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.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, with at least 7 years of relevant experience; equivalent experience may be accepted.
- Active Top Secret security clearance with eligibility to support Special Access Programs.
- U.S. citizenship, as required by the U.S. Government for SAP eligibility.
- Expertise in communication, radar, RF, or related systems, including 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.
- Ability to develop advanced engineering methods, architectures, and technical solutions for cyber, radar, RF, and systems engineering challenges.
- Experience interacting with customers and decision-makers, delivering technical briefings, translating mission requirements, and participating in SRRs, PDRs, CDRs, and TIMs.
- Proficiency with electromagnetic simulation tools and MATLAB/Simulink.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams, manage complex engineering assignments, and meet schedules and program requirements.
- 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.
- Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or PhD with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
- Experience with C/C++, Python, RF test equipment, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, instrumentation, and related technical software.
- Direct experience leading RF, radar, cyber, or advanced defense-related test and evaluation campaigns.
- Experience serving as a Project Officer, Test Director, Technical Lead, or System Architect.
- Significant experience preparing and delivering high-level briefings to government customers, senior management, and senior-ranking military officials.
- At least 5 years of experience working at or coordinating with U.S. western test ranges, including NTTR, UTTR, China Lake, or comparable facilities.
- Experience developing reusable test methodologies, scalable test capabilities, or product-based test solutions.
What the Team is Saying
STR Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are highlighted by a 401(k) with a 4% company match plus a 6% profit-sharing contribution, which can materially boost total rewards if paid as advertised. This combination stands out repeatedly as a core strength of the package.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical and dental insurance, STR-paid vision, employer HSA/HRA contributions, and company-paid life and disability insurance. Mental-health, financial counseling, and an employee assistance program add breadth to the core protections.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave for birthing and non-birthing parents is offered alongside PTO and company holidays. Dependent-care options and commuter and wellness perks further support family and lifestyle needs.
STR Insights
What We Do
STR makes the world a safer place by developing technology and applying it to solve emerging national security challenges.
Why Work With Us
We believe in a people-first culture. Yes, we are scientists, engineers, and researchers, but first, we are people. Our environment is designed to foster innovation by encouraging our employees to work collaboratively on things they are passionate about. We also really like to have fun. We believe that working hard and playing hard go hand in hand.
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