Verification & Validation (V&V) Manager presso Kepler

We are seeking a highly skilled Verification & Validation (V&V) Manager with a strong background in systems engineering and extensive experience in testing and validation of complex products. While direct experience in the space industry is valuable, we also welcome candidates from adjacent high-complexity domains such as autonomous vehicles, drones, defense, or aviation.  This role is critical to ensuring that our products meet mission and customer requirements through the development, execution, and oversight of robust verification and validation strategies. The V&V Manager will lead both the technical and managerial aspects of the team—driving V&V philosophy, test infrastructure development, and test execution while also guiding, mentoring, and developing a high-performing engineering team.  We need a hands-on leader who combines deep technical expertise with proven team management skills. You will be responsible for ensuring that our products not only pass their tests, but also that those tests robustly validate mission and customer successwhile building and guiding the V&V team to deliver at the highest standards. 

Key Responsibilities:

Define and lead the V&V strategy for the spacecraft product, including philosophy, test plans, and test matrix

Develop and maintain a harmonized test environment that integrates hardware, software, and system-level validation activities across the product lifecycle

Oversee the development of test infrastructure (facilities, tools, automation, and processes) to support system-level and subsystem-level product testing

Lead and manage a V&V engineering team, including setting priorities, coaching, and fostering professional development

Drive test execution, including generation of test procedures, real-time monitoring, and ensuring adherence to product requirements

Analyze test data and generate comprehensive test reports, documenting results, anomalies, and corrective actions that impact product performance

Ensure robust processes for non-conformance management and resolution, ensuring accountability and rapid closure to protect product integrity

Collaborate closely with systems engineering, design, and operations teams to ensure full product requirement coverage and traceability

Continuously improve V&V methodologies, bringing in best practices from aerospace, automotive, robotics, and related product-focused industries

Required Skills & Qualifiications:

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related Field

10+ years of experience in V&V or systems engineering within complex, safety-critical product environments (space, aviation, automotive, autonomous systems, defense, etc.)

Prove track record in test planning, execution, an infrastructure development for complex hardware-software products

Experience leading engineering teams, with demonstrated ability to motivate, mentor, and mange technical staff

Strong knowledge of requirement traceability, system integration, and production validation methodologies

Hands-on experience in non-conformance management and resolution tied to product quality

Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills

Experience with automated test systems, simulation environments, and hardware-in-the-loop setups

Bonus Points:

End-to-end product development experience (design through delivery and operations)

Familiarity with industry standards (ECSS, NASA, ISO, DO-178C, ISO 26262, or equivalents)

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