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Principal Test Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Principal Test Systems Engineer Tucson, AZ, US QDSS is looking Principal Test Systems Engineers with at least 10 years of professional experience or 8 years of professional experience and an advanced ...

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Principal Test Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$69K

$137.2K

$198K

How much do principal test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal test engineer in Arizona is $137,192.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,400.00 and $161,200.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Principal Test Engineer jobs in Arizona? For Principal Test Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Principal Test Engineer job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,192 per year, or $66 per hour.
Principal Environmental Test Engineer

Principal Environmental Test Engineer

Raytheon

Tucson, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-06-15

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-930 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ ETF 930

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.  

Environmental Test (ET) is an engineering organization that supports all programs across Raytheon. The ET organization provides testing capability for every phase of the product life cycle from prototype to production. Environmental testing includes mechanical shock, electrodynamic vibration, salt fog, climatic environments such as temperature, altitude, and humidity, high temperature quartz lamp testing, structural testing, test fixture design, and custom instrumentation installations and data acquisition support.

Environmental Test is seeking a Principal Test Engineer in the field of environmental testing. The Test Engineer is responsible for executing a variety of environmental tests while collaborating in an integrated product (IP) team environment with fellow ET Test Engineers, ET Support Engineers, and internal engineering customers. The Test Engineer will work within the IP team to develop the best methods for implementing tests to meet customer requirements and is responsible for all aspects of the test including test design and setup, equipment control and monitoring, and data collection and analysis. The Test Engineer is responsible for performing troubleshooting and adjustment of both the equipment and test setup when technical issues arise.This position is an onsite role located in Tucson, AZ.

What You Will Do:

  • Consult and provide testing guidance to internal program customers and verify their proposed testing will meet the intended requirements.

  • Write test plans and procedures that meet the requirements and safety of testing requested by internal program customers as well as review plans and procedures written by others. Also create schedules and budgets for all testing.

  • Oversee and personally conduct environmental testing to validate models for the purposes of new product qualification, production acceptance, flight test clearance, engineering evaluations, and failure investigations.

  • Implement engineering best practices to ensure testing is performed accurately, on schedule, and within allowed budget.

  • Analyze test data real time and posttest to validate requirements have been met in accordance with requirements.

  • Communicate status of ongoing testing efforts with ET leadership and internal program customers.

  • Design, model, and analyze vibration and structural test fixtures using CREO Parametric and Ansys Workbench.

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior engineering experience.

  • Experience working with environmental test vibration shaker systems or experience with instrumentation (accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gages, load cells, etc…) and data acquisition systems (Dewetron, DeweSoft, LabView, Agilent/Keysight, Benchlink, Somat, etc…).

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Preferred engineering majors include Electrical, Aerospace, or Mechanical.

  • Experience working with commercial environmental test equipment to include vibration test systems and thermal chambers.

  • Experience working with vibration control systems and software.

  • Experience with solid modeling and analysis software applications.

  • High situational awareness and ability to effectively work multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Current DoD secret or TS/SSBI clearance.

What We Offer:

Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care.

Additional Information:

This position is an Onsite role. Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

This requisition is eligible for an employee referral award.  ALL eligibility requirements must be met to receive the referral award.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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