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Test Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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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 ...

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Test Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11.4K

$101.5K

$159.2K

How much do test director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for test director in Reston, VA is $101,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $145,600.00 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, and why are they important?

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.
What are popular job titles related to Test Director jobs in Reston, VA? For Test Director jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Test Director jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Test Director jobs in Reston, VA are:
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Test Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Director job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,466 per year, or $48.8 per hour.
Director, Test Engineering - ACP Programs (R5044)

Director, Test Engineering - ACP Programs (R5044)

Shield AI

Washington, DC

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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 Hivemind Solutions Flight Test Director (ACP Programs), you will serve as the end-to-end technical leader responsible for the integration, verification, and operational test of Hivemind AI Pilot capabilities on portfolio of group 5 UAS/Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP).

You will own the strategy, planning and execution of complex, multi-phase test campaigns supporting the transition of autonomy capabilities from simulation and lab environments to full-scale flight test and operationally relevant mission scenarios, including multi-vehicle coordination. Using a disciplined fly-fix-fly methodology, you will drive rapid capability maturation while maintaining rigorous safety, configuration control, and mission assurance standards. 

This role will serve as the single technical authority for test execution across the portfolio of ACP efforts, responsible for managing risk, test readiness and driving test execution  Here, you will serve as primary focal to facilitate coordination across OEM partners, government customers and internal functional teams rs to deliver high-impact autonomy capabilities at scale.

What you'll do:
  • Act as Test Director and technical lead for integration and flight test of Hivemind autonomy on group 5 ACP systems, including multi-aircraft coordination scenarios in LVC and empirical flight test scenarios.
  • Own test strategy and execution across the full development lifecycle, including system-level verification & validation, test phasing, and prioritization across SIL, HIL, simulation, ground, and flight test environments
  • Plan and execute large-scale flight test campaigns, including complex mission scenarios involving cooperative autonomy, human-machine teaming, and distributed systems
  • Serve as the final authority during mission autonomy test operations, directing test conduct and approving test plans, procedures, and execution flow
  • Coordinate cross-functional execution across software, hardware, systems engineering, flight operations, safety, and program leadership teams
  • Define mission-level performance metrics and success criteria, ensuring traceability from requirements to test outcomes and operational effectiveness
  • Own test infrastructure strategy, including large-scale simulation environments, SIL/HIL systems, aircraft integration labs, and flight test assets
  • Lead on-aircraft integration and flight test operations with platform OEM partners, including system configuration, software deployment, real-time troubleshooting, and post-flight data analysis
  • Serve as primary coordinator working with platform OEMs to define and enforce test readiness criteria (entry/exit), define safety-of-flight and mission risk management, airspace coordination and test hazard identification, analysis, and mitigation to ultimately make go/no-go decisions for progression into ground and flight test events
  • Establish and scale test processes, standards, and best practices aligned with DoD DT&E/OT&E expectations and operational test rigor
Required qualifications:
  • Typically requires 15+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 14+ years with a Master's; or 12+ years with a PhD; or equivalent experience
  • Demonstrated experience leading flight test or large-scale system integration efforts, including authority over test readiness, execution, and risk decisions
  • Strong background in full-scale aviation test environments, including aircraft integration, ground test, and flight operations
  • Experience with system-level verification & validation across multiple test environments (SIL, HIL, simulation, and flight)
  • Proven ability to plan and execute complex, multi-phase flight test campaigns involving multiple stakeholders and dependencies
  • Experience working cross-functionally across software, hardware, avionics, systems engineering, safety, and program teams
  • Strong understanding of safety-of-flight principles, risk management, and disciplined test execution in aviation environments
  • Proficiency in Python or similar tools for test automation, data analysis, or system validation
  • Excellent technical leadership and communication skills, including briefing to senior leadership and external customers
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience supporting Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP), loyal wingman concepts, or multi-vehicle autonomous systems
  • Prior role as Flight Test Director, Test Conductor, or Lead Flight Test Engineer on full-scale aircraft programs
  • Familiarity with military aviation test processes, including DT&E and OT&E frameworks
  • Experience operating in or supporting government flight test ranges and operational environments
  • Background in autonomy, AI/ML-enabled systems, or human-machine teaming in aviation contexts
  • Experience with airworthiness processes, flight clearance, and configuration control for aircraft systems
  • Familiarity with tools such as Git, Jira/Azure DevOps, and CI/CD pipelines
  • Active SECRET clearance
$210,000 - $310,000 a year
#LI-KK1
#LF

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.
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