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Principal Test Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

AVTC Group

Principal Test Systems EVMS

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

All Qualified candidates will be responded to in 24 hours or less Principal Test Systems EVMS ... Experience with the functionalities of Test Systems Engineering or equivalent Engineering ...

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Principal Test Engineer information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$63.6K

$126.6K

$182.7K

How much do principal test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal test engineer in Tucson, AZ is $126,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,900.00 and $148,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 Tucson, AZ? For Principal Test Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Test Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Test Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:
Principal Test Engineer jobs near you

Principal Test Systems Test Execution Lead (DOD Cleared)

AVTC Group

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$45 - $61.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

All Qualified candidates will be responded to in 24 hours or less
Active Secret clearance
Employment type: Full Time W-2 or Contract
Rate: open to Negotiation
Benefits: including Health, Dental Vision, PTO, Holidays, 401K,etc
Principal Test Systems Test Execution Lead
Location: Tucson, AZ
Clearance: Active Secret clearance required
Role Summary
Seeking a Principal Test Systems Test Execution Lead to support a Test Equipment Engineering organization in Tucson, AZ.
This role leads multi-discipline engineering teams supporting test systems across manufacturing, production, qualification, integration, verification, validation, and maintenance environments. The position combines technical execution, program coordination, EVMS ownership, budget/schedule management, and cross-functional leadership across electrical, software, mechanical, and test engineering teams.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead multi-discipline test engineering teams across electrical, software, mechanical, and related technical areas.
  • Direct project execution from inception through completion across technical, manufacturing, and administrative workstreams.
  • Serve as an IPTL-style lead for test systems engineering programs.
  • Oversee ongoing project execution, priorities, schedules, budgets, and operational deliverables.
  • Coordinate with program leadership, finance, planning, functional teams, and customer stakeholders.
  • Support Earned Value Management activities, including cost, schedule, performance tracking, and reporting.
  • Analyze program data, identify execution risks, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Support proposal activity, business plans, work statements, specifications, BOEs, budgets, and contract inputs.
  • Communicate test systems performance, risks, and execution status to functional leadership, program leadership, and customers.
  • Drive alignment across engineering development, transition to production, production support, and sustainment activities.

Required Qualifications
  • 8+ years of relevant engineering, test systems, program execution, or technical leadership experience.
  • Active Secret clearance required.
  • Experience with EVMS and program management.
  • Experience supporting test systems engineering or equivalent engineering programs.
  • Experience with hardware and test software development, integration, verification, validation, and maintenance.
  • Experience in production, manufacturing, product qualification, or similar test environments.
  • Experience with program management tools and processes, including:
    • EVMS
    • Integrated Master Plan
    • Integrated Master Schedule
    • Risk and Opportunity Management
  • Experience managing budget, schedule, EAC process, and financial performance reporting.
  • Experience generating Budget Change Requests and Basis of Estimates for engineering programs.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
  • IPTL experience supporting program offices, cross-functional teams, and internal/external customers.
  • EVMS certification, program management certification, or equivalent program leadership certification.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to present performance results to functional and program leadership.
  • Experience executing small to medium technical programs.
  • Understanding of engineering development, transition to production, production support, and maintenance.
  • Experience with proposal capture and contract processes, including:
    • RFP review
    • BOE preparation
    • Proposal submittal
    • Statement of Work development
    • Contract startup
    • Contract close-out
  • Experience with ATE/UUT test environments.
  • Familiarity with Agile methodologies.

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