Test & Evaluation Specialist III

Agile Defense; Fort Huachuca (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Agile Defense seeks highly skilled Test & Evaluation specialists to support national-level defense programs. You will design and execute T&E for IT and NSS, ensuring systems meet requirements and perform under contested conditions. A TS/SCI clearance with polygraph ability is required, along with IAT Level II certification.

You will develop T&E frameworks, craft test plans, and present findings to leadership, coordinating across teams to drive operational readiness and test rigor.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or bachelor’s with significant relevant experience.
• Must hold an IAT Level II certification (e.g., Security+).
• Top Secret/SCI clearance with polygraph ability is required.
• Experience with T&E of IT and NSS within DoD/IC contexts.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and document program T&E strategies.
• Create and update T&E frameworks and evaluation plans.
• Produce test plans, operational test scenarios, and scripts.
• Draft briefs such as the TCB and OTRR.
• Define COIs, MOEs, and MOPs for thorough evaluation.
• Solicit system requirements to shape evaluation approaches.
• Lead developmental, operational, interoperability, and conformance tests.
• Execute tests with manual and automated tools.
• Analyze data and present findings to stakeholders.
• Lead meetings, prepare MSRs and minutes.

Skills

Excellent communication

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Technical writing

KMI/cryptographic devices

COMSEC knowledge

MS Office & databases

ISR systems knowledge

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree + 6 years experience

10 years relevant experience

Tools

KMI

Cryptographic devices

COMSEC

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That’s why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.

Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility—leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital interests.

Requisition #: 1600

Job Title: Test & Evaluation Specialist III

Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ

Clearance Level: Top Secret with the ability to obtain an SCI, Must Have Clearance to Start

Required Certification(s): Must hold an IAT Level II certification, such as CompTIA Security+, or equivalent certifications required by DoW 8140.01 (e.g., CCNA, CISSP, RHCS).

Job Description

Seeking highly skilled and innovative Test & Evaluation (T&E) Specialists to support critical national-level defense programs. The ideal candidates will have a strong background in performing analytical work and conducting developmental and operational testing of Information Technology (IT) and National Security Systems (NSS). This role is pivotal in evaluating the operational effectiveness, suitability, and survivability of systems, including military intelligence, ISR platforms, and Key Management Infrastructure (KMI). You will ensure systems meet stringent requirements and are resilient and effective in contested environments. Candidate must maintain a Top Secret with an ability to obtain an SCI clearance and pass a polygraph.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and document overall program T&E strategies
• Develop and update core T&E frameworks, including the Analysis Structure, Data Source Matrix, and the Evaluation Framework
• Create comprehensive T&E documentation, including Test Plans, operations-based testing scenarios, and scripts to address all specifications and requirements
• Author key strategic briefings, such as the Test Concept Brief (TCB) and Operational Test Readiness Review (OTRR)
• Define and refine Critical Operational Issues (COIs), Measures of Effectiveness (MOE), and Measures of Performance (MOPs) to ensure thorough evaluation.
• Solicit system requirements and associated operational environments to produce an evaluation approach that supports T&E objectives
• Conduct and oversee developmental, operational, interoperability, and standards conformance test events
• Execute test procedures using a combination of manual methods and automated test tools
• Collect, record, manage, and analyze test data to determine the operational impact of findings and ensure KPPs are covered
• Prepare and present T&E plans and reports in accordance with organizational and DoW standards
• Translate complex data and test results into evaluative conclusions and recommendations for stakeholders at all levels
• Lead and participate in teleconferences, meetings, and working groups
• Provide administrative support, including drafting Monthly Status Reports (MSRs) and detailed meeting minutes
• For senior roles, lead and direct the work of others, manage test assets and resources, and provide consultation on complex projects

Education and Background

• Master’s degree; OR Bachelor’s degree with at least 6 years of experience; OR 10 years of relevant experience. The degree must be in a relevant technical curriculum, and experience must be related to the job duties
• Must hold an IAT Level II certification, such as CompTIA Security +, or equivalent certifications required by DoW 8140.01 (e.g., CCNA, CISSP, RHCS)
• Due to the mission-critical nature of this role, candidates must have and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance and be able to pass a polygraph. This is non-negotiable

Years of Experience

Bachelor’s degree with at least 6 years of experience; OR 10 years of relevant experience.

Required Skills

• Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment under pressure
• Strong capability in technical writing and standardized requirements analysis
• Solid understanding of common T&E processes, from identifying requirements and developing an evaluation approach to collecting data, analyzing it, and reporting on findings
• Hands‑on experience with Key Management Infrastructure (KMI), cryptographic devices, and Communications Security (COMSEC)
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and databases
• Expertise in concepts, practices, and procedures related to military intelligence and ISR systems
• Ability to review and analyze system operations, blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications

Other Requirements

• Must be able to pass and maintain a polygraph and clearance level requirements
• Ability to adapt to a fast‑paced environment with evolving priorities
• Commitment to maintaining security, compliance, and operational excellence

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in government or test lab environments
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to handle stress and work well under pressure

Working Conditions

• Location: Contractor onsite with the up to 40% travel CONUS
• Environment: General office environment. Work is primarily sedentary but may require standing and walking up to 10% of the time. Standard office equipment is available
• Physical Demands: Medium strength demands, with a maximum lift of 50 lbs. and frequent lifting/carrying of up to 25 lbs
• Physical Requirements: May involve standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, and use of hands/fingers. Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling may be required

Our Core Values

Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together.

What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.

• Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.
• Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.
• Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.
• Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.
• Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.
• Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.