Senior Special Test Lead
Draper, Florida, NY, United States
Overview
Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.
Job Summary
The Special Test Lead is responsible for oversight of Draper’s Special Enhanced Ground Test (SEGT) Facility. The role requires a strong understanding of environmental test planning, preparation, execution, and surveillance for various environmental test cells. The Test Lead develops test plans in support of development and acceptance of the test cells, maintains continuous process improvement, and supports staff training to meet SEGT Facility requirements.
Responsibilities
Maintain a 5‑year facilities plan, including research and approved purchase/installation of all capital equipment.
Take ownership of assignments, guide others, and lead tasks while tracking priorities, scope, cost, and schedule.
Derive plans, approaches, and procedures for solving complex I&T problems across a program lifecycle, capture all assumptions, and adapt to changing requirements with limited direction.
Produce high‑quality technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
Oversee Special Test Facility surveillance, including test‑cell usage data collection and failure‑rate analysis.
Manage sparing plans and obsolescence tracking, identify critical parts, determine sparing quantities, and track inventory.
Plan and coordinate preventative maintenance performed by Draper and external vendors.
Support acquisition, upgrades, and repair of test cells, including requirements development, facility planning, quotes, procurement, installation, and re‑certification.
Develop hiring plan for a team of technicians to execute testing on test cells.
Mentor less‑experienced engineers and provide constructive feedback.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Technical Requirements
Experience operating environmental test cells and associated software.
Experience with environmental test planning and execution.
Decisive leadership skills and ability to solve problems under pressure.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
Knowledge of environmental test design and execution.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
5‑7 years of experience in Systems Engineering or a related role.
Must have or be eligible to obtain an active Secret security clearance.
Benefits & Work‑Life Balance
Draper supports work‑life balance with workplace flexibility, employee clubs (e.g., photography, yoga), health and finance workshops, off‑site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.
EEO Statement
Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper provides access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact hr@draper.com.
Job Location
Space Force Station, Florida, 32920‑0246
Salary Range
US base salary range: $82,300.00 – $220,000.00 (within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and other factors.)
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Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.
Job Summary
The Special Test Lead is responsible for oversight of Draper’s Special Enhanced Ground Test (SEGT) Facility. The role requires a strong understanding of environmental test planning, preparation, execution, and surveillance for various environmental test cells. The Test Lead develops test plans in support of development and acceptance of the test cells, maintains continuous process improvement, and supports staff training to meet SEGT Facility requirements.
Responsibilities
Maintain a 5‑year facilities plan, including research and approved purchase/installation of all capital equipment.
Take ownership of assignments, guide others, and lead tasks while tracking priorities, scope, cost, and schedule.
Derive plans, approaches, and procedures for solving complex I&T problems across a program lifecycle, capture all assumptions, and adapt to changing requirements with limited direction.
Produce high‑quality technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
Oversee Special Test Facility surveillance, including test‑cell usage data collection and failure‑rate analysis.
Manage sparing plans and obsolescence tracking, identify critical parts, determine sparing quantities, and track inventory.
Plan and coordinate preventative maintenance performed by Draper and external vendors.
Support acquisition, upgrades, and repair of test cells, including requirements development, facility planning, quotes, procurement, installation, and re‑certification.
Develop hiring plan for a team of technicians to execute testing on test cells.
Mentor less‑experienced engineers and provide constructive feedback.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Technical Requirements
Experience operating environmental test cells and associated software.
Experience with environmental test planning and execution.
Decisive leadership skills and ability to solve problems under pressure.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
Knowledge of environmental test design and execution.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
5‑7 years of experience in Systems Engineering or a related role.
Must have or be eligible to obtain an active Secret security clearance.
Benefits & Work‑Life Balance
Draper supports work‑life balance with workplace flexibility, employee clubs (e.g., photography, yoga), health and finance workshops, off‑site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.
EEO Statement
Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper provides access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact hr@draper.com.
Job Location
Space Force Station, Florida, 32920‑0246
Salary Range
US base salary range: $82,300.00 – $220,000.00 (within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and other factors.)
#J-18808-Ljbffr