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Principal Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Onsite - Huntsville TCS is searching for a Principal Test Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in Huntsville, AL. The GMD program ...

Onsite - Huntsville TCS is searching for a Principal Test Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in Huntsville, AL. The GMD program ...

Principal Test Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$180K - $260K/yr

Are you a Principal Test Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career to the next level? * Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during ...

Principal Test Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$200K - $280K/yr

Are you a Principal Test Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career to the next level? * Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during ...

Principal Test Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$200K - $280K/yr

Are you a Principal Test Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career to the next level? * Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during ...

Principal Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_HYBRID Description SAIC is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to support Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vessel (MDUSV) and related Test and Evaluation activities in San Diego, CA. Must be ...

Principal Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to support Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vessel (MDUSV) and related Test and Evaluation activities in San Diego, CA. Must be local to area.

Principal Test Engineer

Del Mar, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to support Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vessel (MDUSV) and related Test and Evaluation activities in San Diego, CA. Must be local to area.

Principal Test Engineer

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to support Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vessel (MDUSV) and related Test and Evaluation activities in San Diego, CA. Must be local to area.

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Principal Test Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal test engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 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.
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What cities are hiring for Principal Test Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Test Engineer job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Test Engineer jobs?

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What states have the most Principal Test Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Test Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Principal Test Engineer job openings in the United States 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 $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Test Engineer

GliaCell Technologies

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

***An active or rein-statable TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance is REQUIRED. Please do not apply if you currently do not possess this level of clearance.***
Are you a Principal Test Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career to the next level?

  • Tired of being treated like a company drone?
  • Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase, then dropped off on a remote contract and never seen or heard from the mothership again?
  • Our engineers were certainly tired of the same.  

At GliaCell our slogan is “We make It happen”.

  • We will immerse you in the latest technologies.
  • We will develop and support your own personalized training program to continue your individual growth. 
  • We will provide you with work that matters with our mission focused customers, and surround you with a family of brilliant engineers. 

Culture isn’t something you need to talk about…if it just exists. 

If this sounds interesting to you, then we’d like to have a discussion regarding your next adventure! If you want to be a drone, this isn’t the place for you.

We Make It Happen!

GliaCell Technologies focuses on Software & System Engineering in Enterprise and Cyber Security solution spaces. We excel at delivering stable and reliable software solutions using Agile Software Development principles. These provide us the capability to deliver a quick turn-around using interactive applications and the integration of industry standard software stacks.

GliaCell’s Enterprise capabilities include Full-Stack Application Development, Big Data, Cloud Technologies, Analytics, Machine Learning, AI, and DevOps Containerization. We also provide customer solutions in the areas of CND, CNE, and CNO by providing our customers with assessments and solutions in Threat Mitigation, Vulnerability Exposure, Penetration Testing, Threat Hunting, and Preventing Advanced Persistent Threat.

We Offer:

  • Long term job security
  • Competitive salaries & bonus opportunities
  • Challenging work you are passionate about
  • Ability to work with some amazingly talented people

Job Description:

GliaCell is seeking a Principal Test Engineer on one of our subcontracts. This is a full-time position offering the opportunity to support a U.S. Government customer. The mission is to provide technical expertise that assists in sustaining critical mission-related software and systems to a large government contract.

  • You will design and implement automated tests for web applications.
  • The ideal candidate will have experience with automated and manual testing. 

Responsibilities: 

  • The work offers flexible hours.
  • Understanding of how to construct Gherkin to capture the desired behavior of a system
  • Ability to develop and maintain automated test cases
  • Ability to analyze and interpret test results
  • Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve automation issues
  • Ability to occasionally perform manual test verification
  • Ability to participate in cross-disciplinary teams
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills for coordination with teammates in building automation frameworks

Key Requirements:

To be considered for this position you must have the following:

  • Possess an active or rein-statable TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance. 
  • Professional/Education experience: Twenty (20) years experience as a SE in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Four (4) years of additional SE experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree. 
  • U.S. Citizenship.
  • Works well independently as well as on a team. 
  • Strong communication skills. 

Qualifications: 

  • Knowledge of test automation tools or willingness to learn (e.g., Cucumber, Selenium)
  • Experience writing tests in programming languages or willingness to learn (e.g., Python, Java)
  • Understanding of web technologies or willingness to learn (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
  • Experience working with databases (e.g., SQL)
  • Experience designing and implementing automated systems to perform software testing
  • Experience identifying and replicating errors in automation scripts
  • Experience planning, executing, and analyzing test data to verify the performance and efficiency of system

Location: Annapolis Junction, MD

Salary Range: The salary range for this full-time position is $180,000 to $260,000. Our salary ranges are determined by position, level, skills, professional experience, relevant education and certifications. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for this position across our projects. Within the range, your salary is determined by your individual benefits package selection. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred position during the hiring process. SIGN-ON BONUS ELIGIBLE.

Benefits:

  • CareFirst Medical Coverage for Employee and Dependents 
  • Guardian Dental and Vision Coverage for Employee and Dependents 
  • Up to 25 Days of Paid Time Off
  • Up to 40 hours of PTO Carryover
  • 11 Federal Government Holidays
  • Work From Home Opportunities
  • 401K Company Contribution, Fully Vested Day 1
  • Discretionary, Certification, and Sign-On Bonus Potential 
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program 
  • Annual Professional Development 
  • 100% Premium Covered for Life & Disability Insurances
  • Additional Voluntary Life Insurance Coverage Available 
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Financial Planning Assistance 
  • Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
  • Monthly Team and Family Events
  • Technology Budget
  • Global Entry
  • Annual Swag Budget

Learn more about GliaCell Technologies: https://gliacelltechnologies.applytojob.com/apply/

To apply for this position, respond to this job posting and attach an updated resume for us to review. 

GliaCell Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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