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Senior Performance Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Astrion

Senior Test Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Overview Senior Test Engineer LOCATION : Langley AFB, VA JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE : Top Secret TRAVEL: Limited, as needed Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Test Engineer located ...

SAIC

Senior Test Engineer

Reston, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

Test Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... and performance. This position will also serve as the lead system integrator's senior system ...

New

Astrion

Senior Test Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Overview Senior Test Engineer LOCATION : Langley AFB, VA JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE : Top Secret TRAVEL: Limited, as needed Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Test Engineer located ...

Astrion

Senior Test Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Overview Senior Test Engineer LOCATION : Langley AFB, VA JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE : Top Secret TRAVEL: Limited, as needed Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Test Engineer located ...

MAXISIQ, Inc.

Test Engineer IV

Quantico, VA · On-site

The Senior Test Engineer serves as the technical lead and subject matter expert for software and system testing activities. This role is responsible for evaluating system and software performance to ...

MAXISIQ, Inc.

Test Engineer V

Quantico, VA · On-site

The Senior Test Engineer serves as the technical lead and subject matter expert for software and system testing activities. This role is responsible for evaluating system and software performance to ...

Two Six Technologies

Automation Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$47 - $62.25/hr

Develops functional, end-to-end, regression, and performance tests in automated test environments ... Understands, reproduces, troubleshoots product defects and works with developers to determine the ...

NN Tech, LLC

Senior Automation Test Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$45.50 - $60/hr

We are seeking a Senior Automation Test Engineer for a 1 2-month assignment . The ideal candidate ... Present testing options and recommendations to facilitate testing and performance. * Design and ...

SAIC

Senior Test Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Test Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... and performance. This position will also serve as the lead system integrator's senior system ...

New

Starfish

Senior Test Engineer

Langley, VA · On-site

As a Senior Test Engineer your duties will include the following, but are not limited to: * Support the Maven Smart System (MSS), a high-priority artificial intelligence-powered battle command ...

Torch Technologies, Inc.

Senior Test Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

As a Senior Test Engineer your duties will include, but are not limited to: * Develop and document the single, overarching Test & Evaluation (T&E) Strategy for the program. * Lead the "embedded ...

Two Six Technologies

Test Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

They are seeking a Mid-Senior Level Test Engineer to create and perform manual and automated tests, document work, and provide feedback to developers. Responsibilities : • Create test cases • ...

Apex Systems

Test Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Evaluate and optimize C-UAS system performance in real-world scenarios. * Prepare detailed reports ... Experience briefing senior level military and civilian leaders. * Knowledge of base layered defense ...

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All JobsPerformance Test Engineer JobsSenior Performance Test Engineer JobsSenior Performance Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Performance Test Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$67.9K

$117.5K

$167.1K

How much do senior performance test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior performance test engineer in Virginia is $117,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $135,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Senior Performance Test Engineers?

Senior Performance Test Engineers are specialized professionals responsible for designing, executing, and analyzing performance tests to ensure software applications meet required speed, scalability, and stability standards. They identify system bottlenecks, recommend improvements, and collaborate with development and operations teams to optimize application performance. With years of experience, they often lead performance testing strategies, mentor junior testers, and use advanced tools to simulate high-stress scenarios. Their work ensures that applications can handle expected user loads and perform reliably under various conditions.

What is the difference between Senior Performance Test Engineer vs Performance Test Engineer?

AspectSenior Performance Test EngineerPerformance Test Engineer
CertificationsISTQB, ISTQB Advanced, or similarISTQB, ISTQB Foundation, or similar
Work EnvironmentLead testing projects, mentor juniors, analyze complex performance issuesExecute performance tests, prepare reports, support test planning
ResponsibilitiesDesign test strategies, optimize performance, troubleshoot issuesDevelop test scripts, run tests, document results

The main difference between a Senior Performance Test Engineer and a Performance Test Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior professionals typically lead testing efforts, mentor team members, and handle complex performance challenges, while Performance Test Engineers focus on executing tests and supporting the testing process. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but the senior role involves more strategic and leadership duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Performance Test Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Performance Test Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of software testing methodologies, scripting languages, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise in tools like JMeter, LoadRunner, or Gatling and familiarity with CI/CD pipelines are typically required, along with relevant certifications such as ISTQB. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to accurately assess system performance, identify bottlenecks, and ensure robust, scalable applications.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Performance Test Engineers when working on large-scale applications?

