Hypersonics Test lead

Leidos; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an experienced Test Lead to oversee all testing activities associated with our Missile System development program. This critical role involves planning, coordinating, and executing testing to validate performance and compliance.

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of testing experience, technical leadership skills, and a bachelor's degree in engineering. Working at Leidos means being part of a collaborative environment focused on complex defense projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in systems testing or related field.
• Strong understanding of Missile system principles and performance metrics.
• Ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive test plans and procedures.
• Direct all aspects of Missile system testing.
• Prepare and present detailed test reports to stakeholders.

Skills

Testing methodologies

Technical leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Education

ABET accredited B.S. in Engineering

Tools

Digital engineering tools

Test automation tools

Job description

Description

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Test Lead to lead and oversee all testing activities associated with our Missile System development and deployment program. The Test Lead will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing to validate system performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements. This is a critical role that requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Test Planning and Strategy: Develop and maintain comprehensive test plans, test procedures, and test schedules for Missile system developmental and operational testing. Define test objectives, scope, and success criteria based on system requirements and program goals. Coordinate with program management, engineering, and logistics teams to ensure test readiness.

• Test Execution and Oversight: Direct and oversee all aspects of Missile system testing, including laboratory, field, and operationally relevant threat environment testing. Monitor test execution to ensure adherence to approved plans, procedures, and safety protocols. Serve as the primary decision-maker during test events, with authority to halt testing in the event of safety concerns or anomalies.

• Team Leadership and Coordination: Lead and manage a multidisciplinary test team, including engineers, data analysts, and subject matter experts. Assign roles and responsibilities to team members and ensure they are trained on testing procedures, test automation, and tools. Drive test automation as feasible using a DevSecOps approach. Coordinate with government test agencies as required.

• Data Collection and Analysis: Oversee the collection, processing, and analysis of test data to evaluate Missile system performance against requirements. Identify anomalies, trends, and areas for improvement based on test results. Ensure accurate and thorough documentation of test data and findings.

• Reporting and Communication: Prepare and present detailed test reports, after-action reviews, and briefings to program management and stakeholders. Communicate test results, findings, and recommendations clearly and effectively to technical and non-technical audiences. Conduct post-test debriefs and hotwashes to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement.

• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all testing activities comply with applicable standards, regulations, and government requirements, including cybersecurity and environmental standards. Identify and mitigate risks associated with test activities, including operational disruptions and safety concerns. Maintain compliance with DoD testing policies and directives.

• Continuous Improvement: Analyze results from previous test events to identify trends and areas for improvement. Refine testing methodologies, tools, and procedures based on lessons learned and evolving program requirements. Support the integration of digital engineering tools and methodologies into the test process.

• System Integration and Check Out (SICO): Support SICO activities to ensure Missile system components are properly integrated and ready for testing. Coordinate with engineering teams to resolve integration issues identified during SICO.

Basic Qualifications

• The position requires an ABET accredited B.S. or equivalent degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in systems testing, test management, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Missile system testing, development, or operations.

• Demonstrated experience planning and executing developmental and operational testing for complex systems.

• Strong understanding of Missile system principles, components, and performance metrics.

• Familiarity with test and evaluation methodologies, including developmental testing (DT) and operational testing (OT).

• Knowledge of applicable standards and regulations, including DoD testing policies and directives.

• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

• Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to address challenges and resolve issues under pressure.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.

• Experience preparing and presenting test reports, briefings, and after-action reviews.

• Active Secret security clearance required, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance if needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.

• Experience working with government test agencies, such as the U.S. Army Operational Test Command or U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command.

• Experience with Missile systems in an operational or deployed environment.

• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and program management principles.

• Experience supporting System Integration and Check Out (SICO) activities for complex systems.

• Familiarity with digital engineering tools and methodologies, including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital twin technology.

• Knowledge of cybersecurity standards and best practices for Missile systems, including compliance with DoD cybersecurity directives.

• Experience with environmental testing, including temperature, vibration, humidity, and electromagnetic interference testing.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

• Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Test and Evaluation certification.

• Systems Engineering certification or equivalent.

• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with applicable laws.