Test Lead

We’re seeking an experienced Lead Test Engineer to support mission-critical space and defense programs focused on advanced cloud-based systems and software integration. In this leadership role, you’ll oversee integration, verification, and validation activities, drive test strategy execution, lead engineering teams, and ensure complex software systems meet performance, quality, and customer requirements. This position is ideal for a technical leader who combines expertise in test automation, systems integration, cloud technologies, and Agile development with a passion for building high-performing engineering teams. Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Lead testing efforts on cutting-edge space and national security programs
• Work with advanced cloud architectures, automation technologies, and mission systems
• Opportunity to mentor engineering teams and shape testing best practices
• Collaborate with cross-functional software, systems, integration, and program leadership teams

Why This Opportunity is Exciting: This role offers the chance to lead verification and validation efforts for some of the most advanced mission-critical systems in development today. You’ll influence technical strategy, drive quality initiatives, and play a direct role in delivering solutions that support national defense and space operations. About Acara Solutions Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide. Sound like a good fit? APPLY TODAY What You’ll Do:

• Lead a team of Integration and Test Engineers through verification, validation, and system integration activities

• Develop and maintain enterprise-level test strategies for cloud-based software products and mission systems

• Architect automated test solutions that validate system requirements and operational performance

• Establish best practices for test automation, CI/CD integration, test reporting, and quality assurance

• Lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), testing assessments, and stakeholder reviews

• Design comprehensive test plans, procedures, and validation frameworks

• Develop and maintain automated test scripts using Python

• Coordinate integration activities between software, systems, and engineering teams

• Support Agile development initiatives and continuous improvement efforts

• Maintain traceability between requirements, testing activities, and verification results

• Manage testing schedules, resources, budget considerations, and program commitments, * Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and durg screening
• Overtime: May be required to support testing milestones, integration activities, and program deliverables
• Lifting Requirements: Standard office and engineering environment requirements
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance required at time of hire

After you apply, you may receive a call or message from our AI Talent Scout about this role or other opportunities that match your skills and preferences. AI agent role is to help speed up your hiring process by answering questions, confirming basic information, and identifying whether there’s a mutual fit. The call or chat may be recorded so that our recruiting team can review it - they make all final hiring decisions, while AI agent simply helps move you forward faster. The best part? They are available 24/7, so you can connect whenever it’s convenient for you. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Acara Solutions and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at Website Privacy Policy | Acara Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran. Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status. Apply

• 8+ years of experience in Test Engineering, Integration & Test, Software Validation, Systems Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline with a Bachelor’s degree, OR 6+ years of experience with a Master’s degree
• 5+ years of experience leading integration, verification, validation, or system testing efforts
• 5+ years of experience developing automated test solutions using Python
• 3+ years of experience supporting cloud-based applications, cloud testing, or cloud integration environments
• 3+ years of experience utilizing test automation frameworks, automated validation tools, or software quality methodologies
• 3+ years of experience leading engineering teams, technical projects, or cross-functional testing initiatives
• 2+ years of experience supporting Agile, Scrum, DevSecOps, or related software development methodologies
• 2+ years of experience creating test strategies, test plans, test procedures, and verification documentation
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline

What Sets You Apart:

• Experience with Unified Test Framework (UTF) environments
• Knowledge of Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and tools
• Experience with requirements management and requirements traceability
• Defense, aerospace, space systems, or satellite program experience
• Experience leading Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs)
• Experience providing program cost, schedule, and risk estimates
• Subject Matter Expertise across multiple testing disciplines
• Experience mentoring and developing high-performing engineering teams
• Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills
• Experience supporting DevSecOps, automated testing, and cloud-native environments