Principal Integrated Test Operations Lead

YOUR MISSION

The Integrated Test Operations Lead is responsible for the detailed planning coordination and execution of integrated vehicle testing across ground and flight environments. This role serves as the primary execution arm for all test activities translating program objectives into actionable test plans and ensuring disciplined safe and efficient test conduct.

Working under the direction of the Ground Test Director this role drives day-to-day test readiness leads cross-functional coordination and ensures all systems teams and environments are prepared for successful test execution.

The Integrated Test Operations Lead is responsible for translating program-level test objectives into detailed executable plans that enable successful ground and flight test campaigns. This includes developing comprehensive test plans for ground-based flight tests and range-based operations with clearly defined configurations success criteria instrumentation strategies and data collection requirements. The role leads integrated test readiness efforts ensuring all technical operational and safety elements are fully prepared and that all pre-test actions are closed prior to execution.

During test operations the Integrated Test Operations Lead serves as the primary execution lead directing real-time test activities and maintaining disciplined adherence to procedures safety protocols and mission objectives. This individual is responsible for coordinating inputs from engineering safety and operations teams managing the tempo of execution and ensuring that all systems and personnel operate in a synchronized and controlled manner. They provide structured recommendations and inputs into go/no-go decisions and lead initial responses to anomalies or off-nominal conditions during test events.

The role requires continuous coordination across cross-functional teams including propulsion avionics guidance navigation and control (GNC) structures ground systems and range operations. The Integrated Test Operations Lead integrates these inputs into cohesive executable plans and ensures alignment between vehicle readiness ground infrastructure and external constraints such as range availability and regulatory requirements.

Following each test event the Integrated Test Operations Lead ensures the integrity and completeness of all collected data and leads initial post-test assessments including anomaly identification and triage. They coordinate closely with engineering teams to support deeper data analysis and ensure that lessons learned are rapidly incorporated into subsequent test planning and execution cycles.

In addition the role maintains ownership of integrated test execution schedules proactively identifying risks to successful execution and driving mitigation strategies across the team. The Integrated Test Operations Lead provides regular status updates to the Ground Test Director and escalates critical risks issues or decision points as needed operating as the primary “boots-on-the-ground” leader responsible for delivering safe efficient and effective test execution.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering or a related technical field
• 8+ years of experience in aerospace defense or complex system testing environments
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing integrated system tests (ground and/or flight)
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in high-tempo high-consequence operational environments
• Strong understanding of test operations including test planning readiness reviews and execution discipline
• Proven ability to translate engineering requirements into executable test procedures and plans
• Experience working with safety-critical systems and adherence to rigorous safety and mission assurance standards
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate across engineering operations and external stakeholders
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure and make sound decisions in dynamic test environments

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or higher) in a relevant engineering discipline
• Experience with missile systems launch vehicles or high-performance flight systems
• Prior experience serving as a test conductor test director or similar role during live test operations
• Familiarity with test range operations and coordination (e.g. government or commercial ranges)
• Experience with telemetry instrumentation systems and data acquisition for flight or ground tests
• Background in guidance navigation and control (GNC) propulsion or integrated vehicle systems
• Experience leading or supporting Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) Flight Readiness Reviews (FRRs) or equivalent
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex schedules and drive execution across multiple parallel test efforts
• Exposure to configuration management and test article control in a development or production environment
• High growth potential with demonstrated leadership trajectory toward senior test or program leadership roles

COMPENSATION  

• Base Salary:  Denver: $200000-$280000 Long Beach: $210000-$290000
• Equity + Benefits including Health Dental Vision HRA/HSA options PTO and paid holidays 401K Parental Leave 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance
• Work Location: this role will be fully onsite at our GravityWorks factory in Centennial CO or Long Beach CA.
• Work environment is in a standard office working at a desk or in a production factory.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (IT

1. AR) you must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

We value diversity of experience knowledge backgrounds and perspectives and harness these qualities to create extraordinary impact. True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of sex race religion or belief ethnic or national origin disability age citizenship marital domestic or civil partnership status sexual orientation gender identity pregnancy maternity or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis as protected by applicable law. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation please do not hesitate to let us know.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application please follow the directions below. LI-Onsite 

What We Do

Space was once the quietest place in the universe. Now it's crowded contested and confrontational.  We are True Anomaly: the only defense company focused exclusively on space defense. Founded in 2022 by ex-U.S. Space Force members True Anomaly designs and builds advanced systems for space superiority: agile and powerful spacecraft platforms mission software engineered for unmatched command and control and payloads tailored for precision sensing and effects.    True Anomaly is headquartered in Centennial CO with regional offices in Colorado Springs CO Long Beach CA and Washington D.C.  We are hiring and seeking exceptional talent to join True Anomaly from any technical industry or background to bring unique talents perspective and solutions. If you embrace complexity lead instead of follow showcase integrity over ego take ownership for outcomes and measure success by impact we want to hear from you.

Why Work With Us

True Anomaly exists to enable a secure stable and sustainable space environment for the US its allies and partners. We design and build spacecraft and software solutions for space superiority. If you are ready to contribute to the future of space defense we’d love to hear from you.

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