Director, Test and Operations

Long Wall Company was created in 2024 to accelerate missile defense technology for the U.S. and our allies. Building on the RS1 and GS0 launch systems, Long Wall develops containerized, mass-producible missile defense systems and offers rapid, low-cost flight testing. We believe that the future of global security and stability require defensive technology that is lower cost, higher performing, better tested, and more broadly distributed than is possible today.

Join us.

What we look for

Mission-Driven Problem Solvers. The aerospace frontier demands ingenuity. We want Team members who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and stay focused on delivering the best solution for the mission.

Total Ownership. We seek staff and engineers who take full responsibility for contributing to and delivering flight-ready work while recognizing that no one succeeds alone. The best engineers, corporate professionals, and technicians make their teammates better. Knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success.

Director, Test & Operations

DESCRIPTION

Long Wall is seeking a Director of Test Engineering & Operations to lead all testing activities across component, subsystem, vehicle, and full-system test campaigns. This leader will own both the engineering discipline of test (architecture, instrumentation, data systems) and the operational execution (facilities, GSE, procedures, and technicians). You'll build and scale the testing infrastructure that underpins our rapid development cycles and ensures mission-ready performance of our defensive systems.

The ideal candidate has demonstrated capability as a hands-on, strategic leader with deep experience in aerospace or high-growth hardware environments, capable of building teams, developing robust processes, and driving complex test campaigns with speed, rigor, and exceptional engineering judgment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead all test engineering activities, including test architecture, test stand design, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, qualification planning, and development of test procedures and methodologies.
• Own end-to-end test operations across component, subsystem, stage, and full system campaigns, ensuring safe, efficient, and repeatable execution of all test activities.
• Drive test readiness through test planning, scheduling, configuration control, hardware flow coordination, and managing risk through rigorous pre-test and post-test review processes.
• Work closely with the sites and facilities team to develop and manage test facilities, ground support equipment, and infrastructure required for engine, structural, environmental, and integrated vehicle testing.
• Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing team spanning test engineering, test technicians, operators, and test site support functions.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, EHS, and regulatory requirements while establishing a strong culture of disciplined test execution.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Launch, and Program teams to ensure test assets and campaigns align with development priorities and delivery milestones.
• Oversee incident response, anomaly investigations, and corrective actions to ensure lessons learned drive organizational improvements.
• Manage budgets, capital planning, and vendor relationships related to test infrastructure, equipment, and site operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering discipline;
  Master's preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in test engineering, test operations, or integrated test roles in aerospace, defense, propulsion, or high-growth hardware environments.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proven hands-on experience leading complex test campaigns at the component, subsystem, and system levels (e.g., propulsion, structures, avionics, integrated vehicle).
• 5+ years of people-leadership experience overseeing multi-disciplinary teams (test engineers, technicians, operators).
• Demonstrated ability to build and scale test infrastructure, including test stands, data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Strong…