Test Engineering Lead

Readiness Delivered. At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our customers, employees, and families. Recognized as thought leaders in our industry, we are motivated by creating and delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers. Kratos is seeking a System Test Lead to support the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Mission Systems Program Management Office. This role combines leadership in software and hardware testing with modern agile development practices, supporting mission-critical SATCOM and cyber systems. The ideal candidate will bring extensive hands-on experience in system-level testing, test automation, and Agile/Scrum execution-including sprint planning, backlog refinement, and cross-functional coordination.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional test teams through contractor, developmental, and operational test phases, ensuring seamless integration across test activities.
• Develop, refine, and execute test strategies aligned with Agile methodologies, incorporating sprint cycles, iterative development, and continuous feedback loops.
• Partner closely with engineering, program management, and government stakeholders to ensure test plans and results remain aligned with evolving program objectives and mission needs
• Actively participate in sprint planning, backlog refinement, and daily stand-ups to ensure testing activities are fully integrated into the Agile development lifecycle.
• Translate system and software requirements into clear, testable scenarios-covering functional, regression, performance, and integration testing.
• Design, develop, and maintain automated test suites using modern testing frameworks, tools, and best practices.
• Lead defect triage and resolution efforts, evaluating severity, root causes, and operational impact across releases.
• Build and manage an integrated master test schedule aligned with Agile release cycles and program milestones.
• Prepare and deliver timely, data-driven test reports-including sprint metrics, test results summaries, and system fielding or certification documentation.

• Must be a self-starter and able to work closely in a fast paced, small engineering team which includes software engineers, DSP engineers, hardware engineers, and systems engineers
• Top Secret (TS) security clearance with SCI eligibility
• Associates degree in Math, Physics, Engineering, Statistics, Systems Engineering or Industrial Engineering
• Requires 10 years of experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and documentation abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Demonstrated experience in software and hardware testing, including both manual and automated test approaches
• Strong knowledge of Agile development practices, including participation in Scrum ceremonies and sprint-based workflows
• Experience working with RF, SATCOM, and cyber systems within defense, aerospace, or similarly complex technical environments
• Proficiency with test management platforms (e.g., JIRA, TestRail, Zephyr) and modern test automation frameworks and tools
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and documentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to diverse stakeholders

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with system testing, debugging, and troubleshooting hardware/software.
• Experience with Cyber systems and SATCOM technology.
• Experience with Agile methodologies
• Familiarity with networking concepts and Linux operating systems is a plus

#LI-Onsite

The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Competitive salary based on experience and education
Salary Range: $110,000-$150,000

Kratos is valued for our ability to design and deliver leading edge, resilient solutions for aerospace communication, control, awareness and mission success across a continuum of offerings-from commercial to tailored custom solutions and integrated programs. Customers trust us to stay relevant and know we are in it for the long-haul. We bring both the capability and confidence that our customers value and depend on. And we always deliver.

This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Job Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Disability Accessibility Accommodation
If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

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The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

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From: Kratos Defense