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Principal Test Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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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 Aug 12, 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.

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 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $137,192 per year, or $66 per hour.

Principal Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance

MKS2

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Overview - SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED We are seeking a Principal Test Systems Technical Lead Engineer to support a high-impact defense program focused on weapon system test environments. This role operates in a lab environment, working closely with system designers to develop, integrate, and deploy test systems that support tactical software development, system validation, and delivery of mission-critical capabilities. This is a technical leadership role, combining hands-on engineering with program execution, team leadership, and stakeholder coordination. What You Will Do
Serve as the technical lead responsible for overall program execution
Communicate regularly with the Integrated Product Team Leader (IPTL) and Program Manager
Establish and execute program milestones, ensuring alignment with scope, cost, and schedule
Lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team
De๏ฌne program requirements in collaboration with cross-functional teams
Develop and deliver presentations for gate reviews
Participate in:
Failure Review Boards (FRBs)
Change Control Boards (CCBs), including approval of system changes
Provide status updates and metrics to stakeholders
Delegate tasks and provide guidance/training to team members
Support development, integration, and deployment of test systems
Travel up to 20% to support system development and delivery What You Will Learn
System-level test setup and operations across development and production environments
Collaboration across multi-disciplinary engineering teams in complex defense systems Quali๏ฌcations โ€“ Required
Bachelorโ€™s Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience (or 8+ years with an advanced degree)
Experience with Test Systems Engineering or equivalent, including:
Hardware and test software development
Integration, veri๏ฌcation, and validation (IV&V)
Maintenance within production/manufacturing/test environments
Experience with design, development, and/or integration of test equipment
Active U.S. Secret security clearance (non-interim) required prior to start
U.S. Citizenship required Key Strengths for Success
Strong leadership and team coordination in engineering environments
Ability to manage technical execution across complex programs
Experience working across hardware/software boundaries in test systems
Strong communication skills for technical brie๏ฌngs and stakeholder engagement