Testing Services Assistant Director

Marathon TS

Arlington, VA

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Acceptance Testing, Adaptive Programming, Adoption, Agile Programming Methodologies, Analysis Skills, Atlassian JIRA, Automation, Best Practices, Certification Evaluation, Communication Skills, Computer Science, Consensus Building Skills, Consulting, Continuous Deployment/Delivery, Continuous Improvement, Continuous Integration, Corrective Action, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Detail Oriented, DoD Clearance, Documentation, Establish Priorities, Follow Through, Git, GitHub, Government, ISTQB Foundation, Improvement Metrics, Information Technology & Information Systems, JavaScript, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Management Strategy, Metrics, Microsoft C# (C Sharp), Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Operations Management, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Power BI, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Implementation, Process Analysis, Process Improvement, Program Planning, Quality Assurance Methodology, Quality Metrics, Radiography, Resource Management, Root Cause Analysis, SQL (Structured Query Language), Scrum Project Management and Software Development, Security Clearance, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Software Testing, Strategic Planning, System Architecture, Tableau, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Operations, Technical Strategy, Test Automation, Test Plan/Schedule, Test Program, Test Requirements, Test Strategy, Test Suite, Testing, Time Management, Training/Teaching, United States Citizen, United States Department of Defense (DoD), User Interface/Experience (UI/UX), Work From Home, Writing Skills, XML (EXtensible Markup Language)

LOCATION

Arlington, VA

POSTED

30+ days ago

Testing Services Assistant Director
Washington DC Metro area (Onsite – Arlington, DC; some remote work possible)

We are looking for a Testing Services Assistant Director to work closely with the Testing Services Director and other senior software testing leadership and software test platform leaders to ensure projects are progressing to plan, key metrics are being reported and to drive operational efficiency.

This person should proactively drive work independently in alignment with broader strategic guidance, anticipate challenges, accurately prioritize responsibilities, and develop actionable, solution-oriented recommendations in close collaboration with stakeholders. This role will work closely with other contracted members of the prime contractors team and subcontracted resources. This role requires a proactive, solutions-oriented individual who takes initiative, anticipates challenges, and works closely with clients and stakeholders to drive outcomes. As the needs of the contract change, this role will also evolve. Some highlights of the job duties include the following.

Own execution of program software testing – Act as an accountable contractor leader of a program's test execution responsibilities, including planning, execution, and reporting of tests for a suite of approximately 10 integrated products. Think through future potential risks or challenges while completing tests on time. Find ways to make "on time” sooner than before. Ensure everyone has complete and clear access to test result information and seek to improve key metrics.

Drive change and implementation of best practices – Articulate best-practices for test in Agile and/or DevSecOps environments and drive organization to adoption of practices. Work through implementation challenges drawing from direct experience bringing organizations from poor test practices into modern, best practices.

Provide Subject Matter Expertise – Consult with development, security, operations, technical / engineering, and business leadership to ensure the best possible outcomes for the organization. Provide insights into the impact of key decisions to test's ability to support success. Share subject matter expertise on testing best practices, test automation implementation, and tradeoffs throughout testing lifecycle. Consult with test leadership on how to optimize outcomes by improving processes, environments, deployment of resources, etc. Act as a trusted partner to client stakeholders, working collaboratively to solve problems and align testing outcomes with broader program goals.

Support strategic management of team tasks – Help the Testing Services Director maintain a high-level comprehensive view of all key tasks and asks across the leadership team and provide reminders to team to ensure completion. Help escalate and resolve cross-team roadblocks. Understand technical details to ensure strategies are achievable and proactively identify and solve challenges before they impact delivery.

Enforce documented processes – Ensure that individuals (team, vendors, government) are following processes as documented. Determine root cause and work with platform leads to implement corrective actions, including providing process training.

