QinetiQ North America

Lead Test Director/Systems Engineer - Department of War

QinetiQ North America$150K — $200K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active TS/SCI clearance or recently debriefed SCI holder
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Science
  • 10+ years of program management and analytical experience
  • Knowledge of MS Project and experience with Integrated Master Schedules
  • Experience in TS/SCI/SAP environments
  • Strong communication and team collaboration skills
  • Willingness to travel up to 25% (CONUS and OCONUS)

Responsibilities

  • Lead multiple test projects coordinating logistics and technical support globally
  • Drive test strategy development and implementation across teams
  • Define necessary test infrastructure and ensure proper resources are available
  • Oversee the planning and execution of Developmental and Operational Test & Evaluation programs
  • Serve as primary contact for test community concerns and coordinate with various stakeholders
  • Collaborate with program offices to integrate capabilities for test events
  • Provide ongoing program management support for project execution plans and schedules

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge military technology projects
  • Mentorship from experienced leaders in the defense sector
  • Collaborative work environment with diverse teams
  • Chance to influence critical warfighter capabilities
  • Potential for travel to various locations for project execution
Full Job Description
Position Overview

QinetiQ US is seeking a Senior Test Director to support a Department of War client located in Chantilly VA.  The highly motivated candidate will provide leadership and guidance through knowledge, experience, and their ability to effectively manage and oversee current and emerging Research, Development and Technology projects. The candidate will help identify critical warfighter needs, initiate new projects, and provide program management and technical expertise in project execution to deliver impactful capability to the warfighter quickly.

 

The candidate will lead the synchronization of cross-functional operations across engineering, logistics, and intelligence domains to drive rapid prototyping efforts from initial concept through accelerated fielding. A central focus of this role is the continuous generation and delivery of high-quality products, including executive-level briefings, white papers, and technical decision documents. The Integrator must expertly synthesize complex programmatic data into clear, actionable reports to keep senior leadership informed and drive strategic decisions. They will aggressively manage schedules in fast-paced, high-velocity environments to ensure continuous mission delivery. Crucially, the Sr. Test Director orchestrates these rapid acquisition efforts strictly within Special Access Programs, ensuring seamless execution while maintaining absolute compliance with DoW compartmentalized security frameworks and secure facility (SCIF/SAPF) operational protocols. 

Responsibilities
  • Serve as the lead test director for multiple research, engineering and development projects across multiple lines of effort, coordinating all logistics, technical and administrative items in support of multiple test events across the globe.
  • Experience supporting Department of War/Combatant Command Test & Evaluation (T&E) activities such as Northern Edge, Gray Flag etc. 
  • Develop and implement comprehensive test strategies and road-maps, leading cross functional teams across various integrated product teams and engineering teams. 
  • Define and integrate test infrastructure requirements and ensure capable test facilities, resources, information technology, and processes, tools and systems critical to the program. 
  • Ensure the successful planning and execution of the Developmental Test & Evaluation program and support the Operational Test & Evaluation program as required. 
  • Work closely with multiple vendors, Chief Engineers and performers to collaborate as required on common test campaign resources and range assets.   Act as a single point of contact for all test domain and test community issues and concerns. 
  • Interact with Service or Defense Agency Program Offices to leverage existing capabilities and integrate them into a single test event across multiple services and domains. 
  • Provide routine program management support to an RDT&E Program Manager including but not limited to scheduling industry days, coordinating with vendors to develop performance work statements, concept of operations, integrated master schedules, schedule meetings, budget planning, briefing materials, program execution plans etc. 
  • Experience with rapid prototyping of new or modified military technologies to include program execution, test, and transition management
  • Experience with acquisition management of current and future projects, including the total cost, schedule, and performance. 
  • Provides critical support in multi-disciplinary, multi-agency integrated product team of professional acquisition personnel across multiple sites nationwide.
  • Leads development of acquisition products and materials in support of transition and transition partner Milestone Decision Authority gates.
  • Oversee collaborative development of requirements and programmatic documents (MOUs, SOWs, Project Outlines, etc.) with both US and foreign partner stakeholders 
  • Oversees and manages test and evaluation events, developing and working with various government industry performers to execute live fire demonstrations both in CONUS and OCONUS environments
Required Qualifications
  • TS/SCI-Eligible - Currently hold an active TS/SCI or have held an SCI and have been debriefed in the last 24 months; #qinetiqclearedjob
  • Bachelors in Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Computer Science or Science
  • Knowledge of MS Project and in-depth familiarity with developing, reviewing, and tracking Integrated Master Schedules (IMS)
  • Experience working in a TS/SCI/SAP environment 
  • Minimum of 10 years of program management, operational, and analytical experience
  •  Proficient in program management, systems engineering, and an in-depth knowledge of one or more of the following: (1) Autonomous systems, (2) Command and Control and/or (3) data links and long-range kill chains
  • Proficient in MS PowerPoint, excel and/or other equivalent program management tools.
  • Excellent communication skills, ability to work in a team environment, and be independently motivated.
  • Travel up to 25% of the time to CONUS and OCONUS locations (Alaska, Hawaii, UK and EUROPE) 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in program management or engineering 
  • PMP or DAWIA Level 1, 2 or 3 
  • Previous EVM system in industry 
Pay Transparency

The salary range for this role is $150,000- $200,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

About QinetiQ North America

QinetiQ North America (QNA) is a subsidiary of QinetiQ Group plc, a British multinational defense technology company. QNA provides technology solutions and services to the United States government and commercial customers. The company's offerings include unmanned systems, cybersecurity solutions, engineering services, and more. QNA has over 6000 employees and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.
Learn more about QinetiQ North America
Size
6,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2005

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