Meeting the Demand for Developmental Test Engineers

Across industries, the need for developmental testing professionals is growing rapidly. In aviation alone, there are more than 65,000 test pilot and developmental testing roles in the United States, with nearly 20% of the workforce expected to retire soon (Lightcast, 2023). Employers in both the public and private sectors are competing for qualified professionals who can evaluate, manage, and implement complex systems in real-world applications.

Purdue’s Master of Science (MS) in Developmental Testing and Innovation, offered through the Polytechnic Institute in collaboration with the College of Engineering, is designed to prepare engineers and technology professionals to meet this critical demand. By combining technical expertise with leadership and project management skills, this program equips graduates to take on developmental testing challenges in defense, aerospace, and other technology-driven industries.

Build Engineering and Testing Expertise Employers Need

Purdue’s MS in Developmental Testing and Innovation blends advanced coursework in systems engineering, risk management, and project leadership with hands-on applications of developmental testing practices. Students learn to evaluate real and simulated systems, analyze responses, and generate credible data to guide critical decision-making.

Program highlights include:

• Applying risk management principles to support safe and effective system use.
• Using project management strategies to balance scope, time, and resources.
• Designing and defending systems architecture and models for real-world applications.
• Integrating systems and capability engineering to drive innovation across industries.

Graduates of the MS in Developmental Testing program will be prepared to:

• Advance military or private-sector careers in aerospace, defense, and engineering.
• Lead developmental testing teams to bring new technologies from concept to reality.
• Apply systems-level thinking to improve performance, safety, and innovation.