Director, Test & Operations

DESCRIPTION

Long Wall is seeking a Director of Test Engineering & Operations to lead all testing activities across component, subsystem, vehicle, and full-system test campaigns. This leader will own both the engineering discipline of test (architecture, instrumentation, data systems) and the operational execution (facilities, GSE, procedures, and technicians). You'll build and scale the testing infrastructure that underpins our rapid development cycles and ensures mission-ready performance of our defensive systems. The ideal candidate has demonstrated capability as a hands-on, strategic leader with deep experience in aerospace or high-growth hardware environments, capable of building teams, developing robust processes, and driving complex test campaigns with speed, rigor, and exceptional engineering judgment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead all test engineering activities, including test architecture, test stand design, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, qualification planning, and development of test procedures and methodologies.
• Own end-to-end test operations across component, subsystem, stage, and full system campaigns, ensuring safe, efficient, and repeatable execution of all test activities.
• Drive test readiness through test planning, scheduling, configuration control, hardware flow coordination, and managing risk through rigorous pre-test and post-test review processes.
• Work closely with the sites and facilities team to develop and manage test facilities, ground support equipment, and infrastructure required for engine, structural, environmental, and integrated vehicle testing.
• Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing team spanning test engineering, test technicians, operators, and test site support functions.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, EHS, and regulatory requirements while establishing a strong culture of disciplined test execution.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Launch, and Program teams to ensure test assets and campaigns align with development priorities and delivery milestones.
• Oversee incident response, anomaly investigations, and corrective actions to ensure lessons learned drive organizational improvements.
• Manage budgets, capital planning, and vendor relationships related to test infrastructure, equipment, and site operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering discipline; Master's preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in test engineering, test operations, or integrated test roles in aerospace, defense, propulsion, or high-growth hardware environments.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proven hands-on experience leading complex test campaigns at the component, subsystem, and system levels (e.g., propulsion, structures, avionics, integrated vehicle).
• 5+ years of people-leadership experience overseeing multi-disciplinary teams (test engineers, technicians, operators).
• Demonstrated ability to build and scale test infrastructure, including test stands, data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Strong working knowledge of test methodologies, qualification and acceptance testing, instrumentation, DAQ systems, telemetry, and control-room operations.
• Deep familiarity with test safety, hazard analysis, EHS/OSHA requirements, and disciplined test execution processes.
• Experience with root-cause analysis, anomaly investigation, corrective action development, and structured post-test reviews.
• Expertise in planning, scheduling, and managing test operations in coordination with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams.
• Strong communication, documentation, and stakeholder-management skills

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience building or operating new test sites or major test infrastructure from the ground up.
• Background in missile systems, flight test, propulsion systems, or rapid-test development programs.
• Familiarity with configuration management, requirements traceability, and systems engineering processes.
• Experience with automation, data pipelines, real-time control systems, and advanced instrumentation.
• Prior startup or high-growth environment experience where speed, adaptability, and hands-on leadership are critical.
• Ability to work in outdoor, high-energy-test, or remote-site environments.
• ITAR-related experience and ability to maintain secure-access compliance.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Can work in an indoor manufacturing environment 70%, outdoors 30%
• Travel between our Port of Long Beach (70%), El Segundo (20%), and other facilities (10%) as required. Occasional travel to our other in-state and out-of-state sites may be required.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
• Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone, and telepresence
• Ability to pick up to 12lbs
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment

$195,000 - $245,000 a year

This is the lowest-to-highest compensation range we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

In addition to base pay and equity, we offer:

• Heavily employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Long Wall paid life insurance and LTD coverage
• 4% 401k match
• Student loan repayment assistance program
• Paid parental leave
• Family planning assistance program
• Long Wall paid financial wellness program
• Paid time off for non-exempt employees and a flexible vacation policy for exempt employees

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.