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Principal Test Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Test Engineer information

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$69K

$137.2K

$198K

How much do principal test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a principal test engineer?

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.

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 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.

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:

What job categories do people searching Principal Test Engineer jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Test Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

Infographic showing various Principal Test Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,192 per year, or $66 per hour.

Principal Test Conductor

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Gilbert, AZ • On-site

$89K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top 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.
Our Mission and Operations Integration and Test group is seeking a Principal Test Conductor 3 (Integration and Test) to join our team of qualified and diverse individuals in Gilbert, AZ. You will have the opportunity to design, develop, and execute test procedures and automated test scripts using spacecraft commands, telemetry, and electrical ground support equipment. The ideal candidate has system level test experience working with spacecraft flight hardware and good computer skills. Daily responsibilities will require test preparation leading to direct contact with satellite and space flight hardware. Candidate must be able to tackle issues utilizing skills obtained in the field of electrical engineering, or a related discipline, preferably as it relates to system level integration and test. Required skills include the ability to communicate clearly, and to use critical thinking in troubleshoot of problems. The ability to use a scripting language and formulate automated test scripts is highly desirable. International travel to support launch campaigns may be required. Shift and weekend work to support testing will be required periodically.
Basic Qualifications:
  • 5 Years with Bachelors in Science; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD (4 additional years of work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree)
  • Demonstrate ability to listen effectively, take direction, and possess initiative to accomplish assigned tasks and complete work in a timely fashion
  • Demonstrate ability to learn and integrate new programming languages based off previous experience
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI security clearance & special program access

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with any of the following Microsoft Visio, National Instruments LabView
  • Experience with hardware or software testing and test scripting
  • Minimum of four years of directly related experience in satellite test
  • Demonstrated understanding of electrical test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, DMMs, signal generators, etc.)
  • Experience in Electronics troubleshooting, RF test configuration testing, Environments testing (Vibration Analysis/Thermal Vacuum chamber testing)
  • Programming experience with any of the following languages: Python, C, C++
  • Experience in Aerospace or Defense industry (development or test)

Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00
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