IPT Lead

Job Title: IPT Lead
Job Description
The IPT Lead manages and coordinates a cross-functional team supporting a wind tunnel test program from initial planning through execution and data delivery. This role aligns stakeholders across engineering disciplines, test operations, facilities, instrumentation, quality, safety, and program management to ensure test objectives are achieved on schedule, within budget, and in full compliance with applicable requirements and processes. The IPT Lead serves as the primary integrator for scope, schedule, risk, and technical execution for assigned wind tunnel and hypersonic test campaigns.
Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a cross-functional integrated product team supporting wind tunnel test programs from planning through execution and data delivery.
• Integrate and align stakeholders across mechanical engineering, test operations, facilities, instrumentation, quality, safety, and program management to meet test objectives.
• Own and manage scope, schedule, risk, and technical execution for assigned wind tunnel campaigns, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Plan, organize, and track individual projects within a matrixed organization, collaborating with discipline leads to ensure all tasks are clearly defined and executed.
• Provide technical leadership leveraging a strong mechanical engineering background to guide decisions related to test setup, hardware, and data requirements.
• Review engineering drawings, provide markups and feedback, and ensure designs meet technical, safety, and quality requirements.
• Oversee and coordinate finite element analysis (FEA) activities, especially for pressure vessels and related hardware, to ensure structural integrity and compliance.
• Ensure all test activities comply with applicable processes, standards, and safety requirements, particularly for pressure vessels and boiler/pressure code-related work.
• Facilitate communication between engineering, operations, and program management to identify issues early, manage risks, and resolve technical and schedule conflicts.
• Support continuous improvement of test planning, execution, and data delivery processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and repeatability.
• Engage directly with government customer counterparts to clarify requirements, present status, and support technical discussions.
• Promote a high-performance, technically rigorous culture while contributing to a collaborative, learning-oriented team environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Strong mechanical engineering technical background with the ability to support complex test programs.
• Proven experience leading a technical team or integrated product team in a complex engineering environment.
• Hands-on experience reviewing and marking up engineering drawings for accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA), particularly related to pressure vessels and structural components.
• Prior experience with pressure vessels and boiler/pressure code-related work.
• Demonstrated ability to manage scope, schedule, and risk across multi-disciplinary projects.
• Strong communication and coordination skills to align cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed organization and coordinate with multiple discipline leads.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting wind tunnel or similar test environments is highly beneficial.
• background or interest in hypersonics and cutting-edge aerospace technologies.
• Ability to interact directly with government customers in a professional, technically credible manner.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to track multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, technically demanding, and competitive culture while maintaining high standards.
• Interest in continuous learning and professional growth in advanced test and evaluation environments.

Work Environment
This role is based onsite in Huntsville, Alabama, within a matrixed engineering organization where each discipline has its own lead. The IPT Lead works closely with these leads while organizing and tracking individual projects and wind tunnel test campaigns. The environment is highly technical and focused on cutting-edge hypersonic and wind tunnel testing, offering direct exposure to government customers and advanced engineering challenges. The team culture combines a fun, collaborative atmosphere with high technical standards and a competitive drive for excellence. The position offers a flexible work schedule with core hours from Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., supporting a strong work-life balance while maintaining reliable availability for key meetings and test activities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Huntsville, AL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $62.00 - $87.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.


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