Principal Test Development Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Principal Test Development Engineer Location: Tucson, AZ (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Contract
Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance may be required

Design the Test Systems Behind Next-Generation Defense Technology

Legion Technical Solutions is seeking a Principal Test Development Engineer to join one of our premier aerospace and defense clients. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges by designing, developing, and deploying sophisticated automated test equipment used to validate advanced electronic systems.

In this role, you'll work on highly collaborative engineering teams responsible for creating custom test stations, fixtures, and automated test solutions that support the production of mission-critical defense technologies. If you thrive in a fast-paced engineering environment where innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence are valued, we'd love to speak with you.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Principal Test Development Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, integrating, and deploying automated test equipment that supports manufacturing and sustainment operations for complex electronic systems.

Your work will include:

• Design and develop automated test stations and custom test fixtures.

• Create electrical schematics and printed circuit board (PCB) designs for test equipment.

• Develop hardware and software solutions supporting manufacturing and system validation.

• Design, integrate, troubleshoot, and deploy test systems to domestic and international production and depot facilities.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams specializing in RF, power electronics, digital systems, and analog circuitry.

• Participate in design reviews, technical planning, and project meetings.

• Execute technical tasks while providing regular progress updates to project leadership.

• Support integration, validation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing test solutions.

What Success Looks Like

Successful engineers in this role quickly become productive contributors by:

• Delivering innovative automated test stations and fixture designs.

• Developing reliable hardware and automated test software solutions.

• Collaborating effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.

• Thriving in a structured, process-driven engineering environment.

• Communicating technical progress clearly while meeting project milestones.

• Helping projects move efficiently from concept through deployment.

Required Qualifications

We're looking for engineers who possess a strong combination of electrical engineering knowledge, test development expertise, and collaborative problem-solving skills.

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).

• Experience developing automated electronic test equipment.

• Hands-on experience with electrical test instrumentation and laboratory equipment.

• Strong knowledge in one or more of the following:
  • RF systems

  • Power electronics

  • Digital logic

  • Analog circuit design

• Experience developing automated test software using one or more of:
  • C

  • C++

  • C#

  • LabVIEW

  • NI TestStand

• Experience designing electrical schematics and PCBs using:
  • OrCAD

  • Cadence Allegro

  • Comparable PCB design platforms

• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with any of the following will stand out:

• Experience leading engineering projects or technical teams.

• Project planning, scheduling, or cost management experience.

• Familiarity with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).

• Experience using Microsoft Project.

• Knowledge of Department of Defense (DoD) engineering development lifecycle processes.

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.

Technologies You'll Work With

• Automated Test Equipment (ATE)

• C / C++ / C#

• National Instruments LabVIEW

• NI TestStand

• OrCAD

• Cadence Allegro

• PCB Design

• RF Test Equipment

• Oscilloscopes, Signal Generators, Power Supplies, and Electronic Test Instruments

• Digital, Analog, and Power Electronics

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity to:

• Design sophisticated automated test systems supporting advanced aerospace and defense technologies.

• Work on challenging, high-impact engineering projects that directly support national security.

• Collaborate with highly experienced electrical, RF, software, and systems engineers.

• Gain exposure to the complete engineering lifecycle—from design through deployment and production support.

• Contribute to projects that are deployed across manufacturing facilities both within the United States and internationally.

About Legion Technical Solutions

Legion Technical Solutions is a specialized engineering and technology staffing partner connecting exceptional professionals with leading aerospace, defense, intelligence, and advanced manufacturing organizations across the United States.

We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with both our employees and clients. Our team is committed to providing a responsive, transparent, and supportive recruiting experience while helping engineers find opportunities that align with their technical expertise and long-term career goals.

About Our Client

Our client is a globally recognized aerospace and defense technology leader known for developing advanced radar, sensing, communications, and mission systems that support critical national security missions. Their engineering teams are recognized for technical innovation, collaborative problem-solving, and delivering highly reliable solutions in complex environments.

This confidential client offers engineers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies while contributing to programs that have a lasting impact on defense capabilities worldwide.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Legion Technical Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and respected. We welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.