The systems test architect: enabling the leap from testable to tested

Abstract

Test and evaluation is one of the cornerstones of the systems engineering process. Not only is it the main vehicle to obtain information about the adequacy of a system design, but it positively influences design decisions and the systems engineering process, if used from the earliest life-cycle stages. Based on its value, the Department of Defense (DOD) and industry both have placed an emphasis on a shift-left mentality approach in recent years. Despite this, little guidance or policy is available on how to achieve this mentality within the scope of the systems engineering process. Through the analysis of the documented roles of test and evaluation in systems engineering, this thesis examines the concept that test and evaluation, based on its desired early involvement in the system engineering process, is a stakeholder in that process. In order to participate in that process, test and evaluation as an activity requires a proxy, which this work refers to as the systems test architect. The conclusion is that the Systems Test Architect will positively influence the systems engineering process by becoming the proxy stakeholder for test and evaluation.