Test Engineer

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains. CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Test Engineer for the Persistent Cyber Training Enterprise - Operations Group (PCTE-OG). The successful candidate will verify network integrity, service functionality, and training content accuracy to ensure operational readiness, execute structured validation checks, and maintain clear validation records. The ability to identify issues, collaborate with technical teams, and support consistent, repeatable quality processes is essential.

The position is full-time on-site in Annapolis Junction, MD.

Responsibilities

• Conduct validation and quality assurance activities
• Verify network integrity, service functionality, and training content accuracy to ensure operational readiness
• Execute structured validation checks in accordance with established procedures
• Automate validation checks post network infrastructure provisioning
• Document validation results consistently to support traceability and repeatability
• Maintain organized validation records and artifacts
• Identify issues that impact system performance or training effectiveness
• Support quality assurance efforts through issue tracking and resolution
• Collaborate with technical teams to ensure range builds meet established standards and validation requirements

Required Experience/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline such as information technology, computer science, systems or software engineering from an accredited college or university or 6+ years of relevant experience can be substituted for degree.
• 5+ years of experience in a Test Engineer position testing new software baselines, as well as supporting installation of software and hardware at remote sites.
• Experience conducting validation and quality assurance testing in technical or operational environments
• Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II/III Certification, such as Security+, CCNA, CISSP, or equivalent, or the ability to obtain it within 6 months of start date.
• Must be able to take initiative, communicate with team members, and identify and resolve potential issues
• Effective written and oral communication with multiple levels of leadership involving both business and technical sides of the business.
• Able to prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• Experience with scripting or automation languages (e.g., Python, Bash, PowerShell) to support validation, testing, or troubleshooting activities
• Experience with cyber ranges, training platforms, or simulated environments
• Experience using issue-tracking or documentation tools (e.g., Jira/Confluence)

Special Requirements/Security Clearance

Please note that pursuant to a Government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status and a TS/SCI, security clearance and CI polygraph if requested by customer.

Salary Range

Salary Minimum: $115,000, Salary Maximum: $158,000

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, CESI also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, CESI provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

Benefits Overview

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise. Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.