Test Operations Manager (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; Clifton (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX seeks a Test Operations Manager to lead Hurricane Mesa Test Facility engineering teams, focusing on safety, disciplined execution, quality, and continuous improvement across all test types.

The role owns the site’s QC/QA framework, handles portions of test-day operations, and acts as deputy site manager when needed, ensuring continuity of operations in dynamic testing environments.

Qualifications

• Experience in a test environment with energetic/propulsive systems.
• Ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams and projects.
• U.S. citizenship required for access to program information.
• STEM degree with minimum 5 years' relevant experience (or advanced degree with 3 years).

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day tasking for a team of engineers; allocate resources and ensure test readiness.
• Enforce test plans, procedures, and safety protocols; oversee checklists culture.
• Define and run the site’s quality framework (SOPs, verification, calibration, readiness reviews).
• Provide QC oversight for propulsion and energetic systems in partnership with engineers.
• Oversee track loading and final readiness; support TRRs and test days as directed.
• Align tasks, materials, and staffing to schedules; manage external communications as needed.
• Coach and cross-train safety and quality behaviors across the team.
• Identify and implement process and data-integrity improvements to reduce risk.

Skills

Test environment experience

Propulsive systems

Project coordination

Communication

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

High-speed cameras

Video capture

Instrumentation

Job description

Overview

The Test Operations Manager leads the day-to-day operations of Hurricane Mesa Test Facility (HMTF) engineering teams, focusing on safety, disciplined execution, quality, and continuous improvement across all test types. This role develops and owns the site’s QC/QA framework, handles portions of test-day operations (e.g., track loading and final readiness), and provides targeted QC oversight for propulsion and other high-energy systems. The manager serves as acting site manager when delegated or during the Site Manager’s absence, ensuring continuity of operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day tasking for a team of camera, instrumentation, and electrical engineers; assign resources, remove roadblocks, and ensure test readiness.
• Enforce test plans, procedures, and safety protocols; champion a check-the-checklists culture before, during, and after events.
• Define and run the site’s quality framework—SOPs, checklists, peer verification, calibration, configuration control, readiness reviews, lessons learned, and continuous improvement loops—tailored to each test type.
• Provide quality oversight for handling and integration of propulsion and energetic systems in partnership with responsible engineers.
• Oversee track loading and final readiness steps; act as deputy/alternate during technical readiness reviews (TRRs) and test days as directed.
• Align engineering tasks, materials, and staffing to program schedules; manage external communications as delegated.
• Coach, cross-train, and reinforce safety and quality behaviors across the engineering team.
• Identify and implement process and data-integrity improvements to increase repeatability and reduce risk.
• Engage in field-based work on an expansive test range with desert conditions and variable weather; perform hands-on activities around heavy equipment and energetic systems.
• Perform physically demanding tasks associated with track loading, equipment movement, and outdoor test support.

Qualifications

• Experience in a test environment with energetic/propulsive systems; strong analytical skills in physics/dynamics.
• Experience coordinating technical projects and guiding multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to present technical information to internal stakeholders and, when delegated, externally.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.
• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years of relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree with minimum 3 years of experience.
• Background in aircraft crew systems, escape systems, ejection seats, and crew-station testing is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with rocket sled operations, propulsion/energetics handling, and subsystem qualification.
• Familiarity with high-speed cameras, video capture, and instrumentation/data systems.

What We Offer

Competitive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; three weeks of vacation to start; 401(k) plan with employer matching and retirement contributions (including a Lifetime Income option); tuition reimbursement; student loan repayment; life and disability coverage; optional coverages (pet, home/auto, life, critical illness, group legal, ID theft protection); adoption and family planning benefits; wellness programs and digital health resources; relocation assistance is possible; and more. Specific benefits vary by business unit and collective-bargaining status.

About Us

RTX is an aerospace and defense company providing systems and services for commercial, military, and government customers. It operates through Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon, with a global workforce. This is a U.S.-based role; visa status requirements apply per program.