Project Manager / Lead Systems Engineer – Unit Test Development (Secret)

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

CFD Research is seeking a Project Manager / Lead Systems Engineer to oversee a software unit test development effort supporting a critical DoD Missile Defense system. The effort focuses on delivering comprehensive automated testing, establishing modern test frameworks, and meeting stringent software quality and code coverage standards across a complex defense software baseline. The selected candidate will serve as the primary programmatic and technical liaison to prime contractor counterparts, managing cost, schedule, reviews, and risk to ensure successful delivery across the testing lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive cost and schedule adherence across program execution.
• Coordinate bi-monthly status reviews and milestone reporting with prime contractor counterparts.
• Track deliverable milestones, resource allocation, and progress against the target threshold of 80% unit test code coverage across 1.5–1.7M LOC.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities between software test developers and DevSecOps pipeline engineers.

Qualifications and Desired Skills

• U.S. Citizenship required; must possess and maintain an active DoD SECRET Clearance
• 10+ years of experience leading DoD software and systems engineering programs, specifically within missile defense or radar control domains.
• Demonstrated familiarity with defense program workflows, baseline processes, and contracting standards.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams working under strict DoD security constraints.

Location: This role is based in the Huntsville, AL area, and is 100% onsite. Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories