Lead Test Engineer - Python / SDA Tracking Missions

We are hiring a Senior Space Systems Integration & Test Engineer to support the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Ground Management and Integration (GMI) program. This role requires an active DoD Secret security clearance and experience in satellite ground systems integration, software integration, system verification, test automation, Linux environments, and Development Integration Test (DIT) activities.

We are hiring a Lead Test Engineer to support Space Development Agency (SDA) Tracking Missions within the aerospace and defense industry. This role leads software integration, verification, validation, and automated testing within the Unified Testing Framework (UTF), requiring expertise in Python 3.9+, cloud-based software testing, system integration, and DoD mission-critical systems.

The Lead Test Engineer oversees a cross-functional team responsible for developing test strategies, implementing cost-effective testing and troubleshooting solutions, and ensuring software and system reliability throughout the development life cycle. This position supports test automation, Agile development, continuous integration, and technical engineering documentation while maintaining alignment with program schedules, budgets, and system requirements., * Lead integration and test engineers, providing technical direction, mentorship, and performance management.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive test strategies, plans, procedures, and reports for cloud-based software systems.
• Architect automated test solutions to validate system requirements, functionality, performance, and reliability.
• Develop and maintain automated test scripts using Python 3.9+ in accordance with established coding standards.
• Oversee software integration, verification, and validation (IV&V) activities within the Unified Testing Framework (UTF).
• Establish best practices for test automation, continuous integration, test execution, and reporting.
• Lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and internal test assessments with program stakeholders.
• Coordinate system and software integration activities to ensure interoperability and component compatibility.
• Develop integration procedures and troubleshoot hardware, software, and system-level issues throughout product development and manufacturing.
• Implement verification and validation methodologies to ensure compliance with technical requirements and engineering standards.
• Maintain requirements traceability, test documentation, execution records, and verification results.
• Support Agile development processes and continuous improvement of testing methodologies.
• Develop Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates to support requirements execution and test planning.
• Conduct employee performance reviews in accordance with established processes.
• Manage test execution activities to meet program schedules, budget requirements, and delivery milestones.
• Monitor emerging testing technologies, tools, and engineering practices to improve test effectiveness and efficiency.

• US Citizenship Required to Start
• Active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance required at time of hire.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or a related field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; OR a Master’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.
• Expert-level experience with Python programming, object-oriented programming (OOP), scripting languages, and system processes.
• Experience developing automated test scripts using Python 3.9+ and established coding standards.
• Strong knowledge of software testing methodologies, automated test frameworks, and system integration practices.
• Experience with cloud-based software integration testing and test strategy development.
• Experience with software integration, verification, validation, and system requirements testing.
• Demonstrated technical leadership experience managing integration and test engineering teams.
• Experience developing test plans, procedures, technical documentation, and test execution reports.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering activities and supporting technical program reviews.
• Ability to manage testing priorities, schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables.
• Experience collaborating with engineering teams, program management, customers, and external stakeholders., * Knowledge of Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices and automated testing pipelines.
• Experience with requirements management, verification, and traceability.
• Background supporting aerospace, defense, or Department of Defense (DoD) programs.
• Recognized subject matter expertise (SME) across multiple technical engineering disciplines.