Test Manager

About the role

The Test Manager will own the end-to-end test strategy and execution for flight and ground software and hardware systems, defining how validation and verification are conducted across the product lifecycle. This role will establish and maintain rigorous test processes that ensure mission-critical performance, reliability, and compliance with stringent aerospace and defense standards. The Test Manager will collaborate closely with system engineers, designers, and program leadership to translate requirements into executable test plans and traceable verification activities. You will oversee the development and execution of test procedures, schedules, and resources while driving continuous improvement across testing practices. The role involves mentoring test engineers, removing technical blockers, and ensuring that test results directly inform design decisions and system acceptance. You will act as the primary authority on test readiness and risk mitigation for assigned programs.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Architect and govern the test strategy, plans, and procedures for complex space, defense, and national security technology programs.
• Define and implement test architectures, environments, and automation frameworks that support system-level and component-level verification.
• Lead the development, review, and approval of test cases, test procedures, and test data to ensure comprehensive coverage of requirements.
• Coordinate and execute environmental, functional, and compliance testing, including TVAC, thermal, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, and optical performance validation.
• Manage test schedules, resources, and budgets to ensure timely delivery while maintaining alignment with program milestones and quality standards.
• Analyze test results, identify failure modes, and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions in collaboration with design and engineering teams.
• Serve as the technical lead for testbed development, instrumentation integration, and ATE system configuration, including PXI and rack-based platforms.
• Interface with government representatives, contractors, and subcontractors to evaluate technical proposals, test approaches, and compliance evidence.
• Maintain traceability between requirements, test objectives, and verification results to support audits, reviews, and certification activities.
• Mentor and develop the test engineering team, fostering a culture of rigor, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering;
• 8+ years' experience in test engineering with demonstrated technical skills;
• Expert-level configuration of ATE components including rack instrumentation and PXI architectures;
• Knowledge of configuration of ATE components including rack instrumentation and PXI architectures;
• Excellent track record developing test automation software using LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Python, C#, Visual Basic;
• Working knowledge of Windows and Linux operating systems;
• Experience with test tools and equipment, with emphasis on high-end spectrum and vector network analyzers;
• Experience writing and executing test procedures;
• Strong documentation skills;
• Proven ability to manage and work effectively individually and collaboratively in a team environment;
• Must exhibit good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills;
• Capable of multitasking; working on multiple projects & supporting production activities;
• Strong technical background; capable of coming up to speed quickly on new technologies;
• Great problem-solving skills;
• Proficient in personal computing skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• Must be a US person;

Nice to have

• Working knowledge of SolidWorks and basic mechanical engineering concepts related to bed of nail test fixtures design and construction.
• Previous experience testing RF devices operating in the S, X and Ka bands.
• Previous experience in the Space industry and space rated components.
• Previous exposure to optics and laser communication technologies.

Practical notes

• This role requires full-time on-site presence in San Diego, CA.
• Employment is contingent upon eligibility for U.S. government security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• The listed base salary range applies to this position and is subject to adjustment based on experience, skills, and location.

Additional context from source

• Reports to the Vice President of Product Design within the Engineering Department based in San Diego, CA.
• The position is essential for ensuring that Voyager's space, defense, and national security technology solutions meet the highest standards of performance and reliability before deployment.
• Test activities must adhere to strict quality standards, design flows, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• The Test Manager will participate in proposals, trade studies, and contract evaluations with emphasis on technical requirements, data requirements, and statement of compliance.
• The role supports both internal design reviews and external customer or government reviews with appropriate documentation.
• The Test Manager must ensure that the engineering team remains focused on project goals and that adequate tools, licenses, staffing, and training are available.
• Continuous evaluation of engineer progress and workload balance is required to maintain efficiency and support across the program lifecycle.
• The Test Manager is expected to promote a cooperative, mission-driven environment where curiosity, detail orientation, and analytical rigor are rewarded.
• The position is critical to bridging technical, programmatic, and personnel gaps across the test organization.
• All test processes must be documented, repeatable, and auditable to meet regulatory and customer expectations.
• The Test Manager will work directly with product managers and designers to align testing with business objectives and mission outcomes.
• The role requires flexibility to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining attention to high-priority delivery milestones.
• The Test Manager must assess and approve strategies to address technical and resource gaps impacting test execution.
• The position involves significant interaction with government stakeholders and industry partners to validate technical approaches and acceptance criteria.
• The Test Manager must ensure that test equipment, software licenses, and staff capabilities are sufficient for project needs.
• The role emphasizes proactive risk management through early identification of test-related issues and timely escalation.
• The Test Manager will contribute to the development and refinement of test standards that support long-term organizational capability.
• The position requires a high degree of ownership for test schedule, cost, and technical outcomes.
• Success in this role depends on the ability to lead cross-functional teams and maintain alignment with Voyager's strategic goals of innovation, security, and operational excellence.