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Principal Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astera Labs

Principal Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$209K - $230K/yr

We are looking for Principal Test Engineers with proven experience in developing and supporting complex mixed-signal silicon SoC products to lead ATE Test solutions. The ideal candidate will develop ...

SRC, Inc

Principal Test Engineer

Syracuse, NY

SRCTec, LLC is currently seeking a highly seasoned and product development-oriented principal test engineer to join the Advanced Manufacturing team. Individuals who are passionate about ensuring ...

SRC, Inc

Principal Test Engineer

Syracuse, NY

$134K - $158K/yr

SRCTec, LLC is currently seeking a highly seasoned and product development-oriented principal test engineer to join the Advanced Manufacturing team. Individuals who are passionate about ensuring ...

SRC, Inc

Principal Test Engineer

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$134K - $158K/yr

SRCTec, LLC is currently seeking a highly seasoned and product development-oriented principal test engineer to join the Advanced Manufacturing team. Individuals who are passionate about ensuring ...

Leidos

Principal Test Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Test Engineer in our Intel Security Sector's Analysis Solutions Business Area . Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering ...

Astera Labs

Principal Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$209K - $230K/yr

We are looking for Principal Test Engineers with proven experience in developing and supporting complex mixed-signal silicon SoC products to lead ATE Test solutions. The ideal candidate will develop ...

Astera Labs

Principal Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$209K - $230K/yr

We are looking for Principal Test Engineers with proven experience in developing and supporting complex mixed-signal silicon SoC products to lead ATE Test solutions. The ideal candidate will develop ...

SRC, Inc.

Principal Test Engineer

Syracuse, NY

$134K - $158K/yr

SRCTec, LLC is currently seeking a highly seasoned and product development-oriented principal test engineer to join the Advanced Manufacturing team. Individuals who are passionate about ensuring ...

Leidos

Principal Test Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Test Engineer in our Intel Security Sector's Analysis Solutions Business Area . Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering ...

Skyworks

Sr. Principal Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Principal Test Engineer Posting Start Date: 5/13/26 Job Location(s): Austin If you are looking for a challenging and exciting career in the world of technology, then look no further.

Rambus

Principal Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$126K - $234K/yr

Rambus, a premier chip and silicon IP provider making data faster and safer, is seeking to hire an exceptional Principal Test Engineer to join our Operations team in San Jose. In this role, you will ...

Rambus

Principal Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$126K - $234K/yr

Overview Rambus, a premier chip and silicon IP provider making data faster and safer, is seeking to hire an exceptional Principal Test Engineer to join our Operations team in San Jose. In this role ...

FormFactor, Inc.

Principal Test Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

The Principal Test Engineer is responsible for the implementation, qualification, and continuous improvement of test processes and equipment. This role focuses on optimizing test capabilities ...

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 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 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.

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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Principal Test Engineer jobs near you
Principal Test Engineer

Principal Test Engineer

Astera Labs

San Jose, CA • On-site

$209K - $230K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for Principal Test Engineers with proven experience in developing and supporting complex mixed-signal silicon SoC products to lead ATE Test solutions. The ideal candidate will develop and oversee SoC test strategy, interact with manufacturing partners, define, and implement ATE programs and own the product from design, initial samples all the way through high volume production ramp. The candidate should have working knowledge of communication/interface protocols such as PCI-Express (Gen-4/5/6), Ethernet, Infiniband, DDR, NVMe, USB, etc.

Basic Qualifications

  • Strong academic and technical background in electrical engineering. At minimum, a Bachelor's in EE is required, and a Master's is preferred.
  • 8-year experience releasing complex SoC/silicon products to high volume manufacturing.
  • Working knowledge of high-speed protocols like PCIe, Ethernet, Infiniband, DDR, NVMe, USB, etc.
  • Professional attitude with ability to execute on multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Strong team player with good communication skills to work alongside a team of high caliber engineers.
  • Entrepreneurial, open-mind behavior and can-do attitude.

Required Experience

  • Hands-on experience with high-speed mixed signal SoC test program/hardware development on multiple high-speed test platforms.
  • Collaboration with design team to define test strategy, create and own test plan.
  • Tester platform selection, design, and development of ATE hardware for wafer sort and final test.
  • Familiar with high-speed load board design techniques.
  • Proven track record of implementing ATE patterns to optimize tester resources and minimize ATE test time while maintaining product quality.
  • Strong knowledge and development of DFT techniques implemented in silicon that provide maximum defect and parametric device coverage - SCAN, MEMBIST, SerDes and other functional tests.
  • Skilled in control interfaces - I2C, I3C, SPI, MDIO, JTAG etc.
  • Expertise in production test of high speed SerDes operating at 16Gbps and higher.
  • Skilled in ATE programming, silicon/ATE bring-up, bench-ATE correlation and debug.
  • Experience with lab equipment including protocol analyzers and oscilloscopes.
  • Experience with using Advantest 93k ATE platform.
  • Proficiency in, at least, one modern programming language such as C/C++, Python.

Preferred Experience

  • Fluent in data processing using high level programming languages.
  • Experience in running External loopback at wafer sort.
  • Familiarity with modern databases

The base salary range is $209,000.00 USD - $230,000.00 USD. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions.  

 

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