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.

Experience and Skills

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: $125,000-$170,000

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