Test Program Set (TPS) Lead Engineer

JMJ PHILLIP; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Comprehensive medical insurance

Retirement plan with company matching

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development and technical

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

JMJ PHILLIP is seeking an experienced Test Program Set (TPS) Lead Engineer to drive automated test software development and modernization programs supporting DoD and aerospace applications. You will lead technical teams, manage project execution, and ensure on-time delivery within budget and quality standards.

Responsibilities include directing TPS rehost and modernization efforts, coordinating with customers, and providing regular status updates and technical presentations while mentoring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of experience leading Department of Defense (DoD) automated test software development or modernization programs.
• Experience managing TPS rehost projects and legacy automated test software modernization.
• Experience with automated test equipment (ATE) platforms such as VDATS or LM-STAR.
• Strong project management, budgeting, scheduling, and leadership experience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to obtain or maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead automated test software development and modernization projects from planning through execution.
• Manage engineering teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Oversee project schedules, budgets, milestones, and resource allocation.
• Direct TPS rehost and modernization efforts involving automated test systems.
• Manage migration of legacy automated test software to modern test platforms.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison for customers and project stakeholders.
• Provide regular project status updates and technical presentations.
• Coordinate customer requirements and manage project expectations.
• Provide technical leadership throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Review engineering deliverables and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Support risk identification, mitigation planning, and issue resolution.
• Mentor engineers and promote collaboration across teams.
• Encourage continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure projects comply with defense, engineering, and quality standards.
• Support documentation, verification, and validation activities.
• Maintain adherence to program requirements and contractual obligations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

VDATS

LM-STAR

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Test Program Set (TPS) Lead Engineer to lead the execution of complex automated test software development and modernization programs supporting defense and aerospace applications. This role is responsible for managing technical teams, overseeing project execution, coordinating with customers, and ensuring successful delivery of Test Program Set (TPS) solutions while maintaining project schedules, budgets, and quality standards.

Position Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Lead automated test software development and modernization projects from planning through execution.
• Manage engineering teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Oversee project schedules, budgets, milestones, and resource allocation.

Technical Project Management

• Direct TPS rehost and modernization efforts involving automated test systems.
• Manage migration of legacy automated test software to modern test platforms.
• Ensure technical solutions meet customer and program requirements.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary technical liaison for customers and project stakeholders.
• Provide regular project status updates and technical presentations.
• Coordinate customer requirements and manage project expectations.

Engineering Oversight

• Provide technical leadership throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Review engineering deliverables and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Support risk identification, mitigation planning, and issue resolution.

Team Development

• Mentor engineers and technical staff.
• Promote collaboration across engineering and program management teams.
• Encourage continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure projects comply with applicable defense, engineering, and quality standards.
• Support documentation, verification, and validation activities.
• Maintain adherence to program requirements and contractual obligations.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of experience leading Department of Defense (DoD) automated test software development or modernization programs.
• Experience managing TPS rehost projects and legacy automated test software modernization.
• Experience with automated test equipment (ATE) platforms such as VDATS or LM-STAR.
• Strong project management, budgeting, scheduling, and leadership experience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to obtain or maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Certifications (Preferred, but Not Required)

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
• Agile or Scrum Certification
• DoD Acquisition or Program Management Certifications
• Secret Security Clearance

What the Role Offers

• Salary Range: $125,000 - $155,000
• Competitive compensation package.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development and technical training opportunities.
• Career advancement within a collaborative engineering environment.
• Opportunity to lead high-impact defense and aerospace engineering programs.

Why Houston?

Houston is a leading hub for aerospace, engineering, and advanced technology, offering professionals the opportunity to work on innovative, mission-critical programs. The region provides access to a strong technical workforce, a thriving engineering community, and excellent career growth opportunities within the defense and aerospace industries.