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Principal Software Engineer In Test Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Machina Labs is seeking a Software Engineer in Test (SET) to own quality, validation, and release execution across our software platform as we develop and deploy new features and services. This role ...

Machina Labs is seeking a Software Engineer in Test (SET) to own quality, validation, and release execution across our software platform as we develop and deploy new features and services. This role ...

InterSources Inc is looking for a Senior Software Engineer in Test to join their Quality Engineering organization within Fidelity's Workplace Investing division. The individual will be responsible ...

The Software Engineer in Test plays an essential role in ensuring the quality of PatientPoint's products. The primary responsibility will be to work in partnership with developers, product owners ...

$120K - $140K/yr

As a Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET), you will play a critical part in ensuring the quality and accuracy of our software systems. You will work side-by-side with software developers to ...

On-site Every Other Week onsite / 5 days in either Westlake, TX Our client seeks an experienced Software Engineer in Test who will embed within an Agile squad to engineer quality into products from ...

Senior SDET

Seattle, WA · On-site

$57 - $73.50/hr

Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) The SDET's responsibilities include writing automated ... Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Understanding the flow of code and how it interacts with ...

$130K - $160K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer in Test owns end-to-end automation for complex features, helps shape technical direction for the automation team, and serves as a trusted quality partner to engineering ...

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Principal Software Engineer In Test information

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$60.5K

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$231K

How much do principal software engineer in test jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in test in the United States is $160,936.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,000.00 and $181,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal software engineer in test?

A Principal Software Engineer In Test is a senior-level professional responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing complex testing strategies and frameworks for software applications. They lead test architecture, mentor testing teams, and ensure high standards of quality and reliability in software releases. This role often collaborates closely with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to integrate automated testing into the software development lifecycle. Principal Software Engineers In Test also drive innovation in test automation tools, processes, and best practices. Their expertise is critical in maintaining scalable, maintainable, and efficient testing solutions in large-scale environments.

How does a principal software engineer in test typically influence the overall quality strategy within a development team?

A Principal Software Engineer In Test plays a critical leadership role in shaping the quality strategy by designing robust testing frameworks, mentoring junior team members, and collaborating closely with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders. They often set best practices for automated and manual testing, ensure test coverage aligns with business goals, and drive the adoption of new tools or processes to improve efficiency. Their influence extends beyond their own tasks, as they are usually involved in architectural decisions and advocate for a quality-first mindset across the team and organization.

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

To thrive as a Principal Software Engineer In Test, you need deep expertise in software testing methodologies, programming (such as Java, Python, or C#), and a strong background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with test automation frameworks (like Selenium or Cypress), CI/CD tools, and industry certifications such as ISTQB are highly valuable. Leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable software products while setting strategic direction and mentoring teams.

What cities are hiring for Principal Software Engineer In Test jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Software Engineer In Test job openings:

What states have the most Principal Software Engineer In Test jobs?

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Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer In Test job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% Full Time, 70% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,936 per year, or $77.4 per hour.

Principal Engineer Software

Bellevue, NE • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$98K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal Software Engineer in Bellevue, NE. In this role, you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to our enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of DevSecOps and Agile practices, we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. This position supports the OIX program -- a platform which provides secure messaging and cross-domain solution (CDS) products and services across the federal agencies and foreign partners. Our multi-disciplinary team including software, systems, cyber, and test engineers employ the latest cutting-edge technologies to deliver information across security domains.
As a Principal Software Engineer, you will:
  • Design, develop, document, test, and debug applications software and systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions
  • Develop software utilizing modern programming languages to modernize and productionize software used to support United States Government requirements
  • Implement software systems, applications, and architectures that emphasize modularity, scalability, reliability, precision, accuracy, and performance to meet demanding requirements.
  • Conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in the planning, design, development, and utilization of electronic data processing systems for product and commercial software
  • Determine computer user needs; analyze system capabilities to resolve issues related to program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques, and controls
  • Ensure industry software engineering best practices and standards are applied and maintained
  • Work closely with Software Leads and Architects to understand program intent, system capabilities, and output requirements
  • Support customers on site through installations, upgrades and continuous maintenance

The position requires up to 25% travel and active Secret Clerance and eligibility for Top Secret Security Clearance and SCI, as well as the ability to meet customer-specific security screening requirements within a timeframe set forth by management.
Basic Qualifications for a Principal Software Engineer (T03)
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 5+ years of relative experience; Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 3+ years of relative experience; PhD + 1 year of relative experience
  • Active Secret security clearance enrolled in Continuous Evaluation, and ability to obtain TS/SCI
  • Ability to meet customer-specific security screening requirements within a timeframe set forth by management
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze system requirements to derive software design and performance requirements
  • Proven ability to design and code new software, as well as modify existing software to add new features
  • Ability to debug existing software and correct defects
  • Experience with open software/system architecture solutions
  • Experience with Git-based or other software configuration management tools
  • Ability to work on-site in Bellevue

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in software application development on Linux in Java, Rust, Ada, shell scripting
  • Experience with Security Enhanced Linux (SELinux)
  • Experience implementing Cyber Security controls on Linux
  • Experience with containers (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Experience with developing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines
  • Familiarity with Agile lifecycle process including Scrum and DevSecOps
  • Experience developing or deploying Cross Domain Systems
  • Experience with supporting customers on site to include installation, maintenance and support

This position is contingent upon the successful transfer of an active DoD Secret Clearance and the ability to meet customer-specific security screening requirements (TS/SCI) within a timeframe set forth by management.
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
The 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