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Principal Test Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Leonardo DRS

Principal Test Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$119K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Debug test hardware and software. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 8 years of experience * Mastery of technologies and domain knowledge

Leonardo DRS

Principal Test Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$119K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Debug test hardware and software. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 8 years of experience * Mastery of technologies and domain knowledge

Socket.dev

Principal Test Engineer (SDET)

Vienna, VA · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

The SDET will develop test automation for integration, regression, and functional testing for systems to ensure compliance with system requirements and Navy Federal business practices and policies.

Posted today

Electra Aero, Inc.

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$139K - $168K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Principal Systems Test Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks ...

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$139K - $168K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Principal Systems Test Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks ...

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$139K - $168K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The RoleAs our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you'll be the technical lead driving development of Electra's ground test infrastructure and instrumentation capability. This is a hands-on leadership ...

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer (Aerospace)

Manassas, VA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Principal Systems Test Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks ...

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer (Aerospace)

Manassas, VA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The RoleAs our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you'll be the technical lead driving development of Electra's ground test infrastructure and instrumentation capability. This is a hands-on leadership ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Test Engineer JobsPrincipal Test Engineer Jobs in Washington

Principal Test Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$83.8K

$166.7K

$240.7K

How much do principal test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal test engineer in Washington is $166,741.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,200.00 and $195,900.00 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 Washington?

For Principal Test Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Principal Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Test Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,741 per year, or $80.2 per hour.

Principal Test Engineer

Leonardo DRS

Germantown, MD • On-site

$119K - $161K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Leonardo DRS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job ID: 114896
DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.
Job Summary
Job Responsibilities
  • Responsible for driving technology and completion of activity on time and budget
  • Design, develop, analyze, document and support testing of products, systems or subsystems
  • Ability to complete a technical project independently
  • Mentor and coach other engineers.
  • Review customer specifications and requirements, and develop designs to best support them, including cost as a key design variable
  • Provide budget, cost and schedule input for design assignments
  • Document component and subsystem specifications and material requirements
  • Analyze designs as necessary
  • Specify and evaluate supplier components, subsystems and services
  • Support the program design to cost and design for manufacture requirements
  • Develop prototypes to retire key development risks
  • Communicate clearly (written and oral) with manufacturing, supply chain, program management and the customer as required
  • Participate heavily in preparation of the more complex and significant proposals
  • Provide technical expertise and assistance to other engineers and support personnel
  • Interact with technical management, other professionals, technicians and support personnel to coordinate, recommend and confer regarding technical activities and progress
  • Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
  • Attend appropriate engineering, customer or business meetings
  • Mentor and coach less-experienced engineers
  • Involved with the design and development of test programs to measure the functionality and integrity of products and services. Write test procedures and protocols to assess product reliability and evaluates the ability of products to meet performance standards and specifications. Debug test hardware and software.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 8 years of experience
  • Mastery of technologies and domain knowledge
  • Expected to have knowledge and significant experience in multiple engineering disciplines

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.
The salary range for this position is ($119,940/year- $161,919). This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.
Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:
- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation
We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

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