Full Job Description
Leidos Defense is seeking an experienced and highly motivatedTest Directorto lead and oversee all testing activities associated with our flight system development and deployment program. The Test Director willbe responsible forplanning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing tovalidatesystem performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements. This is a critical role that requires strong technicalexpertise, leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.
Primary Responsibilities
Test Planning and Strategy:
Develop andmaintaincomprehensive test plans, test procedures, and test schedules for flight system developmental and operational testing.
Define testobjectives, scope, and success criteria based on system requirements and program goals.
Coordinate with program management, engineering, andlogisticsteams to ensure test readiness.
Test Execution and Oversight:
Direct and oversee all aspects of flight system testing, including laboratory, field, and operationally relevant threat environment testing.
Monitor test execution to ensure adherence to approved plans, procedures, and safety protocols.
Serve as the primary decision-maker during test events, with authority to halt testingin the event ofsafety concerns or anomalies.
Team Leadership and Coordination:
Lead and manage a multidisciplinary test team, including engineers, data analysts, and subject matter experts.
Assign roles and responsibilities to team members and ensure they are trained on testing procedures and tools.
Coordinate with government test agenciesasrequired.
Data Collection and Analysis:
Oversee the collection, processing, and analysis of test data to evaluate flight system performance against requirements.
Identifyanomalies, trends, and areas for improvement based on test results.
Ensureaccurateand thorough documentation of test data and findings.
Reporting and Communication:
Prepare and present detailed test reports, after-action reviews, and briefings to program management and stakeholders.
Communicate test results, findings, and recommendations clearly and effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
Conduct post-test debriefs and hotwashes to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement.
Compliance and Risk Management:
Ensure all testing activitiescomply withapplicable standards, regulations, and government requirements, including cybersecurity and environmental standards.
Identifyand mitigate risks associated with test activities, including operational disruptions and safety concerns.
Maintain compliance with DoD testing policies and directives.
Continuous Improvement:
Analyze results fromprevioustest events toidentifytrends and areas for improvement.
Refine testing methodologies, tools, and procedures based on lessons learned and evolving program requirements.
Support the integration of digital engineering tools and methodologies into the test process.
System Integration and Check Out (SICO):
Support SICO activities to ensure flight system components are properly integrated and ready for testing.
Coordinate with engineering teams to resolve integration issuesidentifiedduring SICO.
Basic Qualifications
The position requires an ABET accredited B.S. or equivalent degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in systems testing, test management, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in flight vehicle system testing, development, or operations.
Demonstrated experience planning and executing developmental and operational testing for complex systems.
Strong understanding of flight system principles, components, and performance metrics.
Familiarity with test and evaluation methodologies, including developmental testing (DT) and operational testing (OT).
Knowledge of applicable standards and regulations, including DoD testing policies and directives.
Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to address challenges and resolve issues under pressure.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
Experience preparing and presenting test reports, briefings, and after-action reviews.
Active Secret security clearance required, with the ability to obtain aTop Secretclearance if needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in
aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering
Experience working with government test agencies, such as the U.S. Navy Operational Test and Evaluation Force or similar U.S. evaluation command center.
Experience with flight vehicle systems in an operational or deployed environment.
Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and program management principles.
Experience supporting System Integration and Check Out (SICO) activities for complex systems.
Familiarity with digital engineering tools and methodologies, including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital twin technology.
Knowledge of cybersecurity standards and best practices for flight vehicle systems, including compliance with DoD cybersecurity directives.
Experience with environmental testing, including temperature, vibration, humidity, and electromagnetic interference testing.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Test and Evaluation certification.
Systems Engineering certification or equivalent.
Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability toidentifyand address complex technical challenges.
Ability to work collaboratively with government agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in testing methodologies and processes.
Original Posting:November 2, 2026
Pay Range:Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
