IPT Lead

The IPT Lead manages and coordinates a cross-functional team supporting a wind tunnel test program from initial planning through execution and data delivery. This role aligns stakeholders across multiple engineering disciplines, test operations, facilities, instrumentation, quality, safety, and program management to ensure that test objectives are achieved on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable requirements and processes. The IPT Lead serves as the primary integrator for scope, schedule, risk, and technical execution for assigned wind tunnel campaigns in a highly technical, cutting-edge hypersonics environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a cross-functional integrated product team supporting wind tunnel test programs from planning through execution and data delivery.
• Align stakeholders across engineering disciplines, test operations, facilities, instrumentation, quality, safety, and program management to ensure shared understanding of objectives, scope, and constraints.
• Serve as the primary integrator for scope, schedule, risk, and technical execution for assigned wind tunnel campaigns.
• Develop, maintain, and track detailed project plans, including milestones, deliverables, and dependencies, to ensure testing is completed on time and within budget.
• Coordinate test planning activities, including definition of test objectives, test configurations, and required resources.
• Oversee execution of wind tunnel tests, ensuring adherence to established procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards.
• Manage and track risks and issues, proactively identifying potential impacts to scope, schedule, or technical performance and driving mitigation actions.
• Review and mark up engineering drawings to ensure they meet technical requirements and support safe and effective test execution.
• Coordinate and interpret FEA analysis activities, particularly for pressure vessels and related hardware, to confirm structural adequacy and compliance with applicable codes.
• Ensure all test hardware, including pressure vessels and boiler pressure components, meets relevant technical and safety requirements.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among discipline leads in a matrix organization, ensuring clear ownership and accountability for tasks.
• Organize and track individual project activities, status, and deliverables across the team, providing clear visibility to stakeholders.
• Support data delivery activities by coordinating with engineering and test teams to ensure data quality, completeness, and timely release.
• Promote a culture of high technical standards, continuous learning, and safety throughout test planning and execution.
• Engage regularly with the government customer and other stakeholders, providing concise status updates, addressing concerns, and incorporating feedback into plans.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (ME degree).
• Strong mechanical engineering technical background, including experience with structural and pressure systems.
• Proven experience leading a team in a technical or engineering environment.
• Ability to review and mark up engineering drawings for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with requirements.
• Experience with FEA (finite element analysis), particularly as it applies to pressure vessels and related structures.
• Prior pressure vessel experience, including familiarity with analysis and design considerations for high-pressure systems.
• Experience with boiler and pressure code requirements and their application to test hardware.
• Demonstrated leadership, coordination, and organizational skills in managing scope, schedule, risk, and technical execution.
• Strong communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.

• Experience working in a matrixed organization with multiple discipline leads.
• background in test operations or wind tunnel testing environments.
• Experience coordinating with government customers or working on government-sponsored programs.
• Interest in or exposure to hypersonics and other cutting-edge aerospace technologies.
• Ability to thrive in a highly technical, performance-driven culture while maintaining strong collaboration and teamwork.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage competing priorities under schedule and budget constraints.

This role is based onsite in Huntsville, Alabama, within a matrixed engineering organization where each discipline has its own lead and the IPT Lead is responsible for organizing and tracking individual projects across those disciplines. The environment is highly technical and focused on cutting-edge hypersonics and wind tunnel testing, offering direct interaction with government customers and significant opportunities for learning and professional growth. The culture combines a fun, engaging atmosphere with high technical standards and a competitive, performance-oriented mindset. The position offers a flexible work schedule with core hours from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., supporting a healthy work-life balance while ensuring availability for team collaboration and test activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Huntsville, AL.

The pay range for this position is $62.00 - $87.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $62 - $87