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Test Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Test Operations Engineer Lead Location: Arnold AFB, TN Job Family Code: O--Engineering Function/Branch: Engineering/Propulsion Directorate: Test Operations Position Type: Regular, Full-Time Pay Type:

New

Test & Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$73K - $98K/yr

Test and Operations Engineers oversee everything from hardware testing and vehicle integration to ground systems and payload processing. As a Test and Operations Engineer, you will aid in the ...

Test Operations Engineer Lead Location: Arnold AFB, TN Job Family Code: O-Engineering Function/Branch: Engineering/Propulsion Directorate: Test Operations Position Type: Regular, Full-Time Pay Type:

New

Test and Operations Engineers oversee everything from hardware testing and vehicle integration to ground systems and payload processing. As a Test and Operations Engineer, you will aid in the ...

Test & Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Test and Operations Engineers oversee everything from hardware testing and vehicle integration to ground systems and payload processing. As a Test and Operations Engineer, you will aid in the ...

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Test Operations Engineer information

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How much do test operations engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for test operations engineer in the United States is $44.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.41 and $52.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Test Operations Engineer vs Test Engineer?

AspectTest Operations EngineerTest Engineer
Primary FocusManaging testing processes, automation, and operational workflowsDesigning, developing, and executing test cases and plans
ResponsibilitiesOverseeing test environments, automation tools, and deployment pipelinesCreating test scripts, performing manual and automated testing
Required SkillsAutomation tools, scripting, process managementTesting methodologies, scripting, defect tracking
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with development, QA, and operations teamsWorks primarily within QA or development teams

While both roles involve testing, the Test Operations Engineer focuses on managing testing processes and automation workflows, ensuring efficient test execution. The Test Engineer concentrates on designing and executing test cases to identify software issues. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Test Operations Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Test Operations Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, test methodology, and data analysis, typically supported by a degree in electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering. Familiarity with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, LabVIEW, and relevant safety certifications is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate, safe, and efficient testing processes that drive product reliability and performance.

What are some typical challenges faced by Test Operations Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Test Operations Engineers often face challenges such as managing tight testing schedules, coordinating with multiple teams, and ensuring equipment availability. Balancing the need for thorough testing with fast project timelines requires strong organizational and communication skills. Proactively maintaining test equipment, streamlining workflows, and fostering clear communication with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams can help address these challenges and ensure smooth test operations.

What are Test Operations Engineers?

Test Operations Engineers are professionals responsible for planning, executing, and managing tests on products, systems, or components to ensure they meet quality and performance standards. They develop test procedures, oversee test setups, troubleshoot issues, and analyze results to support product development and manufacturing. Test Operations Engineers often work closely with design, quality, and manufacturing teams to optimize processes and ensure reliable operation of the final product.
More about Test Operations Engineer jobs

Hypersonics Test Operations Engineer

BNH

Arnold Air Force Base, TN โ€ข On-site

$89K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview

Job Title: Hypersonics Test Operations Engineer

Location: Arnold AFB, TN

Job Family Code: O--Engineering

Function/Branch: Engineering / Hypersonics

Directorate: Test Operations

Position Type: Regular, Full-Time

Pay Type: Exempt

Grade (provided by HR): L08 (OA0815)

Salary Range or Starting Hourly Rate: $89,000 - $130,000 / year

****Current U.S. Citizenship is required****

**If you are seeing this posting on a job board, BNH highly recommends you apply directly on the Careers Center page of our business website (https://careers-bnh.icims.com/jobs). Job board applications are not always compatible with company applicant tracking systems.**

Overview

Beyond New Horizons, LLC (BNH) has an exciting opportunity for a Test Operations Engineer, supporting the Test Operations and Sustainment contract at Arnold Engineering Development Complex at Arnold Air Force Base, TN. The Test Operations Engineer will be working as a member of an integrated team responsible for operating and maintaining ground test facilities in support of the United States Air Force Test Operations and Sustainment efforts.

Open to internal or external candidates. The selected candidate for this requisition must be available to work any shift to support test needs as mission requires.

Job Summary

We are looking for Mechanical Engineers who want to work in a multi-disciplinary team that plays a key role in supporting national defense. The engineers hired into this role act as the โ€œquarterbackโ€ in one of the control rooms responsible for planning and execution of test plans for testing. This position does require shift work to support testing as test load demands.

