Principal Test Engineer

SAIC is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to support the Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vessel (MDUSV) program and related Test and Evaluation activities in San Diego, CA. This role involves deployment of autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to demonstrate enhanced warfighting capabilities, participating in high-visibility operations such as RIMPAC and Integrated Battle Problems. The program is a multi-year effort managed by NIWC-PAC with PMS-406 as the Program Office and Unmanned Surface Vessel Development Squadron-1 (USVDIV1).

About the role

The candidate will work with the Government IPT Lead and other support staff to develop and execute directed Test and Evaluation events for Autonomous Systems and unmanned automation on developmental surface vessels. Responsibilities include supporting technology upgrades, In-Service Engineering for existing platforms, and test/planning support to meet Program Office and Fleet demand signals. Must be local to the San Diego area and able to travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate personnel and finances for million-dollar programs.
• Lead autonomy development and integration to support unmanned operations.
• Oversee autonomous test, evaluation, demonstration, data collection, and reporting.
• Support NIWC program leadership briefings and reporting requirements.
• Conduct or execute tests following established procedures.
• Participate in ship riding as part of testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field and nine (9) years or more of related experience.
• Five (5) years of experience working with or on Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV).
• Five (5) years of experience coordinating and supporting at-sea test events.
• Five (5) years of experience with vessel autonomy systems and operations.
• Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance after start.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.

Pay

Target salary range: $120,001 – $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Day Shift
• Hybrid (potential for remote work)