Principal Test Engineer

Principal Test EngineerLocation: Germantown, MD, US, 20876 Job ID: 115295 DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.About the Role We're hiring a Principal Test Engineer to lead our test engineering team and drive the validation of radar hardware and software — from the lab bench to the field. This is a hands-on technical leadership role for someone who can own test strategy end-to-end, mentor engineers, and ensure our radar systems perform reliably under real-world conditions.What You'll DoLead & MentorLead and coach a team of test engineers, setting technical direction and elevating team capabilityServe as the technical authority on test strategy, methods, and standards across programsDesign & Execute Test ProgramsDesign, develop, and execute test programs to validate the functionality, integrity, and reliability of radar hardware and softwareWrite test procedures and protocols that verify products meet performance specificationsConduct testing in both lab and field environments, adapting plans to real-world operating conditionsDebug test hardware, software, and instrumentation to resolve issues quickly and keep programs on scheduleWhat You'll DoOwn OutcomesDrive test activities to completion on time and within budgetAnalyze test data and designs to identify risks early and recommend corrective actionBuild prototypes to retire key technical risks before full-scale developmentProvide budget, cost, and schedule input for test and design assignmentsDocument component, subsystem, and system-level test specifications and requirementsCollaborate Across the BusinessPartner with manufacturing, supply chain, program management, and customers to align on requirements and resolve issuesEvaluate supplier components, subsystems, and services against program needsSupport design-to-cost and design-for-manufacture goalsContribute technical content to complex, high-value proposalsRepresent test engineering in customer, program, and business reviewsWhat You BringMaster's degree in Engineering or a related technical field8+ years of relevant engineering/test experience, ideally with radar, RF, or defense systemsDemonstrated mastery of test engineering methods and strong domain knowledge across multiple disciplinesProven ability to lead technical projects independently and mentor other engineersStrong written and verbal communication skills across technical and non-technical audiencesWillingness to test in field/operational environments, not just the labU.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.The salary range for this position is $119,940.00/year-$161,919.00/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications.In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. *Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S. Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles: - Integrity - Agility - Excellence - Customer Focus - Community & Respect - Innovation We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.Nearest Major Market: Washington DC