IV&V Lead for Defense Tech & Regulatory Readiness

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 105,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University—located in Bozeman, MT—seeks an Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) Subject Matter Expert to lead test activities for defense-focused technologies. You will translate mission requirements into verifiable criteria, assess readiness under FCC/FAA rules, and deliver defensible IV&V reports to Hub leadership and partners.

The role requires 7+ years in T&E/IV&V, a STEM degree, and DoW-related experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, systems engineering, physics, or related STEM field.
• Minimum 7 years of test and evaluation (T&E) or independent verification and validation (IV&V) experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of how DoW mission requirements are developed, translated into technical specs, and validated.
• Working knowledge of FCC requirements relevant to defense and dual-use technologies.
• Working knowledge of FAA requirements relevant to defense and dual-use aviation technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute IV&V plans, test procedures, and evaluation criteria across multiple domains.
• Translate defense mission requirements into measurable, testable criteria in coordination with DoW partners.
• Assess technology readiness against FCC requirements including spectrum licensing and RF emissions.
• Assess technology readiness against FAA requirements including airspace authorization and flight-test safety.
• Produce clear IV&V reports and readiness assessments for Hub leadership and stakeholders.
• Advise companies on defense mission requirements and regulatory pathways.
• Coordinate with MSU research programs and test ranges to leverage infrastructure.
• Maintain knowledge of evolving DoW policies and FCC/FAA regulatory changes.

Skills

IV&V

T&E

FCC regulations

FAA regulations

DoW experience

Regulatory literacy

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s in engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Montana State University—located in Bozeman, MT—seeks an Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) Subject Matter Expert to lead test activities for defense-focused technologies. You will translate mission requirements into verifiable criteria, assess readiness under FCC/FAA rules, and deliver defensible IV&V reports to Hub leadership and partners.

The role requires 7+ years in T&E/IV&V, a STEM degree, and DoW-related experience.