Principal Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance

Overview - SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED We are seeking a Principal Test Systems Technical Lead Engineer to support a high-impact defense program focused on weapon system test environments. This role operates in a lab environment, working closely with system designers to develop, integrate, and deploy test systems that support tactical software development, system validation, and delivery of mission-critical capabilities. This is a technical leadership role, combining hands-on engineering with program execution, team leadership, and stakeholder coordination. What You Will Do
Serve as the technical lead responsible for overall program execution
Communicate regularly with the Integrated Product Team Leader (IPTL) and Program Manager
Establish and execute program milestones, ensuring alignment with scope, cost, and schedule
Lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team
Define program requirements in collaboration with cross-functional teams
Develop and deliver presentations for gate reviews
Participate in:
Failure Review Boards (FRBs)
Change Control Boards (CCBs), including approval of system changes
Provide status updates and metrics to stakeholders
Delegate tasks and provide guidance/training to team members
Support development, integration, and deployment of test systems
Travel up to 20% to support system development and delivery What You Will Learn
System-level test setup and operations across development and production environments
Collaboration across multi-disciplinary engineering teams in complex defense systems Qualifications – Required
Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience (or 8+ years with an advanced degree)
Experience with Test Systems Engineering or equivalent, including:
Hardware and test software development
Integration, verification, and validation (IV&V)
Maintenance within production/manufacturing/test environments
Experience with design, development, and/or integration of test equipment
Active U.S. Secret security clearance (non-interim) required prior to start
U.S. Citizenship required Key Strengths for Success
Strong leadership and team coordination in engineering environments
Ability to manage technical execution across complex programs
Experience working across hardware/software boundaries in test systems
Strong communication skills for technical briefings and stakeholder engagement