Senior Test Engineer

McBride Consulting has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Test Engineer providing support to the Command, Control, Communications (C3C)/Kessel Run Division. Kessel Run is an Air Force unit that delivers resilient command and control and targeting software capabilities that provide warfighters with decision advantage. Under the Department of the Air Force Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communication, and Battle Management (DAF PEO C3BM), Kessel Run technologies make up the DAF BATTLE NETWORK, the systems-of-systems designed to help the Joint Force make operational decisions faster than our adversaries. The Division architects and acquires the means to connect weapon systems with warfighters and decision makers to enable the warfighter to win against the pacing challenge in an era of great power competition. This is a full time position located at Langley AFB Hampton, Virginia. The selected candidate will support C2Core, a battle-tested, cloud-native command and control (C2) software suite that is foundational to Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). It connects operators across air, land, sea, space, and cyber to enable rapid, informed decision-making. Duties include, but not limited to: Develop and document the single, overarching Test & Evaluation (T&E) Strategy for the program. Lead the "embedded" government oversight function within the integrated test team, providing continuous, "over-the-shoulder" oversight of contractor testing activities. Validate that software capabilities meet their intended operational outcomes from an end-to-end mission perspective. Assess the adequacy and coverage of the contractor's test automation against mission-critical capabilities. Serve as the primary testing lead for C2Core leadership and manage all interactions with external test organizations. Ensure all testing activities comply with DoD and USAF regulations (e.g., DoDI 5000.87) while aggressively streamlining processes to maintain program agility. Requirements Citizenship: Must be a US citizen Minimum Required Qualifications Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain a Top Secret Level Clearance Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in related field Years of experience: 10 years of directly related experience with 4 years of experience in a DoD setting Technical Skills Expertise in operational and mission systems, with the ability to translate mission needs into technical requirements and system capabilities. Experience developing and executing Test and Evaluation (T&E) strategies, including planning, verification/validation methods, and data-driven assessments. Proficiency in Agile methodologies and DevSecOps practices to support rapid, secure, and iterative software development and delivery. Strong technical oversight and systems engineering background, including architecture evaluation, requirements analysis, integration, and risk management. Familiarity with DoDI 5000.87 and related regulatory frameworks, with experience ensuring program compliance and proper documentation. Interpersonal Skills Partnership-oriented: Ability to build a "one team" environment and foster a strong, collaborative partnership with the contractor. Strategic Thinker: Can translate high-level operational needs into clear, testable criteria and navigate complex regulatory requirements without causing bureaucratic delays. Influential Communicator: Able to provide immediate, clear feedback and confidently represent the program to senior leadership and external organizations. Mission-Focused: Possesses a deep understanding of the user's perspective (e.g., combat air operations) and can immediately identify when a feature is technically correct but operationally inefficient or unsound. Additional Information Location: Langley AFB Hampton, Virginia Travel: 10% Onsite Benefits 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Vision insurance