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Lead Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Test Engineer DESCRIPTION We are seeking a highly capable Lead Test Engineer to guide the planning, development, and execution of component, subsystem, and system-level testing for our next ...

Lead Test Engineer

Suitland, MD · On-site

$104K - $160K/yr

Lead Test Engineer, #1074 Security Requirement: U.S. Citizenship required Work Location: Suitland, MD We are seeking a Senior-level Lead Test Engineer to ensure the quality, reliability, and proper ...

Lead Test Engineer DESCRIPTION We are seeking a highly capable Lead Test Engineer to guide the planning, development, and execution of component, subsystem, and system-level testing for our next ...

Lead Test Engineer DESCRIPTION We are seeking a highly capable Lead Test Engineer to guide the planning, development, and execution of component, subsystem, and system-level testing for our next ...

Lead Test Engineer, ESS Location: This role will be based in Sacramento, CA. During the first 3-6 months, the position will be based in our Burlingame, CA headquarters for onboarding before ...

New

Lead Test Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$150K - $215K/yr

Lead Test Engineer, ESS Location: This role will be based in Sacramento, CA. During the first 3-6 months, the position will be based in our Burlingame, CA headquarters for onboarding before ...

New

Lead Test Engineer

Suitland, MD · On-site

$104K - $160K/yr

Lead Test Engineer, #1074 Security Requirement: U.S. Citizenship required Work Location: Suitland, MD We are seeking a Senior-level Lead Test Engineer to ensure the quality, reliability, and proper ...

Lead Test Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$140/hr

Lead Test Engineer Location: Suitland, MD (Hybrid) Terms: Full-time Clearance/Work Authorization: US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust is required Salary Range: $140 ...

Lead Test Engineer Location: Suitland, MD (Hybrid) Terms: Full-time Clearance/Work Authorization: US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust is required Salary Range: $140 ...

Lead Test Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$150K - $215K/yr

Lead Test Engineer, ESS Location: This role will be based in Sacramento, CA. During the first 3-6 months, the position will be based in our Burlingame, CA headquarters for onboarding before ...

Lead Test Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$150K - $215K/yr

Lead Test Engineer, ESS Location: This role will be based in Sacramento, CA. During the first 3-6 months, the position will be based in our Burlingame, CA headquarters for onboarding before ...

New

Lead Test Engineer Location: Suitland, MD (Hybrid) Terms: Full-time Clearance/Work Authorization: US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust is required Salary Range: $140 ...

Lead, coach, and develop the Test Engineering organization, including Test Specialists and Senior Test Engineers. * Set priorities, allocate resources, and balance workload across multiple customer ...

Lead Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

The Role We're looking for a Lead Test Engineer to build and own the test function at Odin Dynamics from the ground up. You'll define how we verify, validate, and qualify our autonomous underwater ...

Lead, coach, and develop the Test Engineering organization, including Test Specialists and Senior Test Engineers. * Set priorities, allocate resources, and balance workload across multiple customer ...

Lead Test Engineer

Suitland, MD · On-site +1

$104K - $160K/yr

Lead Test Engineer, #1074 Security Requirement: U.S. Citizenship required Work Location: Suitland, MD We are seeking a Senior-level Lead Test Engineer to ensure the quality, reliability, and proper ...

Lead, coach, and develop the Test Engineering organization, including Test Specialists and Senior Test Engineers. * Set priorities, allocate resources, and balance workload across multiple customer ...

Lead Test Engineer will be responsible for developing test plans and implementing those plans against the corresponding test procedures. He should also be accountable for the development of ...

Lead Test Engineer will be responsible for developing test plans and implementing those plans against the corresponding test procedures. He should also be accountable for the development of ...

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Lead Test Engineer information

See salary details

$10

$53

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How much do lead test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead test engineer in the United States is $53.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.67 and $62.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lead Test Engineer vs Test Engineer?

AspectLead Test EngineerTest Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like ISTQB are commonBachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related field; ISTQB certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLeads testing teams, manages test planning, and oversees testing processesPerforms testing tasks, executes test cases, and reports defects
Industry UsageUsed across software, hardware, and systems testing in various industriesCommonly used in software development and quality assurance roles

The main difference between a Lead Test Engineer and a Test Engineer lies in leadership responsibilities and scope. The Lead Test Engineer manages testing teams and oversees testing strategies, while the Test Engineer focuses on executing tests and identifying defects. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but the Lead Test Engineer has additional leadership and planning duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead test engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Test Engineer, you need deep expertise in software testing methodologies, quality assurance processes, and a relevant technical degree or certifications like ISTQB. Familiarity with test automation tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit), CI/CD pipelines, and defect-tracking systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for coordinating teams and ensuring quality deliverables. These skills ensure robust product quality, efficient test cycles, and effective collaboration across development teams.