Our Test Operations Engineers provide technical direction for safe and reliable operation of test equipment and integration of a customerโ€™s test article to an Arnold Engineering Development Complex test bed. This work involves practical application of engineering principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, hydraulics, pneumatics, and materials of construction. These principles are applied through the use of engineering tools including generating risk assessments, test plans, work instructions, and other engineering documentation in support of testing.

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, test operations engineers interface with other engineering teams across the complex including plant operations and systems, controls, instrumentation, design, facility data analysis, and modeling and simulation engineers as well as a cadre of skilled labor to ensure reliable operation and ability to meet future test needs.

Test Operations Engineers also provide system engineer capabilities as part of a team of mechanical and electrical engineers whose job it is to oversee installation, operation, sustainment, and troubleshooting of their assigned test cell equipment and systems. Some examples of test systems in various facilities include test carts, model positioning systems, thrust determination and force measurement systems, fuel systems, captive trajectory systems, various sensors, etc. that are needed to reliably provide test data to our customers.

Job Duties:

  • Work as Test Operations Engineer for operation of test bed systems
  • Work to develop the test operational requirements (test period directives, detailed run programs, etc.) ensuring test article mounts are structurally sound to withstand expected test
  • Direct test system checkouts and testing as required
  • Work with multidiscipline engineers, physicists, and skilled craft technicians in the test control room in operating the facility systems
  • Learn and understand systems, requires the ability to respond quickly to alarms/alerts in fast paced, high pressure situations, ensuring the safety of the test crew, the facility, and the test article
  • Respond when systems malfunction during a test, troubleshooting and directing corrective maintenance activities (or calling in the appropriate systems engineer for additional support)
  • Coordinate work with the appropriate area superintendent, craft supervisor, and / or work planner and provide technical leadership to the craft workforce in execution of work orders and operational / maintenance procedures (work instructions, WIs), Lock-Out / Tag-Out (LOTO), critical lifts, etc
  • Ensure proper test / operations reporting (Ops Center, test resumes, Operating Test Logs, Test Unit Status Logs, Test Article Activity Logs, unplanned event reporting, etc.)
  • Perform facility characterization/ calibrations, monitor facility performance, and maintain system capability / performance maps and envelopes
  • Test operations engineers also operate as system engineers for equipment within or directly providing support to the test bed facility and may engage in some small design and analysis tasks as needed
  • Work extra hours and/or support off shift testing as required
  • Communicate clearly and utilize various methods of communication
  • It is a condition of employment to wear company issued PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy
  • Perform other related duties as required

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited college or university plus a minimum of 5 yearsโ€™ post degree engineering experience
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance and the AEDC local area network
  • Due to Air Force Security requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required for employment at AEDC

Preferred Qualifications

  • Practical application of technical knowledge of mechanical engineering systems, applications of engineering methods and construction methods and materials, and application of computer aided engineering (CAE)/computer aided design (CAD) tools to engineering problems
  • Multi-disciplinary knowledge or experience (electrical engineering, mechatronics, control systems, etc.) is a plus.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment with flexibility to accomplish mission objectives
  • Strong communication skills (including verbal and written)
  • Demonstrated experience successfully building relationships with team across engineering and craft workforce
  • Strong organizational skills to track and facilitate progress on projects
  • Demonstrated proactiveness and initiate to drive to results
  • Exhibits strong level of technical curiosity and desire to seek understanding
  • Participates in and fosters a work environment that is based upon openness, trust, communication, teamwork, empowerment, innovation, and satisfaction.
  • Active Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance

What We Offer

  • Competitive salaries
  • Continuing education assistance
  • Multiple healthcare benefits packages
  • 401K with employer matching
  • Paid time off (PTO) along with a federally recognized holiday schedule

Who We Are

Beyond New Horizons (BNH) is a fully populated joint venture of Astrion and Fluor Federal Services, Inc. formed to provide unmatched Test Operations and Sustainment services for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex. We chose our name to serve as an enduring reminder of our commitment to AEDCโ€™s rich aerospace research and development legacy anchored in AEDCโ€™s Toward New Horizons founding study and the unprecedented opportunities to greatly expand AEDCโ€™s capabilities and capacity Beyond those existing today. Leveraging the capabilities of our parent companies, BNH specializes in testing and evaluation for military and space systems combined with proven capability in large-scale Government program management, integration, engineering, and construction services for specialized and technically advanced high-hazard facilities.

Join our Team!

BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.