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Lead Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cyber Systems Engineer

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

A lead test engineer with extensive experience DoW systems cybersecurity issues, certifications, and test and evaluation (T&E) processes. This position combines technical requirements with leadership ...

$141K - $177K/yr

The required certifications must be Lead Test Engineer (LTE), Shift Test Engineer (STE), Ship Safety Officer (SSO). Inactivation Test Engineer (ITE) certification, or Shift Refueling Engineer (SRE) ...

New

$141K - $177K/yr

The required certifications must be Lead Test Engineer (LTE), Shift Test Engineer (STE), Ship Safety Officer (SSO). Inactivation Test Engineer (ITE) certification, or Shift Refueling Engineer (SRE) ...

New

Test Engineer, Lead

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$99 - $225/hr

Test Engineer, Lead The Opportunity Test integrated systems, execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) or similar User Acceptance Testing activities, and perform requirements-based testing as a Senior ...

Test Engineer, Lead

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Test Engineer, Lead The Opportunity: Test integrated systems, execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) or similar User Acceptance Testing activities, and perform requirements-based testing as a ...

Amentum is seeking an experienced candidate for a Test Engineer - Lead position in Springfield, VA . In this role, you will develop, administer, and supervise a comprehensive test and evaluation (T&E ...

Amentum is seeking an experienced candidate for a Test Engineer - Lead position in Springfield, VA . In this role, you will develop, administer, and supervise a comprehensive test and evaluation (T&E ...

MGR TEST ENGINEERING 2

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$141K - $177K/yr

The required certifications must be Lead Test Engineer (LTE), Shift Test Engineer (STE), Ship Safety Officer (SSO). Inactivation Test Engineer (ITE) certification, or Shift Refueling Engineer (SRE) ...

New

MGR TEST ENGINEERING 2

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$141K - $177K/yr

The required certifications must be Lead Test Engineer (LTE), Shift Test Engineer (STE), Ship Safety Officer (SSO). Inactivation Test Engineer (ITE) certification, or Shift Refueling Engineer (SRE) ...

New

The required certifications must be Lead Test Engineer (LTE), Shift Test Engineer (STE), Ship Safety Officer (SSO). Inactivation Test Engineer (ITE) certification, or Shift Refueling Engineer (SRE) ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Lead Test Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$52

$79

How much do lead test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead test engineer in Virginia is $52.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.29 and $61.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 job categories do people searching Lead Test Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Test Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Lead Test Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,405 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Lead Cyber Systems Engineer

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead a team of cybersecurity engineers to collaborate with assessment teams and DoW programs on cybersecurity issues.

  • Review and assess acquisition documentation, test plans, and related documents to inform assessments and identify testing requirements.

  • Evaluate test results, schedules, resources, and risks to support program milestone reviews and develop reports for senior decision makers.


Job description

Wanted: A lead test engineer with extensive experience DoW systems cybersecurity issues, certifications, and test and evaluation (T&E) processes.  This position combines technical requirements with leadership and management of a small cyber team.  The office for Developmental Test, Evlauation, and Assessment (DTE&A) is part of the Department of War's Research and Engineering (R&E) organization and develops developmental test policy and best practices and engages with acquisition programs to collaborate on effective test strategies and execution.  Located at the Mark Center in Alexandria, the team works with Pentagon stakeholders, service PEOs, and individual programs to facilitate fast, effective delivery of capability to the warfighter.


Our lead cyber test engineer will:

  • Provide cybersecurity subject matter expertise in emerging technical systems and processes within DoW; understand modernization efforts and new commercial capabilities.
  • Lead a team of cybersecurity engineers driving effective collaboration with the DTE&A assessment teams and engagement with DoW programs working cybersecurity issues.
  • Provide T&E expertise in support of interaction with MDAPs, prototypes, and emerging commercial activities.
  • Review acquisition documentation including acquisition plans, prototype plans, test plans, systems engineering plans and related documents in order to inform assessments and risk development.
  • Compiles data and identifies changes required in testing equipment, testing procedures, manufacturing processes, or new testing requirements that impact acquisition and capability delivery.
  • Collaborates with engineers within DTE&A and other R&E organizations; works with DoW engineers developing/acquiring capabilities to facilitate best cybersecurity practices and effective acquisition.
  • Supports development of DTE&A Assessments to Milestone Decision Authorities, Services, and PEOs.
  • Review and assess Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs), developmental test plans, System Engineering Plans (SEPs), Lifecycle Sustainment Plan (LCSPs), Acquisition Decision Memoranda (ADMs), Acquisition Baselines and Strategies, and other milestone decision documents.
  • Evaluate test results, schedules, resources, and technological risks for program milestone reviews.
  • Provide working-level integrated product teams (WIPTs) Test and Evaluation and systems engineering support. Supports Independent Technical Risk Assessments (ITRA).
  • Develop papers, reports, and briefings targeted to senior OSD decision makers.
  • Assess and provide recommendations on DT&E policy.

  • Bachelor's degree and 15+ years of related work experience
  • Masters degree in engineering/cyber related area desired
  • Experience with DoW/DHSor related areas
  • TS/SCI
  • SAP experience desired

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $165,000.00/Yr. - USD $195,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.
EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status