Link Layer Integration Testing Manager (35387)

The Manager, Link Layer Integration, Verification & Validation is responsible for leading the end-to-end integration, verification, validation, and operational readiness of advanced communication link systems supporting next-generation satellite and broadband communication networks.

This position owns the planning, execution, and reporting of system-level testing activities to ensure communication link functionality meets system requirements, performance objectives, reliability targets, and operational readiness criteria. The successful candidate will lead a team of Verification & Validation (V&V) engineers while collaborating closely with Systems Engineering, RF Engineering, Payload Engineering, Network Engineering, Operations, Software Development, and external suppliers to deliver high-quality system releases.

This role requires strong technical leadership, excellent communication skills, and extensive experience integrating complex communications systems across hardware, software, and network environments.

Technical Leadership

• Own the integration, verification, and validation strategy for communication link systems across multiple product releases.
• Lead end-to-end system integration and testing spanning ground infrastructure, communication payloads, network control systems, and operational environments.
• Develop and maintain verification plans, test procedures, acceptance criteria, and verification matrices.
• Ensure complete traceability between system requirements, verification activities, test execution, and certification evidence.
• Identify technical risks and implement mitigation strategies throughout the product development lifecycle.

Test Planning & System Validation

• Plan and execute laboratory, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and integrated system testing activities.
• Lead system readiness efforts supporting Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), System Readiness Reviews (SRR), Operational Readiness Reviews (ORR), and production milestones.
• Review and approve supplier verification plans, validation reports, and release documentation.
• Drive issue investigation, defect triage, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and verification closure in collaboration with engineering teams and external partners.
• Ensure system performance meets functional, reliability, availability, and operational objectives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing Verification & Validation engineering team.
• Assign priorities, manage project workloads, and ensure delivery against program schedules.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to engineers.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, career development, and succession planning for the engineering organization.
• Foster a collaborative, quality-focused engineering culture.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary Verification & Validation representative for communication link systems.
• Collaborate closely with:
  • Systems Engineering
  • RF Engineering
  • Payload Engineering
  • Network Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Operations
  • Program Management
  • Manufacturing
  • Quality Assurance
• Participate in architecture reviews, design reviews, technical assessments, and system integration planning.
• Communicate project status, risks, technical issues, and verification results to engineering leadership and executive stakeholders.

Certification & Quality Assurance

• Produce complete, traceable, and auditable verification evidence supporting internal acceptance, customer delivery, and regulatory certification.
• Ensure all verification activities comply with organizational engineering processes, quality standards, and governance requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives for verification methodologies, automation, and testing best practices.

Education & Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 8–12 years of engineering experience supporting complex communications, networking, aerospace, or telecommunications systems.
• Minimum 3 years of technical leadership or engineering management experience.
• Experience managing teams of engineering professionals.
• Proven success delivering large-scale system integration, verification, and validation programs.
• Strong understanding of communication networks, distributed systems, and end-to-end system integration.

Preferred

• Experience with satellite communications, aerospace systems, broadband networking, or mission-critical communication platforms.
• Background in RF engineering, payload integration, modem development, networking, or communication system testing.
• Experience supporting operational readiness, deployment, commissioning, or production releases.

Technical Skills

• System Integration & Verification
• End-to-End Communication Systems Testing
• Verification & Validation (V&V)
• Requirements Traceability
• Test Automation
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing
• Laboratory & Simulation Environments
• Network Performance Testing
• Communication Protocol Validation
• RF Communications
• Distributed Systems
• Performance Analysis
• Reliability Engineering
• Defect Management & Root Cause Analysis
• Systems Engineering Processes
• Supplier Qualification & Technical Management

Leadership Competencies

• Strong technical leadership and engineering decision-making.
• Excellent analytical and systems-thinking capabilities.
• Outstanding planning, execution, and program delivery skills.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in complex technical environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Proven mentoring, coaching, and people development abilities.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business and operational outcomes.

Preferred Industry Experience

• Satellite Communications
• Aerospace & Space Systems
• Telecommunications
• Broadband Networking
• Wireless Communications
• Defense & Secure Communications
• Networking Equipment
• Systems Integration
• High-Reliability Mission-Critical Systems

#J-18808-Ljbffr