Test Director

Position Overview:

The Test Director will lead the planning and execution of complex test events to evaluate prototypes of advanced, multi-domain autonomy, AI-enabled command and control, and distributed system-of-systems operations. The Test Director will lead the integration of autonomy technologies into larger experimentation and exercise events. This role is responsible for orchestrating end-to-end test activities across virtual environments, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) configurations, and live experimentation venues.
The Test Director will ensure rigorous, repeatable, and operationally relevant test design to support independent assessments of autonomy technologies aligned to Department of War priorities in autonomy, Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), and mission-level effects.

Key Responsibilities:

Test Strategy & Planning:
- Design and execute comprehensive test strategies for multi-domain autonomous systems, including air, maritime, and ground platforms
- Translate operational concepts (CONOPS) into executable test plans, scenarios, and use cases that support independent assessments
- Guide and shape the definition of technical measures aligned to Measures of Performance (MOPs) and Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) pertinent to mission outcomes
- Lead test campaign planning across virtual (simulation), hybrid (HIL), and live environments
- Coordinate test design and planning with mission engineering and assessments teams
Execution & Integration
- Coordinate integration across multiple vendors, platforms, and autonomy providers (e.g., orchestrators, sensors, comms systems)
- Ensure interoperability between heterogeneous systems, including comms protocols and control interfaces
- Oversee test control, safety, and real-time decision-making during execution
- Coordinate planning with experimentation teams for integration into larger events

Data & Evaluation:
- Lead data collection, instrumentation planning, and telemetry integration to align with independent assessment requirements
- Oversee post-test analysis, including model performance, system behavior, and mission outcomes
- Produce clear, decision-quality test reports and recommendations for stakeholders
- Support iterative test cycles to refine system performance and autonomy behaviors

Stakeholder Coordination:
- Serve as an interface for government stakeholders, industry partners, and technical teams
- Support Distinguished Visitor (DV) engagements and demonstration events
- Align test objectives with OUSD(R&E), Service stakeholders, and transition partners
- Facilitate collaboration across program leadership, engineering, experimentation and assessment teams, and external vendors

Standards & Governance:
- Establish and enforce test rigor, repeatability, and traceability
- Develop and refine test frameworks, rapid integration techniques and configuration management methodologies
- Contribute to development of technical measures and data management and analysis for assessment of autonomy technologies.

Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in test, evaluation, or operational experimentation within DoW or defense industry
- Demonstrated experience leading complex test events involving multiple systems and stakeholders
- Good understanding of autonomy, AI/ML systems, or C2 architectures
- Experience with simulation environments, HIL testing, and/or live range operations
- Ability to translate operational needs into technical test objectives and measurable outcomes
- Active Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred)

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with JADC2, autonomy orchestration frameworks, or system-of-systems integration
- Familiarity with virtual test environments (e.g., digital twins, simulation platforms)
- Background in air operations centers, ISR, or operational command and control
- Strong analytical background, including data analysis and evaluation

Key Competencies:
- Operational mindset with strong technical fluency
- Ability to manage ambiguity and rapidly evolving requirements
- Leadership in high-visibility, high-stakes environments
- Exceptional communication skills, especially with senior stakeholders
- Systems thinking across complex, distributed architectures

Impact:
This role is central to shaping how next-generation autonomous systems are tested, validated, and transitioned into operational use. The Test Director will directly influence the credibility, scalability, and adoption of AI-enabled multi-domain capabilities across the Department of War.