Senior Performance Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as accurately simulating real-world user loads, identifying bottlenecks in complex, distributed environments, and ensuring test data and environments closely mirror production. Collaborating with development and operations teams to resolve performance issues can also be demanding, especially when root causes are not immediately apparent. Staying current with evolving tools and best practices is essential to effectively address these challenges and deliver reliable, high-performing applications.
Infographic showing various Senior Performance Test Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,500 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Senior Test Engineer

Astrion

Hampton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Overview
Senior Test Engineer
LOCATION: Langley AFB, VA
JOB STATUS: Full-time
CLEARANCE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Limited, as needed
Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Test Engineer located at the Langley AFB in Hampton Virginia providing support to the Command, Control, Communications (C3C)/Kessel Run Division.
Kessel Run is an Air Force unit that delivers resilient command and control and targeting software capabilities that provide warfighters with decision advantage. Under the Department of the Air Force Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communication, and Battle Management (DAF PEO C3BM), Kessel Run technologies make up the DAF BATTLE NETWORK, the systems-of-systems designed to help the Joint Force make operational decisions faster than our adversaries. The Division architects and acquires the means to connect weapon systems with warfighters and decision makers to enable the warfighter to win against the pacing challenge in an era of great power competition.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:
  • Citizenship: Must be a US citizen
  • Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain a Top Secret Level Clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICIATIONS / SKILLS:
  • Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in related field
  • Years of experience: 10 years of directly related experience with 4 years of experience in a DoD setting
  • Technical Skills
    • Expertise in operational and mission systems, with the ability to translate mission needs into technical requirements and system capabilities.
    • Experience developing and executing Test and Evaluation (T&E) strategies, including planning, verification/validation methods, and data-driven assessments.
    • Proficiency in Agile methodologies and DevSecOps practices to support rapid, secure, and iterative software development and delivery.
    • Strong technical oversight and systems engineering background, including architecture evaluation, requirements analysis, integration, and risk management.
    • Familiarity with DoDI 5000.87 and related regulatory frameworks, with experience ensuring program compliance and proper documentation.
  • Interpersonal Skills
    • Partnership-oriented: Ability to build a "one team" environment and foster a strong, collaborative partnership with the contractor.
    • Strategic Thinker: Can translate high-level operational needs into clear, testable criteria and navigate complex regulatory requirements without causing bureaucratic delays.
    • Influential Communicator: Able to provide immediate, clear feedback and confidently represent the program to senior leadership and external organizations.
    • Mission-Focused: Possesses a deep understanding of the user's perspective (e.g., combat air operations) and can immediately identify when a feature is technically correct but operationally inefficient or unsound.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The selected candidate will supports support the Maven Smart System (MSS), a high-priority artificial intelligence-powered battle command platform that accelerates intelligence analysis, targeting, and logistics for critical warfighter operations. In this role, you will provide Test and Evaluation (T&E) leadership, develop and execute comprehensive testing strategies, and serve as the primary government representative for testing activities across the program. This position offers significant visibility with senior leadership and the opportunity to shape an integrated testing approach supporting advanced AI, machine learning, computer vision, and cloud-based technologies.
Duties include, but not limited to:
  • Develop and document the program's overarching Test and Evaluation (T&E) Strategy.
  • Lead government oversight activities within an integrated test team environment.
  • Document test concept development, test methodologies, test plans, test execution, test reporting, data reduction, analysis, and operational testing activities.
  • Validate software capabilities against intended operational outcomes from an end-to-end mission perspective.
  • Assess the adequacy and coverage of contractor test automation for mission-critical capabilities.
  • Utilize Design of Experiments methodologies to plan and conduct test programs.
  • Evaluate test environments to ensure they are properly configured and capable of supporting software release testing, including fault insertion and fault identification activities.
  • Prepare or advise on criteria, analyses, specifications, cost estimates, test plans, technical reports, and related documentation.
  • Apply engineering techniques and procedures to analyze complex technical issues and evaluate testing outcomes.
  • Review and evaluate the quality, adequacy, and effectiveness of test results and conclusions.
  • Develop innovative solutions to testing challenges and provide recommendations to improve program execution.
  • Deconflict testing schedules across multiple software releases and provide recommendations to program leadership.
  • Serve as the primary testing lead for MSS leadership and manage interactions with external testing organizations, including Air Combat Command and other stakeholders.
  • Ensure testing activities comply with DoD and USAF regulations while supporting agile and streamlined testing processes.
  • Support Integrated Test and Evaluation (IT&E) efforts to increase testing velocity, reduce costs, and accelerate capability delivery to the warfighter.

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