Principal Test Engineer

About the Role

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, specializing as a prime integrator of manned and unmanned aircraft systems for high-performance ISR and aviation solutions. IAS delivers end-to-end C4ISR capabilities, including design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training, and logistics support. Solutions are tailored to meet customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements, consistently exceeding expectations with a proven record of on-time and on-budget deliveries.

Join the SNC-led Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) team to contribute to modernizing and delivering the next-generation SAOC aircraft, a critical command, control, and communication platform trusted by national leadership during emergencies. As a Principal Test Engineer, you will mentor test engineers, serve as a technical subject matter expert, and lead complex testing initiatives to ensure products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and compliance. This role involves extensive system testing across mission equipment such as communication, computing, navigation, and surveillance systems.

Note: This role does not require software or automation testing expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning for testing initiatives and projects.
• Develop and implement innovative testing methodologies and processes.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and mentorship to test engineering teams.
• Oversee the execution of the most critical and complex testing projects.
• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive testing excellence.
• Ensure the sequence of test events accounts for safety risk management, including identifying potential risks and implementing mitigations to conduct tests safely and effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or related field.
• 14+ years of experience in test engineering or a related role (higher-level relevant degree may substitute for experience).
• Extensive experience in advanced testing principles and methodologies.
• Thorough understanding and ability to interpret engineering principles and practices.
• Progressive experience leading multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
• Advanced knowledge of requirements management, system design, and systems integration.
• Demonstrated expertise in planning, conducting, and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School (e.g., United States Naval Test Pilot School, United States Air Force Test Pilot School, or National Test Pilot School).
• Recognized contributions to the field of test engineering.
• Experience with various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies, including manual and automated testing.
• Extensive experience authoring complex and professional test plans, test procedures, and test reports to demonstrate compliance with system requirements.
• Experience with Product and Quality Assurance principles, including generation and disposition of product non-conformances.
• Experience performing certification testing for organizations such as FAA, NASA, or DoD.
• Experience conducting testing per MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other similar industry methods and standards.
• Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and apply logical troubleshooting techniques.
• Extensive experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.

Essential Functions

• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs regularly.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Ability to work in an office, lab, hangar, or offsite environment.

Benefits

• Annual incentive pay based on performance.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• 3 weeks paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.