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Test Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Business Integra

Test Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Qualifications Must have Experienced with Test Director/Winrunner Additional Information Contact with me on Linkedin: Email:- Monu.kumar@biitservices. com 301-474-9600 *180 kindly Apply for this ...

Amentum

Sonar Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Certify as Sonar Test Director to oversee and evaluate software longevity testing. * Event testing often demands shift work where evening and mid shifts will require support. Minimum Qualifications ...

New

Amentum

Sonar Test Engineer

Manassas, VA

$120K/yr

Certify as Sonar Test Director to oversee and evaluate software longevity testing. * Event testing often demands shift work where evening and mid shifts will require support. Minimum Qualifications ...

New

Pae

Sonar Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

Certify as Sonar Test Director to oversee and evaluate software longevity testing. * Event testing often demands shift work where evening and mid shifts will require support. Minimum Qualifications ...

New

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Test Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11.5K

$101.7K

$159.5K

How much do test director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for test director in Reston, VA is $101,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $145,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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The top searched job categories for Test Director jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Test Director jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Test Director job openings:

Test Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Director job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,653 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Senior Staff Engineer, Test Director (R5445)

Shield AI

Washington, DC • On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

As a Staff Flight Test Engineer / Test Director, you will serve as the end-to-end Test Director for the integration, verification, and flight test of Hivemind Mission Autonomy on small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). You will own the technical direction, execution, and readiness of test campaigns, applying a fly–fix–fly methodology to rapidly mature autonomy capabilities from simulation and lab environments through flight. 

In this role, you are the single technical authority for test execution—responsible for determining test readiness, directing test conduct, managing risk, and ensuring data-driven decisions throughout development and flight test operations. You will lead cross-functional teams across engineering, safety, and program management, aligning stakeholders around clear objectives, disciplined execution, and continuous learning. 

What you'll do:
  • Act as Test Director for system-level integration and flight test campaigns of Hivemind Mission Autonomy on small UAS and external platforms 
  • Own test readiness decisions, including entry/exit criteria for lab, simulation, ground, and flight test phases 
  • Plan, direct, and execute fly–fix–fly test campaigns, ensuring rapid iteration while maintaining disciplined configuration control and safety 
  • Define and enforce test strategy, including system-level verification and validation, test phasing, and prioritization of objectives 
  • Direct cross-functional test execution, coordinating across various engineering disciplines and test operators. 
  • Determine test infrastructure requirements, including SIL, HIL, simulation environments, flight test assets, and automated test pipelines 
  • Approve and oversee test procedures, test cards, and execution plans, serving as the final authority during test conduct 
  • Define performance metrics and success criteria, ensuring test data is actionable and traceable to requirements and mission outcomes 
  • Lead flight test risk assessments, hazard analyses, and mitigation planning; enforce safety-of-flight discipline during operations 
  • Serve as primary test interface to internal leadership, customers, and external stakeholders, providing clear reporting on test progress, results, and risks 
  • Establish test standards, SOPs, and best practices aligned with industry and DoD DT&E/OT&E expectations 
  • Document test results, anomalies, corrective actions, and lessons learned, driving continuous improvement across autonomy flight test efforts 
  • Support travel to test sites, customer events, and integration activities as required 
  • Perform other duties as assigned 
Required qualifications:
  • B.S. degree in a STEM discipline (Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field) 
  • 7+ years of experience in system integration and test, including SIL, HIL, simulation, and flight test environments 
  • Demonstrated experience leading test execution, including authority over test conduct, readiness, and risk decisions 
  • Strong background working cross-functionally with systems engineering, software, hardware, safety, and program management teams 
  • Highly organized and methodical, with the ability to manage complex, fast-paced test campaigns 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing technical status to leadership and customers 
  • Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and commitment to high standards while fostering a collaborative, respectful team environment 
Preferred qualifications:
  • Working knowledge of DoD DT&E and OT&E processes and documentation expectations 
  • Direct experience with small UAS, autonomy, or robotic flight test operations 
  • Prior role as Test Director, Test Conductor, or Lead Flight Test Engineer 
  • Experience operating within DoD software and hardware laboratories or government flight test ranges 
  • Familiarity with safety-of-flight processes, hazard analysis, and configuration control in flight test environments 
#LI-LD1
#LE

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.