The Manager, Link Layer Testing is responsible for leading the end-to-end integration, verification, and validation of the Lightspeed Link segment, including all ground-to-space and space-to-ground communications capabilities. This role owns the planning, execution, and reporting of system-level testing activities to ensure that Link functionality meets system requirements, performance objectives, and operational readiness criteria. The Manager will lead a team of verification and validation engineers and work closely with system engineering, payload, radio frequency, network, operations, and supplier teams to deliver high-confidence system releases. Key Accountabilities Technical Leadership and Ownership • Own the integration, verification, and validation strategy for the Link segment across all program releases. • Lead Link end-to-end system testing spanning ground equipment, spacecraft, network control systems, and operational environments. • Define and maintain verification plans, test procedures, and acceptance criteria for Link capabilities. • Ensure full traceability from system and segment requirements to verification activities and test evidence. Test Planning and Execution • Plan and execute laboratory, simulation, and integrated system tests to validate Link functionality and performance. • Lead system readiness activities supporting test readiness reviews, system readiness reviews, and operational readiness milestones. • Review and approve supplier test plans, test reports, and release documentation related to Link deliverables. • Drive issue identification, triage, root cause analysis, and closure in collaboration with engineering and supplier teams. Team Leadership and People Management • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Link verification and validation team. • Assign priorities, manage workload, and ensure delivery against program milestones. • Provide technical coaching and mentorship to verification and validation engineers. • Support hiring, onboarding, and skills development to ensure the right capabilities are in place. Cross-Functional and Supplier Collaboration • Act as the primary verification and validation interface for Link-related topics. • Partner closely with system engineering, payload engineering, radio frequency engineering, network engineering, operations, and program management teams. • Participate in design and technical reviews to ensure testability and verification coverage. • Communicate test status, risks, and results clearly to engineering leadership and stakeholders. Certification and Compliance • Produce clear, traceable, and auditable verification evidence to support internal readiness decisions and external certification activities. • Ensure verification activities comply with organizational processes, quality standards, and governance requirements. Required Qualifications Education and Experience • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field. • Minimum 8-12 years of relevant engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a technical leadership or management role. • Proven experience delivering system-level integration and verification for complex, multi-element systems. Technical Skills • Strong knowledge of satellite communications systems and ground-to-space communications architectures. • Experience with system integration and end-to-end testing of large-scale telecommunications or aerospace systems. • Solid understanding of performance, availability, reliability, and operational behavior in complex systems. • Familiarity with laboratory environments, simulators, and test infrastructure. Leadership and Communication • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical teams. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to explain complex technical issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. • Experience working with external suppliers and partners. Preferred Qualifications • Experience with satellite constellations or large-scale communications networks. • Background in radio frequency systems, payload validation, or network performance testing. • Experience supporting operational readiness, early operations, or in-service validation. Core Competencies • Technical leadership and decision-making • Systems thinking and problem solving • Planning, execution, and delivery discipline • Collaboration and stakeholder management • Mentorship and team development Reliability and CGP clearance are required.