Systems Engineer

Our client is seeking a Lead Test and Evaluation Engineer in Ft. Belvoir. The Lead Test & Evaluation (T&E) Engineer leads test strategy, planning, readiness assessments, execution oversight, and evaluation of results for complex systems supporting Army programs. The position serves as the primary T&E technical lead, coordinating government, contractor, and test organization activities to determine whether systems meet performance requirements and are ready for qualification and program milestones. The focus is on designing effective test approaches, assessing test adequacy, resolving technical issues, and providing clear recommendations to decision-makers. Strong T&E experience with complex hardware or integrated hardware/software systems is central to the role; missile and sensor experience is preferred., · Lead T&E planning and technical coordination across development, integration, verification, and qualification activities, including oversight of contractor-performed testing.

· Develop and assess test strategies, plans, procedures, and evaluation criteria that translate system requirements into measurable objectives and clear success criteria.

· Maintain traceability between requirements, verification methods, test events, and results; identify coverage gaps and recommend additional testing or analysis.

· Define test scope, priorities, resources, schedules, and dependencies with program teams, balancing technical rigor, program risk, and milestone needs.

· Lead test working groups and Test Readiness Reviews; assess test configurations, procedures, instrumentation, facilities, personnel readiness, and safety documentation.

· Review contractor test documentation and data packages for technical adequacy, completeness, repeatability, and alignment with program and contractual requirements.

· Coordinate test execution with government organizations, laboratories, test centers, and contractor teams; address technical issues and communicate changes affecting test objectives.

· Evaluate test data and system performance against requirements, assess data quality and limitations, and provide independent findings on readiness and technical risk.

· Manage high-volume test discrepancies across components and subsystems; assess anomalies, root cause analyses (FRACAS), and corrective actions, recommend regression testing, and drive verification items to closure under tight schedule constraints..

· Prepare test reports, verification status updates, technical briefings, and recommendations that support government qualification and acquisition decisions.

· Apply T&E methods across component, subsystem, and integrated system testing, including functional, interface, performance, and environmental evaluations as applicable.

Systems Engineering, Test Strategy, Testing, Technical Leadership, Systems Administration/Management, Hardware-Software Integration, Problem Solving Skills, Strategic Planning, Government Contracts, Test Design, · Strong analytical judgment, technical writing, and briefing skills, with the ability to turn test results into clear findings and recommendations.

· Ability to lead technical coordination among engineering, program management, customer, and test teams and resolve competing test priorities.

· U.S. citizenship is required.

· Active DoD Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Experience supporting DoD or Army T&E, defense acquisition programs, or government oversight of contractor testing, including coordination with test organizations, ranges, or laboratories.

· Experience with developmental or qualification testing, environmental testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or integrated hardware and software verification.

· Familiarity with missile systems, seekers, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, imaging systems, guidance systems, or related technologies. Experience on a specific weapon system or program is not required.

· Experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition, statistical analysis, test automation, MATLAB, Python, or comparable engineering analysis tools.

· Experience leading test working groups, readiness reviews, or technical assessments for government or industry customers.

· Relevant certification in Test and Evaluation, Engineering, or project management.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· A bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related technical discipline.

· A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in test and evaluation, test engineering, integration and test, verification and validation, or qualification of complex systems.

· Demonstrated experience leading test activities from planning and readiness through execution coordination, data evaluation, and reporting.

· Experience leading technical test efforts or assessing testing performed by other teams, suppliers, or contractors. Experience may be gained in government or industry roles.

· Experience developing, reviewing, or evaluating test plans, procedures, readiness documentation, and reports for complex hardware or integrated hardware/software systems.

· Experience translating requirements into test objectives, maintaining verification traceability, managing test configuration baselines, and driving high volumes of component/subsystem discrepancies to closure.Relevant backgrounds may include defense, aerospace, automotive, robotics, industrial systems, electronics, or other fields involving rigorous testing of complex systems.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Full-time, onsite position at Fort Belvoir, VA. Work includes technical analysis, documentation review, briefings, and coordination with government and contractor teams.

Benefits offered: The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability, life insurance, and AD&D; a 401(k) plan with a company match and immediate vesting; Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts; an Employee Assistance Program; education assistance; paid time off and holidays; flexible work schedules; and a 9/8/80 alternate workweek option.