Test Operations Manager (Onsite)
About The Position
The Hurricane Mesa Test Facility (HMTF) is a unique R&D test site that validates ejection seat systems and subsystems using a supersonic rocket sled track. Testing spans sled‑track events with aircraft representative bodies and anthropometric manikins from zero airspeed/altitude up to and beyond the speed of sound, along with a broad spectrum of subsystem and energetic component tests. The Test Operations Manager leads the day-to‑day operations of HMTF’s engineering team—driving safety, disciplined execution, quality, and continuous improvement across all test types. This role will develop and own the site’s QC/QA framework, take on defined portions of test‑day operations (e.g., track loading and final readiness), and provide targeted QC oversight for propulsion and other high‑energy systems. The manager serves as acting site manager when delegated or during the Site Manager’s absence, ensuring continuity of operations.
Requirements
- Experience in a test environment with energetic/propulsive systems; strong analytical skills in physics/dynamics.
- Experience with coordinating technical projects and guiding multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.
- Effective with presenting technical information to internal stakeholders (and externally when delegated).
- U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.
- Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience.
Nice To Haves
- Background in aircraft crew systems, escape systems, ejection seats, and crew‑station testing.
- Hands‑on experience with rocket sled operations, propulsion/energetics handling, and subsystem qualification.
- Familiarity with high‑speed cameras, video capture, and instrumentation/data systems.
Responsibilities
- Lead day‑to‑day tasking for a team consisting of camera, instrumentation, and electrical engineers; assign resources, remove roadblocks, and ensure test readiness.
- Enforce test plans, procedures, and safety protocols; champion a “check‑the‑checklists” culture before, during, and after events.
- Define and run the site’s quality framework—SOPs, checklists, peer verification, calibration, configuration control, readiness reviews, lessons learned, and continuous improvement loops—tailored to each test type.
- Provide quality oversight for handling and integration of propulsion and energetic systems in partnership with responsible engineers.
- Oversee track loading and final readiness steps; act as deputy/alternate during TRRs and test days as directed.
- Align engineering tasks, materials, and staffing to program schedules; external communication as delegated.
- Coach, cross‑train, and reinforce safety and quality behaviors across the engineering team.
- Identify and implement process and data‑integrity improvements that increase repeatability and reduce risk.
- Perform field‑based work on an expansive test range with desert conditions and variable weather; hands‑on activities around heavy equipment and energetic systems.
- Perform physically demanding tasks associated with track loading, equipment movement, and outdoor test support.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
- Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Student Loan Repayment Program
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
- Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
- Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
- Adoption Assistance
- Autism Benefit
- Employee Assistance Program, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
- Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
- Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
- Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
- Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
- Relocation assistance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
