Senior Test Lead - TSA Acceptance Testing

Battelle Memorial Institute; Virginia; Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Compressed work schedule

Hybrid work model

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Battelle Memorial Institute is seeking a Senior Test Lead for the TSA Acceptance Testing Program, based in the Washington, D.C. metro area with hybrid work options. The role oversees FAT, SAT, ORT, VT, and ISAT testing across national sites, reporting on progress and outcomes to stakeholders.

The successful candidate will coordinate with the Task Lead, develop and execute test plans, and act as SME for baggage technologies while traveling as required for program activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated 5+ years in project or test leadership roles.
• 5+ years supporting Transportation Security Equipment (TSE) testing or similar systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in airports, OEM facilities, test labs, and warehouses.
• Remote work with ~50% travel.
• Ability to lift/move test equipment up to 40–50 lbs.
• US citizenship with DoD security clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead on-site testing activities ensuring safety, quality, and procedural compliance.
• Develop test plans, procedures, and templates for all checkpoint and baggage technologies.
• Assign tasks to junior engineers and technicians per TSA guidelines.
• Ensure tests follow TSA-approved plans and test articles.
• Coordinate with site and logistics teams; prepare QLRs, test reports, datasheets, and summaries.
• Serve as SME for checkpoint and baggage technologies.
• Participate in test briefings, technical discussions, and TSA stakeholder reviews.

Skills

Test leadership

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Science or related technical discipline

Tools

TSA testing knowledge

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

Battelle is seeking a Senior Test Lead for the TSA Acceptance Testing Program, supporting a broad range of testing and evaluation activities nationwide. This is a hybrid opportunity based in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

The successful candidate will work under the guidance of the Task Lead for the program and will be responsible for planning, coordinating, executing, and reporting testing efforts for Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), Operational Readiness Testing (ORT), Verification Testing (VT), and Integrated Site Acceptance Testing (ISAT).

Please note, this position is contingent upon Battelle receiving a contract award. Final hiring decisions will depend on organizational needs and candidate qualifications, with employment commencing only after the award is confirmed.

Responsibilities

• Lead on‑site testing activities, ensuring compliance with procedural, safety, and quality requirements.
• Develop test plans, test procedures, and templates to execute testing for all checkpoint and checked baggage technologies.
• Assign tasks for junior test engineers and test technicians to conduct tests in the field according to TSA guidelines.
• Ensure tests are executed using TSA‑approved test plans, procedures, and test articles.
• Coordination with test site and logistics teams to execute tests based on assigned schedules.
• Prepare key deliverables including Quick Look Reports (QLRs), Test reports, Datasheets, and daily summaries for test activities.
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for specific checkpoint and checked baggage technologies.
• Participate and provide key inputs for test briefings, technical discussions, and test out briefs with TSA stakeholders.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline with five (5) years of experience in project or test leadership roles and five (5) years of experience supporting Transportation Security Equipment (TSE) testing or similar complex systems; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading acceptance testing activities in regulated or mission critical environments.
• Strong understanding of acceptance testing processes, test execution, and reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in airports, OEM production facilities, test laboratories, and warehouse or storage facilities.
• Work will be performed remotely, with approximately 50% travel.
• Ability to lift and move test equipment or test kits (up to ~40-50 lbs as needed).
• Flexibility to support off hours or extended test schedules during active test events.
• Sole US Citizenship with eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.

Salary Range & Compensation

• Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $82k - $116k, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together : Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, w