Principal Test Engineer

Position Overview

As a Principal Test Engineer, you will offer mentorship to test engineers and serve as a technical subject matter expert for test events and documentation peer reviews. You will spearhead complex testing initiatives, ensuring our products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and compliance. Our testing approach evolves with design maturity, extending from initial stages through to post‑production follow‑ups on subsequent articles.

The role involves extensive system testing of mission equipment such as communication, computing, navigation, and surveillance systems to ensure they meet design and functionality standards. This position does not require any knowledge or skills related to software or automation testing.

This role is within the ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area, which manages end‑to‑end C4

ISR capabilities.

• 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 that the sequence of test events accounts for safety risk management, including identifying potential risks and implementing mitigations to conduct tests safely and effectively.

• 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 multidisciplinary design and development teams.
• Advanced knowledge of requirements management, system design, and systems integration.
• Demonstrated expertise planning, conducting, and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.

• 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 and in generation and disposition of product non‑conformances.
• Experience performing certification testing for organizations such as FAA, NASA, 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.

• 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 off‑site environment.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required. Non‑U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.

• Annual incentive pay based upon performance, commensurate with the level of the position.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) plan with 150% match up to 6% of compensation.
• Life insurance.
• Three weeks paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by law.