Evolve with the role – As the team continues to improve and the need for active management decreases, the role will also evolve to address new needs. Motivated to learn on-the-job as the role progresses, specifically in the context of implementing and guiding testing in relation to DevSecOps best practices.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Own execution of Software Testing – Accountable for end-to-end delivery of testing across the program, including planning, execution, and reporting

Drive development and execution of test plans aligned to program needs
Lead resolution of testing issues and remove blockers to maintain schedule
Deliver clear, accurate reporting on solution health and test outcomes
Establish and improve test performance metrics to drive accountability
Partner directly with government leads and key stakeholders across all activities
Operate and make decisions effectively in high-stakes environment

Drive change and implementation of best practices – Lead adoption of modern testing practices across Agile and DevSecOps environments

Define and communicate a clear vision for testing best practices
Drive cross-functional alignment to implement and sustain changes
Develop actionable implementation plans and ensure execution
Advocate for change using data, metrics, and measurable outcomes
Address adoption challenges with practical, experience-based solutions

Provide Subject Matter Expertise – Serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders on testing strategy, execution, and optimization, including

Test strategy development and execution in a DoD context
Implementation of testing procedures, requirements, and best practices
Trade-offs and impacts across development, security, operations, and business decisions
Test environments and infrastructure strategy
Test automation and CI/CD pipeline integration
Test scheduling, coordination, and management

Strategically manage team tasks and direction – Hold ultimate accountability for success of team tasks, including

Support development and maintenance of test strategies and plans
Lead core meetings (e.g., Working Integrated Program Teams, scrums, etc.)
Allocate resources among different business units
Use information from reports and test results to change operations
Drive test automation and modernization efforts
Support introduction of new tools and techniques that are aligned with the strategic testing program

Enforce documented processes – Ensure consistent adherence to defined testing and quality processes across teams and vendors

Monitor compliance and proactively identify gaps or deviations
Lead root cause analysis and drive corrective actions to resolution
Partner with platform leads to implement process improvements and training

Track and report process adherence and improvement metrics
Evolve with the role – Adapt responsibilities as program maturity increases, shifting from execution oversight to strategic optimization and continuous improvement

Identify and lead initiatives that improve testing effectiveness, efficiency, and scalability
Establish and refine metrics to measure success of evolving responsibilities and capabilities
Partner with leadership to continuously improve testing strategy, tools, and processes

Proactively assess organizational gaps and implement solutions aligned with DevSecOps best practices
Perform specific projects and/or other duties as assigned or required.

BASIC JOB QUALIFICATION PREFERENCES

15+ years professional experience in SDLC
10+ years experience in Software testing / quality assurance
Direct experience successfully driving one or more organizations from poor or outdated test practices to modern test practices, including adoption of Agile and/or DevSecOps practices
Familiarity with software testing, testing strategy, and test automation in a DevSecOps agile environment
Understanding of test infrastructure, system architecture
Experience contributing to engineering discussions around technology decisions and strategy related to system architecture, data exchanges, and testing
Must be a US citizen and able to receive a Public Trust

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATION PREFERENCES

Undergraduate and/or graduate degree in STEM (preferably in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or similar technical field; graduate degrees preferred)
ISTQB Certified (preferably in Strategic Test Management and Operational Test Management; certification in Assessing Test Processes and Implementing Test Process Improvement also preferred)
Experience in Acquisitions & Testing in the Department of Defense, including experience with programs following Adaptive Acquisition Framework
Working knowledge of testing requirements and documentation needed in the DoD, especially for paths 5000.75, 5000.87, and 5000.74
Defense Acquisition University Test & Evaluation training and/or Certification preferred
Existing Public Trust or security clearance with the DoD

DESIRED TOOLS EXPERIENCE

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
Experience with JIRA, Zephyr, Xray, Git Integration, GitHub
Familiarity with automation tools, especially UFT and UI Path
Experience working with a variety of test / preproduction environments
Familiarity with XML, SQL, Tableau, and PowerBI (C# or JavaScript, preferred)

KEY COMPETENCIES

Strong self-starter with the ability to work independently, take initiative, anticipate needs, and proactively drive work to completion
Meticulous attention to detail and follow-through on requests and deadlines
Knowledge of or ability to quickly understand the complexities of a testing organization and apply the knowledge to day-to-day work
Strong, proactive problem-solving and consensus-building skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive solutions
Data-driven and analytical
Ability to multi-task and contribute to many projects in various stages of development across multiple programs
Excellent executive-level verbal and written communication skills; capable of tailoring messages in a clear, concise, unambiguous, engaging, and convincing manner
Recognize and maintain highest levels of confidentiality
Flexible, positive team player; outstanding customer service orientation
Ability to handle difficult situations with poise, tact and exhibit good judgment

#cjjobs
Marathon TS is committed to the development of a creative, diverse and inclusive work environment. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Marathon TS will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Marathon TS does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law (referred to as "protected status ").

About the Company

Marathon TS

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