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Principal Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DPG is hiring a Principal Test Engineer to support the planning, development, execution, and documentation of verification and validation activities for deliverable complex hardware or integrated ...

Principal Test Engineer

Andover, MA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

DPG is hiring a Principal Test Engineer to support the planning, development, execution, and documentation of verification and validation activities for deliverable complex hardware or integrated ...

DPG is hiring a Principal Test Engineer to support the planning, development, execution, and documentation of verification and validation activities for deliverable complex hardware or integrated ...

Principal Test Engineer Principal Test Engineers 13135 W Lisbon Road, Brookfield, WI 53005 • Ensure the highest standards of product validation, measurement accuracy, and innovation in test ...

Onsite - Huntsville TCS is searching for a Principal Test Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in Huntsville, AL. The GMD program ...

Principal Test Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$200K - $280K/yr

Are you a Principal Test Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career to the next level? * Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during ...

Onsite - Huntsville TCS is searching for a Principal Test Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in Huntsville, AL. The GMD program ...

Principal Test Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$180K - $260K/yr

Are you a Principal Test Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career to the next level? * Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during ...

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Principal Test Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal test engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Principal Test Engineer?

A Principal Test Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and execution of testing strategies in software or hardware development projects. They lead quality assurance teams, set testing standards, and ensure that products meet both technical and customer requirements. Principal Test Engineers often collaborate closely with development, product management, and other stakeholders to troubleshoot issues and drive continuous improvement. Their expertise is crucial in identifying risks, optimizing testing processes, and mentoring junior engineers.

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

To thrive as a Principal Test Engineer, you need deep expertise in software testing methodologies, test automation, and quality assurance, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automation tools like Selenium, Jenkins, and scripting languages, as well as certifications such as ISTQB, are commonly expected. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are essential for driving high-quality product releases, mentoring teams, and ensuring robust, scalable testing solutions.

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

AspectPrincipal Test EngineerSenior Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related; certifications like ISTQBBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; ISTQB or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads testing strategies, mentors teams, collaborates with stakeholdersPerforms testing, develops test cases, reports bugs
Industry UsageUsed across tech, software, hardware companies for senior technical leadershipCommon in software development and QA teams at all levels

The Principal Test Engineer typically holds a higher level of responsibility, focusing on testing strategy, leadership, and mentorship, while the Senior Test Engineer executes testing tasks and supports quality assurance efforts. Both roles require relevant certifications and experience, but the Principal role involves more strategic oversight and cross-team collaboration.

How does a Principal Test Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development lifecycle?

Principal Test Engineers play a crucial role in working closely with development, product management, and quality assurance teams. They are often responsible for defining test strategies, reviewing requirements, and providing technical guidance to ensure quality standards are met throughout the development process. Regular collaboration may include participating in design reviews, leading test planning sessions, and troubleshooting complex issues with developers. This cross-functional involvement enables Principal Test Engineers to influence product quality at every stage and mentor junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
More about Principal Test Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Test Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Principal Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Test Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal 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 $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Test Engineer

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Envision Innovative Solutions
Current Job Openings >> Principal Test Engineer
Principal Test Engineer
Summary
Title: Principal Test Engineer ID: 1032 Department: Mission Intelligence and Cyber Location: Annapolis Junction, Maryland Clearance Requirements: TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph
Description
 Envision Innovative Solutions, delivers mission-focused technology solutions to the Intelligence Community. Since 2008, we have supported critical national security programs by building high-performing engineering teams and developing innovative enterprise solutions. Our engineers work in a collaborative, zero-bureaucracy environment where expertise is valued, ideas are heard, and contributions directly drive mission success. 
Envision is seeking a motivated, career, and customer-oriented Principal Test Engineer to join our team in Annapolis Junction, Maryland.This is onsite position.
Primary Responsibilities:    
    Analyzes system requirements and concept of operations documents, acquisition plans, and system descriptions to develop evaluation and test plans and procedures, prepare for and conduct the data collection and analysis, and report status and results. 
    Supports the development of Government test and evaluation documentation e.g., Test & Evaluation (T&E) Strategy, Test & Evaluation Master Plan, Event Test Plans, Test Readiness Assessments, and T&E Reports. Works with other test organizations to support T&E program integration. 
    Review planned acquisition approaches to support T&E schedule alignment with decision maker needs for T&E support
    Plan program and event level testing for collection of data required for analysis and to synch T&E events with supported decision points
    Establish and employ Data & Configuration Management capabilities
    Support Data Authentication group functions and comply with program Discrepancy Reporting criteria and processes
    Assess operational and system performance requirements for testability and criticality to frame and prioritize T&E objectives and enable evaluation planning
    Coordinate with program Systems Engineering (SE) and review T&E-related SE information to leverage functional analysis, system descriptions parameter selection and dependencies, Modeling and Simulation, and initial performance assessments
    Plan program and event level risk-tailored performance estimation and analysis of system and operational Effectiveness and Suitability metrics & conditions levels of T&E include inspection, demonstration paper analysis, survey simulation, and physical test
    Design surveys for evaluation of Subject Matter Expert (SE input and user as estimates of performance)
    Participate in the T&E Working-level Integrated Product Team (WIPT) and/or Integrated Test Team for coordination of evaluation plans
    Produce Evaluation Plans (metric framework, scenarios/threads, timelines, requirements/T&E crosswalk), Analysis Plans Data Requirements Risk Assessments, Evaluation Reports Status reports; provide input to Government T&E products (e.g., Technology Readiness Assessments, Test & Evaluation Strategy, Test & Evaluation Master Plan, T&E Plans & Procedures and Test
    Define and provide technical direction and guidance for the Level 1 tasks to the Level 0 and Level 1 TEs assigned to the task
    Recommend draft plans and reports from the Level 1 tasks for approval by the task leader
    Manage T&E resources and tasks; ensure quality assurance of test processes and product
    Coordinate and integrate Evaluation and Testing tasks and products
    Participate in T&E WIPT and /or integrated Test Team as needed to ensure proper coordination of T&E activities
Required Skills:
    Eight (8) years' experience as a Test Engineer in programs and contracts of similar scope type and complexity.
    Bachelor's degree in Math, Science, Engineering, Statistics, Engineering Management or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Four (4) years of additional TE experience may be substituted for a bachelor' s degree.
Security Clearance Requirement: Current/Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph.
Why Envision Innovative Solutions:
Average Employee Tenure: 7-10 Years - Stability and long-term growth.
$3,000 Annual Training Budget
5 Weeks PTO 
100% Employer-Paid Medical Coverage
$1,200 Phone & Internet Stipend
401(k) + ~10% (Vested Day One)
  5% Annual Bonus
The projected compensation range for this position is $145,000.00-$169,000.00. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories.
Envision Innovative Solutions is an equal-opportunity employer. All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age, disability or any other basis prohibited by law.
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