Test & Validation Lead

Title:
Test & Validation Lead

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR is seeking an experienced Test & Validation Lead to support the MSEIT contract at Space Systems Command (SSC). This role is responsible for developing and executing the program's overall testing and validation strategy across multiple independently contracted software development teams supporting U.S. Space Force mission systems.

The Test & Validation Lead serves as the focal point for integration testing, end-to-end validation, user acceptance testing (UAT), and release readiness activities. Working within a federated development environment, this individual will help ensure development teams maximize their internal testing effectiveness while establishing program-level testing practices that validate capabilities across organizational and system boundaries.

This is a hands-on role. The successful candidate will not only define testing approaches and coordinate test activities but will also actively develop, execute, and analyze tests to support delivery and operational acceptance efforts.

The program is actively evolving toward CI/CD-oriented software delivery, and the Test & Validation Lead will help drive increased automation, continuous testing, and rapid feedback mechanisms across the development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Test Strategy Development - Develop and maintain the program's overall testing and validation strategy across multiple development teams and mission systems.
• Test Coordination - Work directly with independently contracted development teams to improve test planning, test coverage, test traceability, and release readiness.
• Integration Testing - Develop and execute integration tests validating interactions across systems, services, interfaces, and mission workflows.
• End-to-End Validation - Define and execute mission-focused validation scenarios that assess complete operational workflows rather than isolated software components.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT) - Plan, coordinate, and manage user acceptance testing activities across stakeholder organizations and operational communities.
• UAT Management - Identify capabilities requiring user validation, develop test objectives, assign testing responsibilities to appropriate user groups, and manage execution through completion.
• Test Execution - Personally develop, execute, document, and analyze tests as part of overall validation efforts.
• Defect Management - Coordinate identification, prioritization, tracking, and resolution of defects discovered during integration and user testing activities.
• Release Readiness Assessment - Support operational readiness reviews, deployment decisions, and release acceptance activities.
• Test Reporting - Develop dashboards, readiness metrics, test status reports, and leadership briefings regarding overall system quality and test progress.
• Automation Enablement - Identify opportunities to automate testing activities and incorporate testing into CI/CD delivery pipelines.
• Cross-Team Collaboration - Work closely with software developers, DevSecOps engineers, cyber personnel, systems engineers, operational users, and program leadership.

Work Environment:

• Location: El Segundo, CA (Work-from-home flexibility with on-site support as required)
• Travel Requirements: Minimal
• Working Hours: Standard

Required

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, math, physics, or related technical field
• 7+ years of experience supporting software testing, quality assurance, systems validation, integration testing, or mission system verification activities
• Experience developing test strategies and test plans for complex software systems
• Experience conducting integration testing and end-to-end system validation
• Experience planning and managing user acceptance testing activities involving multiple stakeholder organizations
• Demonstrated ability to perform hands-on testing and validation activities
• Familiarity with Agile software development methodologies and iterative delivery environments
• Understanding of software development lifecycles and release management processes
• Experience coordinating testing activities across multiple development teams
• Experience using Jira, Confluence, test management platforms, and related collaboration tools
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

Desired

• Active Secret or higher clearance
• Master's degree in engineering, computer science, math, physics, or related technical field
• Experience supporting Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Operations Command (SpOC/CFC), or related U.S. Space Force programs
• Familiarity with SATCOM systems, mission systems, or operational C2 environments
• Experience operating in Agile, DevSecOps, or software factory environments
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and continuous testing methodologies
• Experience developing automated test frameworks and automated integration testing approaches
• Understanding of operational acceptance (OA) processes and mission assurance activities
• Experience supporting Kubernetes-based, cloud-native, or distributed software environments
• Familiarity with API testing, service integration testing, and microservice architectures
• Experience coordinating testing across independently contracted development organizations
• Experience implementing shift-left testing strategies within Agile or DevSecOps environments
• Familiarity with automated test tools such as Selenium, Playwright, Cypress, Postman, Karate, Robot Framework, or similar technologies
• Experience developing test data management and test environment strategies
• Familiarity with performance, resiliency, or operational testing approaches
• Experience supporting AI-enabled mission systems or data-driven applications
• Experience supporting transition from large release cycles to CI/CD-oriented delivery models
• Certifications such as INCOSE CSEP/ESEP

Basic Compensation: $129,000 to $161,000 in El Segundo, CA

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.