Lead Test Engineer
STR is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to join a new group focused on the complex test and evaluation challenges that exist in the modern world.
You will help build and guide an expert team capable of planning, executing, analyzing, and delivering decision-quality results at the speed the Department of War (DoW) requires to field advancements that continue to outpace our adversaries. STR's approach will emphasize product-based delivery of test solutions through an experienced, trusted team that can rapidly adapt to evolving customer needs.
What you will do:
Serve as a technical architect and subject-matter expert, developing and applying advanced methods, theories, and engineering techniques to address complex RF, radar, cyber, and test and evaluation challenges. Translate customer requirements into executable test strategies, system architectures, and integrated solutions.
Lead the planning, execution, analysis, and reporting of complex classified test campaigns, including cyber and open-air RF performance testing. Evaluate instrumentation and measurement data, quantify uncertainties, investigate discrepancies, and deliver technically rigorous, decision-quality results.
Design, direct, and implement test and evaluation solutions for advanced radar, RF sensing, communication, and related systems. Apply simulation, modeling, and real-world testing to validate system performance and support operational decision-making.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, including software, hardware, systems integration, and test personnel, to establish requirements, specifications, test architectures, and execution methodologies.
Serve as a trusted technical and customer-facing leader, representing STR in design reviews, technical working groups, customer briefings, and senior-level engagements. Translate evolving mission requirements into actionable technical solutions and test objectives.
Support the full systems engineering lifecycle, from conceptualization and architecture through development, integration, testing, sustainment, and operations, ensuring solutions are technically sound and operationally relevant.
Lead and support test planning, coordination, and execution activities, including site visits, experimental investigations, development of test plans, instrumentation configurations, test methodologies, expected performance criteria, and oversight of end-to-end test operations.
Help build, mentor, and guide a high-performing technical team while advancing STR's product-based approach to test and evaluation delivery. Promote repeatable, adaptable, and efficient test solutions that respond to evolving customer needs and accelerate mission outcomes.
Who you are
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with at least 7 years of relevant experience; Master's degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience; PhD with at least 2 years of relevant experience; or equivalent experience.
This position requires an active Top Secret security clearance with eligibility to support Special Access Programs (SAP), for which U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government.
Demonstrated expertise in communication, radar, RF, or related systems, including system design, development, requirements verification, test planning, test execution, data analysis, and operational support.
Experience leading complex test and evaluation activities, including planning, coordination, execution, performance analysis, technical reporting, and delivery of results to government customers and stakeholders.
Proven ability to develop advanced engineering methods, architectures, and technical solutions to address complex cyber, radar, RF, and systems engineering challenges.
Strong experience interacting with customers and decision-makers, preparing and delivering technical briefings, translating mission requirements into executable solutions, and participating in technical reviews, including SRRs, PDRs, CDRs, and TIMs.
Proficiency with electromagnetic simulation tools and MATLAB/Simulink. Experience with programming languages such as C/C++ and Python, as well as RF test equipment, is valued.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams, manage complex engineering assignments, and deliver high-quality results within established schedules and program requirements.
Strong understanding of test risk management, operational safety, and disciplined execution of complex test campaigns.
Experience supporting government test and evaluation activities across multiple organizations, disciplines, or operational environments.
Nice to haves
Direct experience leading RF, radar, cyber, or other advanced defense-related test and evaluation campaigns, including test planning, execution, data analysis, and technical reporting.
Experience serving in Project Officer, Test Director, Technical Lead, or System Architect roles supporting government or defense-related programs.
Hands-on experience with communication and sensing systems, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, instrumentation, and related test equipment, as well as technical software tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, C++, and Python.
Significant experience preparing and delivering high-level technical briefings to government customers, senior management, and senior-ranking military officials.
At least 5 years of firsthand experience working at or in close coordination with U.S. western test ranges, including the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR), Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, or comparable facilities.
Experience developing reusable test methodologies, scalable test capabilities, or product-based solutions that improve test efficiency, adaptability, and delivery timelines.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $173,000 - $220,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Final offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.