How does a lead test engineer typically collaborate with development and product teams to ensure software quality?

A Lead Test Engineer works closely with development and product teams throughout the software development lifecycle to define quality standards, clarify requirements, and ensure robust test coverage. They often participate in sprint planning, review user stories for testability, and communicate testing progress and results. Effective collaboration involves advocating for quality, facilitating defect triage meetings, and helping prioritize fixes based on impact. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for delivering reliable, high-performing software products.

What is a lead test engineer?

A Lead Test Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the testing process in software or hardware development projects. They design test strategies, coordinate testing teams, and ensure that products meet quality standards before release. Lead Test Engineers also collaborate with developers and project managers to identify and resolve issues, and they often mentor junior testers. Their role is crucial in delivering reliable and high-quality products to customers.
More about Lead Test Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Lead Test Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Lead Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Test Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,351 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Lead Test Engineer

Invariant Corporation

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Lead Test Engineer

26-049

Invariant is seeking a talented and experienced Lead Test Engineer to support hardware development programs for the DoW. This role will support multiple DoW programs and internal hardware production efforts. The Lead Test Engineer will oversee the planning, execution, and reporting of qualification and acceptance testing for DoW hardware systems. This includes ensuring compliance with MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461 test protocols. The role requires hands-on coordination with cross-functional teams, test engineers, test technicians, test facilities, and government stakeholders. This position is contingent upon contract award.

Duties Include:

  • Develop Test Program Plan documents
  • Lead test planning, procedure development, and execution of environmental and EMC/EMI tests per MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461 requirements.
  • Support Government Test Labs in performance of HERO, HERP, and HERF testing
  • Interface with DoW program offices, test labs, and contractors to align test strategy with program objectives.
  • Design and manage test schedules, resource planning, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Author and review test plans, test reports, and data packages for government submission.
  • Monitor instrumentation setups, test fixtures, and configuration control throughout testing.
  • Ensure test traceability to system requirements and contractual obligations.
  • Participate in engineering drawing reviews for requirement compliance
  • Participate in Failure Analysis and Corrective Action Reporting (FRACAS) when needed.
  • Lead Pre-Test and Post-Test Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), and Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs).
  • Develop and transmit deliverable data and document (CDRL) packages
  • Develop and track requirement verification items satisfied by test

Requirements:

  • Bachelors degree in Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience in military hardware testing, including direct application of MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461.
  • Strong understanding of environmental qualification testing: temperature, vibration, humidity, shock, altitude, etc.
  • Solid expertise in EMI/EMC testing methodologies, including emissions and susceptibility testing.
  • Working knowledge of test instrumentation types (i.e. strain gages, accelerometers, thermocouples, electromagnetic compatibility antennas, etc.) and data acquisition systems.
  • Understanding of uncertainty analysis applicable to testing
  • Familiarity with test labs, military acceptance criteria, and procurement regulations.
  • Proficient in test documentation tools and standards
  • Strong interpersonal skills for leading cross-disciplinary teams and briefing government personnel.
  • Ability to travel
  • US Citizenship and successful background checkCurrent or eligible for DoW security clearance.

Preferred qualifications include familiarity with some or all, of the following:

  • Experience supporting Army or Marine Corps platforms (e.g., vehicles, communication systems).
  • Background in quality assurance, systems engineering, or production test is a plus.

Requires ability to:

  • Demonstrate innovation, quick learning, excellent communication skills and adaptive thinking
  • Work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential
  • Lead a group of engineers through the maturation of a product and interface regularly with Government Customers providing updates from the development team

Work Environment

Office, Lab, and field environment.

This position is expected to be performed only in the state of Alabama.

Subject to the provisions of Code of Alabama 40-18-370, the Company shall give good faith consideration to Alabama residents for employment at the Project.

Invariant Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Invariant is a drug-free workplace.

Company Description

Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Invariant is a 100% employee owned, non-traditional defense contractor providing advanced engineering solutions to support national defense, homeland security, and law enforcement. We are ISO 9001 certified with secure facilities, labs, and high bay space performing advanced manufacturing, integration, assembly, and testing of mission critical systems. Join a team where innovation fuels impact. At Invariant, every voice contributes, and every employee-owner shares in the success of our mission to protect those who protect us. We’re home to engineers, developers, and specialists—web builders of mission-critical systems, united by purpose and driven by pride. As a 100% employee-owned company, your work doesn’t just power national defense—it helps power your future. Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore our current openings and discover how you can make a lasting impact while building ownership in everything you help create.