Test Specialist/Engineer, Intermediate to Mid-Level

Tactical Engineering & Analysis•San Diego, CA

10d•$120,000 - $175,000

About The Position

The Test Engineer plans and oversees daily event activities and operations in support of the Naval Tactical Grid (NTG) team within the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC). Work includes test planning and coordination, test development, system architecture design, equipment configuration, software and hardware troubleshooting, and related documentation and reporting. The role coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to develop and execute test plans, establish objectives and schedules, configure and troubleshoot test networks and architectures, and evaluate system functionality and performance. It also evaluates historical data, processes, and team performance to identify risks and improve technical capabilities and test execution. The Intermediate-level engineer performs assigned work independently with minimal supervision, leading cloud and lab testing efforts, driving the long-term test schedule, prioritizing execution and analysis, and communicating progress to leadership. Responsibilities include developing and executing test cases, preparing documentation, troubleshooting systems, maintaining test scripts, coordinating lab assets, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The Mid-level engineer works independently and additionally provides continuous team training, oversees day-to-day team operations, supervises tasking for the test area, and provides status updates to stakeholders. The role participates in planning and working groups, oversees issue resolution and report reviews, develops and troubleshoots test networks and architectures, coordinates all aspects of test plans, evaluates historical data and processes, and collects, records, transfers, and analyzes system data. The position is based in a general office environment and computer/equipment lab. The work schedule is 9/80, with the ability to work non-standard hours and schedules in support of project requirements. U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must have an active clearance or the ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance; an active clearance is highly desirable.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in a STEM-related degree required.
U.S. citizenship required.
Must have an active security clearance or the ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance and undergo a U.S. security background investigation.
Intermediate-level: deep understanding of technical documentation and manuals; standard computer-based business tools, including Microsoft Word and Excel; system or software testing; computer networking and interfacing protocols used in commercial and military communications systems; data collection and plan development; specifications and requirements documentation; test cycles and processes; test planning and coordination; and C4I systems, programs, and equipment.
Mid-level: expert knowledge of technical documentation and manuals; standard computer-based business tools, including Microsoft Word and Excel; computer networking and interfacing protocols used in commercial and military communications systems; data collection and plan development; specifications and requirements documentation; test cycles and processes; test planning and coordination; and C4I systems, programs, and equipment.
Ability to work non-standard work hours and schedules in support of project requirements.
May be expected to lift up to 25 lbs; frequent keyboard use and typing; frequent sitting and standing.

Nice To Haves

CompTIA Network+ certification preferred.
An active security clearance is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead testing teams and efforts in cloud and lab environments (CTB, PGC).
Drive the long-term test schedule and prioritize test execution and analysis.
Communicate test progress and status to leadership, project leads, and stakeholders; promptly escalate issues affecting resources, schedules, or team tasking.
Participate in developing test plans and procedures; identify objectives, evaluation methods, schedules, test approaches, analysis methods, and reporting needs.
Execute test cases, analyze results, and document findings to assess system functionality and performance.
Set up, operate, configure, troubleshoot, and tear down test architectures, networks, and systems for test events.
Develop and maintain test scripts, emphasizing automation and efficiency.
Identify, troubleshoot, and support resolution of system issues, bugs, and Trouble Reports (TRs).
Prepare, review, and submit test documentation, including status reports, TRs, Test Observation Reports (TORs), quick-look reports, test reports, and final reports.
Break down system and interface requirements into targeted test cases and ensure coverage of system capabilities.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and cross-functional teams throughout planning, development, execution, and reporting phases.
Mentor junior team members and, at the mid-level, provide continuous training to ensure the team has the skills required by the test program.
At the mid-level, oversee day-to-day tasking and operations of personnel assigned to the test team and supervise requirements for the test area.
Attend planning meetings and program-specific working groups, providing input and support for test program execution.
Use data analysis tools to validate results and support root-cause analysis and troubleshooting of issues.
Evaluate historical data, processes, and applications to identify risks, impacts, and opportunities to improve test efficiency, technical capability, and team effectiveness.
Coordinate lab asset requests, software and hardware requests, Configuration Change Requests, and asset deconfliction with other users.
Collect and record system data, perform preliminary analysis, remove and transfer data, provide data analysis information for TORs, and provide reach-back support as needed.