Weapons Tester Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Work Location: NAWS China Lake, CA
Pay:  $150,000 - $200,000 / year
This position is contingent upon contract award, which is in the proposal stages at this time Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. (SA-TECH) is a progressive and well-established Department of Defense (DoD) contractor specializing in Range operations and maintenance (O&M); weapons testing; facilities management; aerial, ground and seaborne targets O&M; technical, logistics and other engineering support; systems integration; electronics and communications maintenance services; and a growing cybersecurity business. We are highly focused and, among other efforts, currently operate a dozen active test and/or training ranges for the Army, Air Force and Navy. Our 36-year heritage is founded on supporting complex and diverse DoD programs and we’ve developed a standout reputation for providing the highest quality services, superior workmanship and cost-effective results while achieving complete customer satisfaction. SA-TECH is submitting a proposal for the WSISS program to support the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) at NAWS China Lake, which is the weapons systems integration and software support activity for several aircraft Integrated Product Teams (IPTs). IPTs and Program Support Offices currently operating at the NAWCWD include the F/A-18 & EA-18G, AV-8B, T45, AH-1, F-35, and Unmanned Systems. Other aircraft may also be assigned in the future. Our mission will be to provide research, development, test, evaluation, systems integration, and programmatic support for weapons systems and associated tactical computer systems embedded within or carried on aircraft, including related systems, support equipment, and interoperability initiatives. These efforts are integral to the Navy’s ability to achieve Integrated & Interoperable (I&I) Warfighting Capabilities (platforms, sensors and weapons operating seamlessly in a Systems of Systems (SoS) environment) that produce an immediate and sustainable increase in warfighting effectiveness and battlespace dominance. Join our mission-driven leadership team at NAWCWD China Lake. We are seeking an elite Executive Program Manager to oversee the execution, financial health, and strategic growth of a high-value, multi-year Weapons and Systems Integration Support Services contract. In this visible leadership role, you will be the primary corporate face to Navy civilian directors, military commanders, and procurement officers, managing critical milestones for next-generation naval tactical platforms.  Shape the future of naval aviation warfare. Lead a multi-disciplinary engineering workforce delivering next-generation weapons integration, software validation, and flight test architecture for NAWCWD China Lake. This critical role serves as both the operational contract authority and a systems engineering champion for advanced tactical platforms. In this high-yield career opportunity, you'll be responsible for: * Contractual Governance: Maintain complete cost, schedule, and technical performance accountability for all active and incoming contract task orders.
* Financial Management: Command multi-million dollar program budgets, leverage Earned Value Management (EVM) to track health metrics, and direct complex subcontractor work allocations.
* Stakeholder Interface: Act as the primary corporate point of contact for the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).
* Operational Leadership: Provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and operational framework to a diverse, multi-disciplinary team of engineering and logistics professionals.
* Risk & Compliance: Identify, track, and mitigate operational, financial, and technical contract risks to ensure zero-defect mission execution.
Why Join the Mission at China Lake? * Pioneering Impact: Direct influence over the tactical systems deployed by the U.S. Navy fleet worldwide.
* Long-Term Stability: Leadership role anchored within a multi-year, highly stable technical support vehicle.
* Premier Testing Environment: Work directly alongside elite military test squadrons in a world-class live-fire testing range network. Requirements Education/Experience/Skills: * MS/MA Degree in Business, Management or relevant technical discipline.  * ALLOWABLE SUBSTITUTION: A BS or BA degree and an additional four (4) years of relevant experience. * Minimum twelve (12) years of professional experience in Defense Acquisition, three (3) years of which must have been in support of Navy Acquisition management.  
* Twelve or more (12+) years of direct defense program management experience overseeing large-scale Navy or NAVAIR execution vehicles. 
* Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience.  
* Prior experience managing multi-site execution teams (e.g., China Lake, CA; Point Mugu, CA; Eglin AFB, FL) is preferred.
* Project Management Professional (PMP) or DAWIA Level III certification in Program Management is desirable.
* Deep proficiency utilizing EVMS tools, integrated master schedules (IMS), and federal contracting software.
* Excellent presentation and executive presence capable of briefing senior military flag officers.
* Current Driver’s License required; must be able to be insured through company’s vehicle insurance policy while driving work/government/rental vehicles during working hours, and for the duration of employment.
* U.S. Citizenship required and you must be able to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance at a bare minimum prior to start date and maintain a Secret clearance throughout employment. An active Top Secret (TS) clearance is preferred.
* All candidates will be required to pass background screening to include SSN, Driver Record, and Criminal Background Investigation. Supporting Our Warfighters: As a highly regarded DoD employer, SA-TECH recognizes that our success is indicative of our team members' hard work and dedication towards a common goal… Supporting our Warfighters. Along with unparalleled stability, we have the ingredients for superior performance with a servant leadership mentality that provides an affirmation of purpose and value in a team-oriented positive work environment. As such, we provide a sense of family, competitive pay and employee benefits, along with a strong commitment to the professional development of our workforce and for providing broad career opportunities throughout the United States. SA-TECH offers: * Employee Recognition
* Above-Average Compensation
* Competitive Benefits
* Ongoing Training and Development
* Career Advancement Opportunities
Benefits Offered: * Medical, Dental, Vision
* Life Insurance
* Long-Term Disability
* 401(k) match
* Flexible Spending Accounts
* EAP
* Education Assistance
* PTO and Holidays
* Vacation and Sick Leave
Other Important Information You Should Know: * By applying to this posting, you express interest in the position and may be considered for other opportunities within the company that match your skills.
* SA-TECH offers flexible work schedules depending on the program, alongside generous PTO benefits.
* We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and evaluate all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We participate in the E-Verify system to verify work authorization in the U.S.
* Applicants are encouraged to apply within 5-15 days of posting for optimal consideration. We prioritize a supportive work environment, professional development, and a healthy work-life balance and our pay and benefits aim to enhance employee well-being.
* If this culture resonates with you, we invite you to apply. If you're uncertain about your fit, please explore other roles on SA-TECH Careers .All responses will be handled with strict confidentiality.
 ** Please note that any provided salary information is a general guideline. SA-TECH considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education, training, and skills as well as market and business considerations when extending offers.