Test & Validation Lead Security Clearance

Position: Test & Validation Lead with Security Clearance
Title:

Test & Validation Lead Belong. Connect. Grow. with K ! K  is seeking an experienced Test & Validation Lead to support the MSEIT contract at Space Systems Command (SSC). This role is responsible for developing and executing the program's overall testing and validation strategy across multiple independently contracted software development teams supporting U.S. Space Force mission systems. The Test & Validation Lead serves as the focal point for integration testing, end-to-end validation, user acceptance testing (UAT), and release readiness activities.

Working within a federated development environment, this individual will help ensure development teams maximize their internal testing effectiveness while establishing program-level testing practices that validate capabilities across organizational and system boundaries. This is a hands-on role. The successful candidate will not only define testing approaches and coordinate test activities but will also actively develop, execute, and analyze tests to support delivery and operational acceptance efforts.

The program is actively evolving toward CI/CD-oriented software delivery, and the Test & Validation Lead will help drive increased automation, continuous testing, and rapid feedback mechanisms across the development lifecycle. Responsibilities
* Test Strategy Development - Develop and maintain the program's overall testing and validation strategy across multiple development teams and mission systems.

* Test Coordination - Work directly with independently contracted development teams to improve test planning, test coverage, test traceability, and release readiness.

* Integration Testing - Develop and execute integration tests validating interactions across systems, services, interfaces, and mission workflows.

* End-to-End Validation - Define and execute mission-focused validation scenarios that assess complete operational workflows rather than isolated software components.

* User Acceptance Testing (UAT) - Plan, coordinate, and manage user acceptance testing activities across stakeholder organizations and operational communities.

* UAT Management - Identify capabilities requiring user validation, develop test objectives, assign testing responsibilities to appropriate user groups, and manage execution through completion.

* Test Execution - Personally develop, execute, document, and analyze tests as part of overall validation efforts.

* Defect Management - Coordinate identification, prioritization, tracking, and resolution of defects discovered during integration and user testing activities.

* Release Readiness Assessment - Support operational readiness reviews, deployment decisions, and release acceptance activities.

* Test Reporting - Develop dashboards, readiness metrics, test status reports, and leadership briefings regarding overall system quality and test progress.

* Automation Enablement - Identify opportunities to automate testing activities and incorporate testing into CI/CD delivery pipelines.

* Cross-Team Collaboration - Work closely with software developers, Dev Sec Ops  engineers, cyber personnel, systems engineers, operational users, and program leadership. Work Environment:

* Location:

El Segundo, CA (Work-from-home flexibility with on-site support as required)

* Travel Requirements:
Minimal

* Working Hours:

Standard Required
* Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance

* Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, math, physics, or related technical field

* 7+ years of experience supporting software testing, quality assurance, systems validation, integration testing, or mission system verification activities

* Experience developing test strategies and test plans for complex software systems

* Experience conducting integration testing and end-to-end system validation

* Experience planning and managing user acceptance testing activities involving multiple stakeholder organizations

* Demonstrated ability to perform hands-on testing and validation activities

* Familiarity with Agile software development methodologies and iterative delivery environments

* Understanding of software development life cycles and release management processes

* Experience coordinating testing activities across multiple development teams

* Experience using Jira, Confluence, test management platforms, and related collaboration tools

* Strong analytical and organizational skills

* Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams

* Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) Desired
* Active Secret or higher clearance

* Master's degree in engineering, computer science, math, physics, or related technical field

* Experience supporting Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Operations Command (SpOC/CFC), or related U.S. Space Force programs

* Familiarity with SATCOM systems, mission systems, or operational C2 environments

* Experience operating in Agile, Dev Sec Ops , or software factory environments

* Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines…