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Principal Qa Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quality Assurance Engineer Department: Operations Reports To: Director of Quality Location: On-site; Columbia Falls, MT Position Type: Full Time, Salary, Exempt, IC3/IC4 Job Summary: The Quality ...

QA Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA 5 days in office The Quality Assurance team is actively seeking a Quality Assurance Engineer to help ensure that our backend services are optimized, secure, and ...

QA Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office The Quality Assurance team is actively seeking a Quality Assurance Engineer to help ensure that our backend services are optimized, secure ...

QA Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office The Quality Assurance team is actively seeking a Quality Assurance Engineer to help ensure that our backend services are optimized, secure ...

Position Title * QA Engineer ACSPA0F35 Position Responsibilities QA Engineer Location: Plano, TX- Hybrid (look for near by candidates) W2 Candidates Required Skills- Python + Core Java + Selenium ...

Software Quality Assurance Engineer Location -Onsite Hybrid role Lincoln Massachusetts About Wingbrace Wingbrace (www.wingbrace.com) is a software and technical services company focused on the ...

Quality Assurance Engineer Location: Long Island City, NY Duration: Long Term Consultants Willing to work on W2 and F2F interview at Long Island City, NY Position Overview: We are seeking a highly ...

New

Anika Systems is seeking a highly technical Quality Assurance Engineer with strong development, SQL, and Python expertise to support enterprise data platforms for federal clients. This is not a ...

Anika Systems is seeking a highly technical Quality Assurance Engineer with strong development, SQL, and Python expertise to support enterprise data platforms for federal clients. This is not a ...

Software Quality Assurance Engineer FULL-TIME, WASHINGTON, D.C. About the job Throne aims to provide peace of mind to those that venture out each day -- making it so no one has to worry about finding ...

Software Quality Assurance Engineer FULL-TIME, WASHINGTON, D.C. About the job Throne aims to provide peace of mind to those that venture out each day -- making it so no one has to worry about finding ...

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Principal Qa Engineer information

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$64.5K

$125.5K

$171K

How much do principal qa engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal qa engineer in the United States is $125,478.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal QA Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal QA Engineer, you need deep expertise in software testing methodologies, automation frameworks, and quality assurance best practices, often supported by a relevant degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, JIRA, and scripting languages, as well as certifications such as ISTQB, is highly valued. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set standout candidates apart, enabling effective guidance of QA teams and collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders. These skills ensure robust product quality, efficient testing processes, and successful delivery of reliable software solutions.

What is the difference between Principal Qa Engineer vs Senior Qa Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Qa EngineerSenior Qa Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Computer Science or related field, certifications like ISTQBBachelor's in Computer Science or related, some certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentLeads testing strategies, mentors teams, collaborates with cross-functional teamsPerforms testing, develops test cases, reports bugs, supports QA team
Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, enterprise software, and complex projectsCommon in various companies, from startups to large firms
Comparison FocusStrategic leadership, process improvement, mentorshipHands-on testing, execution, reporting

The Principal Qa Engineer typically holds a more strategic and leadership-oriented role, overseeing testing processes and mentoring teams, while the Senior Qa Engineer focuses on executing tests and reporting issues. Both roles require strong testing skills and industry experience, but the Principal position emphasizes leadership and process improvement.

How does a Principal QA Engineer typically contribute to cross-functional teams during product development?

A Principal QA Engineer plays a crucial role in collaborating with development, product management, and operations teams to ensure quality standards are maintained throughout the software development lifecycle. They often lead the design and implementation of test strategies, facilitate communication between stakeholders, and mentor junior QA members. Their expertise helps teams proactively identify potential issues and streamline testing processes, which results in more robust and reliable product releases.

What are Principal QA Engineers?

Principal QA Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing and improving the quality assurance processes within a company. They design and implement testing strategies, mentor QA teams, and ensure that software products meet high standards of quality and reliability. Principal QA Engineers often collaborate with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to define quality goals and address complex technical challenges. Their role is crucial in guiding the direction of QA practices and adopting new tools or methodologies to enhance product quality.
More about Principal Qa Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Qa Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Qa Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Principal Qa Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Qa Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Qa Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,478 per year, or $60.3 per hour.
Principal Quality Engineer

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: NoDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We are looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we 'II support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you 'II have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is currently seeking a Principal Quality Engineer to join our team at the BWI site in Baltimore, MD.

What You'll Get To Do (Job Description):

  • Develop, modify, apply and maintain quality evaluation and control systems and protocols for processing materials into partially finished or finished materials product.

  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing functions to ensure quality standards are in place.

  • Devise and implement methods and procedures for inspecting, testing and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and production equipment.

  • Has primary cell but able to float to other cells to assist in problem solving

  • Compiles matrices for State-Of-Cell.

  • Implements and audits Principles and Operating Practices to fit quality objectives and quality scope.

  • Leads the resolution of quality requirements nonconformances or repairs.

  • Present Program Risks and Opportunities within the Cell.

  • Leads Cell Audits.

  • PCAB Coordinator.

  • In depth level understanding of workflow/processes.

  • Design and analyze inspection and testing processes, mechanisms and equipment; conducting quality assurance tests; and performing statistical analysis to assess the cost of and determine the responsibility for, products or materials that do not meet required standards and specifications.

  • Audit quality systems for deficiency identification and correction.

  • Initiate Corrective Action Plans and work with suppliers, manufacturing, and engineering personnel to identify the root cause and ensure robust corrective actions are implemented.

  • Ensure that corrective measures meet acceptable reliability standards, and that documentation is compliant with requirements.

  • Work from engineering drawings, diagrams, customer specifications, inspection instructions, documentation (manufacturing procedures) and checklists to ensure items meet required specifications and quality standards

  • Lead and implement Continuous Improvements to reduce nonconformances.

  • May specialize in the areas of design, mechanical engineering, incoming material, production control, product evaluation and reliability, inventory control and/or research and development as they apply to product or process quality.

  • May be certified in lean and six-sigma quality engineering methodologies.

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Quality Engineer:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field with a minimum of 5 years experience in Quality Assurance, or investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions; OR a minimum of 3 years experience in Quality Assurance, or investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions with a Masters Degree in a STEM field OR a minimum of 1 year experience in Quality Assurance, or investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions with a PhD Degree in a STEM field

  • Experience with Data Analytics and Statistical Analysis methods and techniques

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S.Government Secret Clearance

  • US Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in at least one of the following standards (IPC, J-Std, MIL-STD)

  • Experience with ISO9001 or AS9100 Quality Management System and AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI).

  • Green/Black Belt Certified in Lean Six-sigma.

  • Certified in Lean and Six-Sigma methodologies

  • Certified auditor

  • Experience Facilitating RCCAs with technical groups

  • SAP Experience

  • Active DoD Secret Clearance

  • Experience leading cross-functional teams to resolve problems or issues.

  • Experience using Microsoft Excel, Minitab or equivalent tools for statistical analysis.

  • Knowledge of modern skillsets such as Artificial Intelligence, SQL, Power Bi to aid in data analysis and data visualization

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939