Testing Services Assistant Director

Testing Services Assistant Director
Washington DC Metro area (Onsite – Chantilly, Arlington, DC; some remote work possible)

We are looking for a Testing Services Assistant Director to work closely with the Testing Services Director and other senior software testing leadership and software test platform leaders to ensure projects are progressing to plan, key metrics are being reported and to drive operational efficiency.

This person should proactively drive work independently in alignment with broader strategic guidance, anticipate challenges, accurately prioritize responsibilities, and develop actionable, solution-oriented recommendations in close collaboration with stakeholders. This role will work closely with other contracted members of the prime contractors team and subcontracted resources. This role requires a proactive, solutions-oriented individual who takes initiative, anticipates challenges, and works closely with clients and stakeholders to drive outcomes. As the needs of the contract change, this role will also evolve. Some highlights of the job duties include the following.

Own execution of program software testing – Act as an accountable contractor leader of a program's test execution responsibilities, including planning, execution, and reporting of tests for a suite of approximately 10 integrated products. Think through future potential risks or challenges while completing tests on time. Find ways to make "on time” sooner than before. Ensure everyone has complete and clear access to test result information and seek to improve key metrics.

Drive change and implementation of best practices – Articulate best-practices for test in Agile and/or DevSecOps environments and drive organization to adoption of practices. Work through implementation challenges drawing from direct experience bringing organizations from poor test practices into modern, best practices.

Provide Subject Matter Expertise – Consult with development, security, operations, technical / engineering, and business leadership to ensure the best possible outcomes for the organization. Provide insights into the impact of key decisions to test's ability to support success. Share subject matter expertise on testing best practices, test automation implementation, and tradeoffs throughout testing lifecycle. Consult with test leadership on how to optimize outcomes by improving processes, environments, deployment of resources, etc. Act as a trusted partner to client stakeholders, working collaboratively to solve problems and align testing outcomes with broader program goals.

Support strategic management of team tasks – Help the Testing Services Director maintain a high-level comprehensive view of all key tasks and asks across the leadership team and provide reminders to team to ensure completion. Help escalate and resolve cross-team roadblocks. Understand technical details to ensure strategies are achievable and proactively identify and solve challenges before they impact delivery.

Enforce documented processes – Ensure that individuals (team, vendors, government) are following processes as documented. Determine root cause and work with platform leads to implement corrective actions, including providing process training.

Evolve with the role – As the team continues to improve and the need for active management decreases, the role will also evolve to address new needs. Motivated to learn on-the-job as the role progresses, specifically in the context of implementing and guiding testing in relation to DevSecOps best practices.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Own execution of Software Testing – Accountable for end-to-end delivery of testing across the program, including planning, execution, and reporting

• Drive development and execution of test plans aligned to program needs
• Lead resolution of testing issues and remove blockers to maintain schedule
• Deliver clear, accurate reporting on solution health and test outcomes
• Establish and improve test performance metrics to drive accountability
• Partner directly with government leads and key stakeholders across all activities
• Operate and make decisions effectively in high-stakes environment

Drive change and implementation of best practices – Lead adoption of modern testing practices across Agile and DevSecOps environments

• Define and communicate a clear vision for testing best practices
• Drive cross-functional alignment to implement and sustain changes
• Develop actionable implementation plans and ensure execution
• Advocate for change using data, metrics, and measurable outcomes
• Address adoption challenges with practical, experience-based solutions

Provide Subject Matter Expertise – Serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders on testing strategy, execution, and optimization, including

• Test strategy development and execution in a DoD context
• Implementation of testing procedures, requirements, and best practices
• Trade-offs and impacts across development, security, operations, and business decisions
• Test environments and infrastructure strategy
• Test automation and CI/CD pipeline integration
• Test scheduling, coordination, and management

Strategically manage team tasks and direction – Hold ultimate accountability for success of team tasks, including

• Support development and maintenance of test strategies and plans
• Lead core meetings (e.g., Working Integrated Program Teams, scrums, etc.)
• Allocate resources among different business units
• Use information from reports and test results to change operations
• Drive test automation and modernization efforts
• Support introduction of new tools and techniques that are aligned with the strategic testing program

Enforce documented processes – Ensure consistent adherence to defined testing and quality processes across teams and vendors

• Monitor compliance and proactively identify gaps or deviations
• Lead root cause analysis and drive corrective actions to resolution
• Partner with platform leads to implement process improvements and training

Track and report process adherence and improvement metrics
Evolve with the role – Adapt responsibilities as program maturity increases, shifting from execution oversight to strategic optimization and continuous improvement

• Identify and lead initiatives that improve testing effectiveness, efficiency, and scalability
• Establish and refine metrics to measure success of evolving responsibilities and capabilities
• Partner with leadership to continuously improve testing strategy, tools, and processes

Proactively assess organizational gaps and implement solutions aligned with DevSecOps best practices
Perform specific projects and/or other duties as assigned or required.

BASIC JOB QUALIFICATION PREFERENCES

• 15 years professional experience in SDLC
• 10 years experience in Software testing / quality assurance
• Direct experience successfully driving one or more organizations from poor or outdated test practices to modern test practices, including adoption of Agile and/or DevSecOps practices
• Familiarity with software testing, testing strategy, and test automation in a DevSecOps agile environment
• Understanding of test infrastructure, system architecture
• Experience contributing to engineering discussions around technology decisions and strategy related to system architecture, data exchanges, and testing
• Must be a US citizen and able to receive a Public Trust

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATION PREFERENCES

• Undergraduate and/or graduate degree in STEM (preferably in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or similar technical field; graduate degrees preferred)
• ISTQB Certified (preferably in Strategic Test Management and Operational Test Management; certification in Assessing Test Processes and Implementing Test Process Improvement also preferred)
• Experience in Acquisitions & Testing in the Department of Defense, including experience with programs following Adaptive Acquisition Framework
• Working knowledge of testing requirements and documentation needed in the DoD, especially for paths 5000.75, 5000.87, and 5000.74
• Defense Acquisition University Test & Evaluation training and/or Certification preferred
• Existing Public Trust or security clearance with the DoD

DESIRED TOOLS EXPERIENCE

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Experience with JIRA, Zephyr, Xray, Git Integration, GitHub
• Familiarity with automation tools, especially UFT and UI Path
• Experience working with a variety of test / preproduction environments
• Familiarity with XML, SQL, Tableau, and PowerBI (C# or JavaScript, preferred)

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong self-starter with the ability to work independently, take initiative, anticipate needs, and proactively drive work to completion
• Meticulous attention to detail and follow-through on requests and deadlines
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly understand the complexities of a testing organization and apply the knowledge to day-to-day work
• Strong, proactive problem-solving and consensus-building skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive solutions
• Data-driven and analytical
• Ability to multi-task and contribute to many projects in various stages of development across multiple programs
• Excellent executive-level verbal and written communication skills; capable of tailoring messages in a clear, concise, unambiguous, engaging, and convincing manner
• Recognize and maintain highest levels of confidentiality
• Flexible, positive team player; outstanding customer service orientation
• Ability to handle difficult situations with poise, tact and exhibit good judgment

Pay: $175,000.00 - $190,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• This position requires that you are able to obtain a public trust clearance, a clean background and U.S. Citizenship are needed. Do you meet this requirement?
• Do you have 15 years of professional experience in SDLC?
• Do you have direct experience sucessfully driving one or more organizations from poor or outdated test practices to modern test practices,including adoption of Agile and/or DevSecOps Agile?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Software testing/quality assurance: 10 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• ISTQB Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Chantilly, VA 20152 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chantilly, VA 20152

Salary : $175,000 - $190,000