Lead Test Director/Systems Engineer - Department of War (Chantilly)

Lead Test Director/Systems Engineer - Department of War

Job Location: US-VA-Chantilly

Company Overview

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

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.

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation: If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to View email address on apply.placed-app.com or call View phone number on apply.placed-app.com Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.