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Principal Test Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Automated Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Knowledgeable of electronics and electrical engineering principals (voltage, current, RF) * Experience with manual test and inspection (T&I) #MSBA If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At ...

kgs

Test Engineer / UAT Support Lead (REMOTE)

Chantilly, VA · Remote

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Test Engineer / UAT Support Lead will serve as the primary authority for test planning, test ... Principal responsibilities will include but are not limited to: * Develop, implement, and maintain ...

Baltimore Aircoil Company

Sr Thermal Test Engineer

Jessup, MD · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES * Be the point-of-contact with the R&D Laboratory on all thermal testing ... engineering projects with laboratory priorities and personnel. Assist to schedule and plan test ...

Baltimore Aircoil Company

Sr Thermal Test Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES * Be the point-of-contact with the R&D Laboratory on all thermal testing ... engineering projects with laboratory priorities and personnel. Assist to schedule and plan test ...

Baltimore Aircoil Co Inc

Sr Thermal Test Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES * Be the point-of-contact with the R&D Laboratory on all thermal testing ... engineering projects with laboratory priorities and personnel. Assist to schedule and plan test ...

New

Vantor

Test Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

Vantor is seeking a Test Engineer who is experienced in both manual and automated testing to ... Principal Responsibilities: * Execute manual and automated test processes in low side and high side ...

New

Maxar Technologies, Inc.

Test Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

Vantor is seeking a Test Engineer who is experienced in both manual and automated testing to ... Principal Responsibilities: * Execute manual and automated test processes in low side and high side ...

Maxar Technologies, Inc.

Test Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

Vantor is seeking a Test Engineer who is experienced in both manual and automated testing to ... Principal Responsibilities: * Execute manual and automated test processes in low side and high side ...

Maxar

Test Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

Vantor is seeking a Test Engineer who is experienced in both manual and automated testing to ... Principal Responsibilities: * Execute manual and automated test processes in low side and high side ...

Maxar

Test Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

Vantor is seeking a Test Engineer who is experienced in both manual and automated testing to ... Principal Responsibilities: * Execute manual and automated test processes in low side and high side ...

Maxar

Test Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

Vantor is seeking a Test Engineer who is experienced in both manual and automated testing to ... Principal Responsibilities: * Execute manual and automated test processes in low side and high side ...

Maxar Technologies, Inc.

Test Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

Vantor is seeking a Test Engineer who is experienced in both manual and automated testing to ... Principal Responsibilities: * Execute manual and automated test processes in low side and high side ...

Maxar

Test Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

Vantor is seeking a Test Engineer who is experienced in both manual and automated testing to ... Principal Responsibilities: * Execute manual and automated test processes in low side and high side ...

Maxar Technologies, Inc.

Test Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

Vantor is seeking a Test Engineer who is experienced in both manual and automated testing to ... Principal Responsibilities: * Execute manual and automated test processes in low side and high side ...

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Showing results 41-60

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.

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 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $166,741 per year, or $80.2 per hour.

Automated Test Engineer

Leidos

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 492 rated business services

Job description

Leidos is seeking an Automated Test Engineer to support a government contract in the National Capital Region (NCR). The ideal candidate will be able to develop test programs to support automated test systems for hardware primarily using LabVIEW and/or Python. The Automated Test Engineer will be responsible for creating and maintaining source code and the automated testing software applications
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Develop and/or modify testing scripts to automate testing and validate testing sufficiency
  • Execute testing scripts on equipment to validate functionality and correctness
  • Maintain hardware and software associated with the automated testing systems
  • Recommend and implement improvements to existing automated test systems and protocols
  • Support a software configuration management system for automated testing
  • Maintain system architecture to ensure versatility and consistency across multiple platforms
  • Train and assist other users with development of an automated platform training encompassing automated and manual execution of test protocols as applicable
  • Provide input to test and system documentation, improvements to capabilities, build roadmaps, and update software as required
  • Update or develop the documentation when necessary to support automated testing including but not limited to:
    • Test and inspection requirements document
    • Multimedia documentation for use with automated test system
    • System documentation including specific documents pertaining to hardware and software for automated test systems
    • Updates to test program style guide, GUI development, and architecture for existing and next generation test and measurement systems
  • Attend meetings and reviews
  • Communicate with internal team members across multiple areas, the program manager, and customer team members
  • Communicate with external parties such as mission partners and vendors

Required Qualifications:
  • Active TS/SCI; must be eligible and willing to upgrade to a TS/SCI w/polygraph
  • Bachelor of Science degree and at least 6 years of relevant experience. Work experience can be used in lieu of degree/combined with education
  • Demonstrated experience using LabVIEW and/or Python to develop automated testing scripts
  • Demonstrated experience/training in the operation of electronic devices such as transmitters, receivers, power supplies, and audio/video recorders
  • Demonstrated experience in maintaining automated testing systems
  • Demonstrated experience with commercial test equipment from Agilent, Keysight, HP, Tektronix, and National Instruments to include power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes, counters, power meters, signal & waveform generators, electronic loads and audio, noise, signal, modulation and power analyzers
  • Demonstrate strong written/verbal communications, problem solving, organizational and interpersonal skills including willingness and ability to document and share information
  • Able to work well in a team environment and as an individual contributor

Desired Qualifications:
  • Knowledgeable of electronics and electrical engineering principals (voltage, current, RF)
  • Experience with manual test and inspection (T&I)

#MSBA
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
May 7, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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