Test & Evaluation Lead

Helios HR; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology solutions provider is seeking a Test & Evaluation Lead / Test Engineer (Director) based in Washington, D.C. This role involves leading test and evaluation activities supporting federal programs. Candidates must have over 10 years of experience in federal acquisition environments and a bachelor's degree in a technical field. Responsibilities include developing test strategies and ensuring compliance with standards. Regular travel up to 50% is required as part of the role, along with a typical work schedule of 40 hours a week.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience supporting test and evaluation in a federal acquisition environment.
• Ability to develop professional documentation, briefings, and cost/work estimates.
• Experience supporting acquisition-aligned programs with testing, validation, requirements, and fielding milestones.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute test and evaluation activities across federal acquisition programs.
• Develop test strategies, plans, procedures, and events aligned to lifecycle milestones.
• Collaborate with systems engineers and program teams to support requirements resolution.

Skills

10+ years of experience

Strong understanding of systems engineering

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technical, or computer science field

Tools

Innoslate

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint)

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Test & Evaluation (T&E) Lead / Test Engineer (Director) to support a federal Program Management Office (PMO) responsible for planning, acquiring, and managing technology and capabilities that help keep our borders safe.

This role supports the design, testing, and fielding of tactical technology infrastructure projects across the southwest, northern, and coastal borders. The position is based in Washington, D.C. and requires regular travel.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and execute test and evaluation activities across federal acquisition programs
• Develop test strategies, plans, procedures, and events aligned to lifecycle milestones
• Conduct developmental, functional, performance, operational, and regression testing
• Identify, document, and track system defects; brief findings to stakeholders
• Collaborate with systems engineers, program teams, and developers to support requirements and discrepancy resolution
• Analyze test results and report progress, thresholds, and objectives to leadership
• Ensure testing activities comply with applicable standards and acquisition frameworks
• Support continuous process improvement and testing automation efforts

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technical, or computer science field
• 10+ years of experience supporting test and evaluation in a federal acquisition environment
• Experience supporting acquisition‑aligned programs with testing, validation, requirements, and fielding milestones
• Strong understanding of systems engineering, program planning, and milestone review processes
• Ability to develop professional documentation, briefings, and cost/work estimates
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint)
• Preferred: Experience with DHS, CBP, or U.S. Border Patrol
• Preferred: Familiarity with Innoslate and database‑driven requirements/test tracking
• Travel: Up to 50%, including field locations
• Work Schedule: 40 hours/week (80 hours per pay period), paid federal holidays

Clearance:

• Must be eligible to obtain a government background investigation
• Highly preferred: Active CBP Background Investigation (BI)