Sr. Systems Test Director

BlueHalo, an AV Company, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sr. Systems Test Director to join our Kinetic Effectors Group to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of system-level testing for advanced missile programs. The Test Director will be responsible for overseeing all phases of test activities for Verification and Validation of the Next Generation Counter Uncrewed Aerial System Missile (NGCM) in support of national defense objectives. This includes ground, flight, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, ensuring compliance with program requirements, safety standards, and mission objectives. This is a critical leadership role interfacing with engineering, program management, government customers, and range authorities.

Key responsibilities for successful candidates:

• Serve as the lead authority for test execution on complex missile development programs.
• Develop and manage detailed test plans, test procedures, and test schedules for ground and flight test campaigns.
• Lead cross-functional coordination across systems engineering, software, GNC, safety, logistics, and test range teams to ensure mission readiness.
• Oversee pre-test reviews including Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and Safety Reviews.
• Direct ground and flight test operations, including range integration, system readiness, telemetry setup, and mission rehearsal.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for test execution with DoD test ranges, mission control teams, and customer representatives.
• Support post-test analysis, anomaly resolution, and reporting efforts including preparation of detailed test reports and mission assessments.
• Ensure adherence to flight safety, range regulations, and program risk management protocols.
• Mentor junior test engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of test processes and infrastructure.
• Partner with the program Chief Engineer to set priorities, track technical progress, and maintain a Master Test Plan that can be flowed down to the team members.
• Participate in proposal development, including assisting with plans and specifications.
• Ensure compliance with relevant military standards and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Candidate must be a U.S. citizen with an active Secret security clearance, but exceptional candidates with the ability to successfully undergo government screening to obtain the appropriate level of clearance will also be considered.
• 11+ years of relevant professional experience in complex system development, with 3+ years in a test director or similar leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of system-level testing, missile subsystems (GNC, propulsion, payloads), and flight test instrumentation.
• Experience with military test ranges (e.g., Yuma Proving Grounds, etc.).
• Proven experience in managing complex tests involving safety-critical systems and government stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills while working under pressure.
• Must be proficient in use Microsoft business tools including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Candidate should: 1) be extremely organized with strong multi-tasking and time-management skills, 2) have experience as part of a cohesive team and be able to deliver the highest quality service, 3) be able to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to travel to support supplier reviews, customer meetings, and test events

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience testing complex weapon systems for the U.S. Department of Defense.
• Knowledge of government/military test standards and documentation (e.g., MIL-STD-810, range safety documentation).
• Prior work with air-to-air, air-to-ground, or surface-to-air missile systems.
• Working knowledge of Explosives Safety, Ordnance System Safety, and Software Safety.
• Formal program or test management training.

Salary Range: $135,000 - $194,000

BlueHalo, an AV company pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.

Our compensation package also includes components designed to support employees' total well-being, which should be considered when evaluating our competitive benefits package. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, disability, company holiday and paid time off, parental leave, 401(k) company match and contributions, professional development/training reimbursements, and other work/life programs.