Manager, Link Layer Testing

Key Accountabilities

Technical Leadership and Ownership

Own the integration, verification, and validation strategy for the Link segment across all program releases.

Lead Link end‑to‑end system testing spanning ground equipment, spacecraft, network control systems, and operational environments.

Define and maintain verification plans, test procedures, and acceptance criteria for Link capabilities.

Ensure full traceability from system and segment requirements to verification activities and test evidence.

Test Planning and Execution

Plan and execute laboratory, simulation, and integrated system tests to validate Link functionality and performance.

Lead system readiness activities supporting test readiness reviews, system readiness reviews, and operational readiness milestones.

Review and approve supplier test plans, test reports, and release documentation related to Link deliverables.

Drive issue identification, triage, root cause analysis, and closure in collaboration with engineering and supplier teams.

Team Leadership and People Management

Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing Link verification and validation team.

Assign priorities, manage workload, and ensure delivery against program milestones.

Provide technical coaching and mentorship to verification and validation engineers.

Support hiring, onboarding, and skills development to ensure the right capabilities are in place.

Cross‑Functional and Supplier Collaboration

Act as the primary verification and validation interface for Link‑related topics.

Partner closely with system engineering, payload engineering, radio frequency engineering, network engineering, operations, and program management teams.

Participate in design and technical reviews to ensure testability and verification coverage.

Communicate test status, risks, and results clearly to engineering leadership and stakeholders.

Certification and Compliance

Produce clear, traceable, and auditable verification evidence to support internal readiness decisions and external certification activities.

Ensure verification activities comply with organizational processes, quality standards, and governance requirements.

Education and Skills required

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.

Minimum 8–12 years of relevant engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a technical leadership or management role.

5+ years of experience managing a team of direct reports

Proven experience delivering system‑level integration and verification for complex, multi‑element systems.

Strong knowledge of satellite communications systems and ground‑to‑space communications architectures.

Experience with system integration and end‑to‑end testing of large‑scale telecommunications or aerospace systems.

Solid understanding of performance, availability, reliability, and operational behavior in complex systems.

Familiarity with laboratory environments, simulators, and test infrastructure.

Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional technical teams.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to explain complex technical issues to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Experience working with external suppliers and partners.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with satellite constellations or large‑scale communications networks.

Background in radio frequency systems, payload validation, or network performance testing.

Experience supporting operational readiness, early operations, or in‑service validation.

Core Competencies

Technical leadership and decision‑making

Systems thinking and problem solving

Planning, execution, and delivery discipline

Collaboration and stakeholder management

Mentorship and team development