • Test and Evaluation Program Ownership reporting directly to the group lead - Define, execute, and oversee the Test and Evaluation master plans
  • Independently assesses technical risk and system readiness, serving as the final authority for test readiness, execution, and procedural compliance
  • Serve as a primary technical advisor, owning a cross-program view of T&E readiness, risk, and capability gaps across a portfolio of future undersea systems and advanced signal processing algorithms
  • Drive standardization of test architectures, methodologies, and acceptance criteria across software, hardware, and system-level testing-ensuring consistency without sacrificing development speed
  • Act as connective tissue between multiple T&E efforts: identify where one program's test infrastructure, tooling, or lessons learned can accelerate another, and drive reuse
  • Drive hands-on technical oversight of major qualification campaigns and developmental test programs
  • Direct the T&E organization in technical reviews (e.g., TRRs, CDRs, PDRs) and program milestone gates through ownership of independent technical assessment and risk characterization

Who You Are:
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government
  • Exceptional military operational leadership will be considered in lieu of degree
  • BS with 8+ years relevant experience in Mechanical Engineering or Ocean Engineering (equivalent experience considered)
  • Demonstrated technical knowledge and hands-on experience in developmental testing, system integration (HIL/SIL), environmental/structural testing, and instrumentation, developmental testing, maritime or autonomous systems, software-intensive systems, and operational test experience
  • Working knowledge of software-intensive system testing, including autonomy, AI/ML model validation, sensor fusion, or similar disciplines
  • Working knowledge of relevant compliance frameworks and repeatable quality control outcomes
  • Proven ability to operate effectively without positional authority-influencing outcomes through technical credibility, relationships, and clear communication rather than org-chart power
  • Strong track record of independently assessing technical risk, determining system readiness, briefing senior leadership, influencing engineering teams through technical credibility, and developing repeatable T&E processes

Even Better:
  • Breadth of experience operating and testing systems in forward, limited-access environments
  • Direct experience testing or operating autonomous systems, robotics, unmanned systems, counter-UAS systems, weapon systems, or integrated hardware/software defense platforms
  • Prior military operational service, or in test, range operations, fires, air defense, special operations support, or unmanned systems roles
  • Experience supporting U.S. government exercises and evaluations, foreign military sales demonstrations, or international partner field events
  • Experience serving as the responsible technical authority for testing
  • Experience leading root-cause investigations and corrective actions following test failures
  • Experience balancing technical rigor, schedule, mission objectives, and program risk
  • Experience planning and executing operational demonstrations, fleet experimentation, or government evaluations
  • Willingness to travel to test events and field demonstrations

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $147,000 - $200,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.