Lead Test Engineer

STR•Las Vegas, NV

About The Position

STR is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to join a new group addressing complex modern test and evaluation challenges. The role will help build and guide an expert team that plans, executes, analyzes, and delivers decision-quality results at the speed required by the Department of War. STR emphasizes product-based delivery of test solutions through an experienced team able to adapt rapidly to evolving customer needs. The engineer will serve as a technical architect and subject-matter expert across RF, radar, cyber, and test and evaluation challenges. The position includes translating customer and mission requirements into executable test strategies, architectures, and integrated solutions; leading classified test campaigns; analyzing instrumentation and measurement data; and delivering rigorous results to government customers and stakeholders. The engineer will work across the systems engineering lifecycle and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, represent STR in customer and technical engagements, and help develop and mentor a high-performing technical team. This position requires an active Top Secret security clearance and eligibility to support Special Access Programs (SAP). U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government. The stated full-time salary range is $173,000–$220,000. STR is a defense, intelligence, and national security technology company with locations near Boston, Arlington, Dayton, Melbourne, Carlsbad, Atlanta, and Denver.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with at least 7 years of relevant experience; or a master's degree with at least 5 years; or a PhD with at least 2 years; or equivalent experience.
Active Top Secret security clearance with eligibility to support Special Access Programs (SAP); 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.
Ability to develop advanced engineering methods, architectures, and technical solutions for complex cyber, radar, RF, and systems engineering challenges.
Strong experience interacting with customers and decision-makers, delivering technical briefings, translating mission requirements into executable solutions, and participating in technical reviews such as SRRs, PDRs, CDRs, and TIMs.
Proficiency with electromagnetic simulation tools and MATLAB/Simulink.
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 as a Project Officer, Test Director, Technical Lead, or System Architect on government or defense-related programs.
Hands-on experience with communication and sensing systems, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, instrumentation, related test equipment, and technical software 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 NTTR, 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.
Experience with programming languages such as C/C++ and Python, as well as RF test equipment.

Responsibilities

Serve as a technical architect and subject-matter expert, developing and applying advanced methods, theories, and engineering techniques to complex RF, radar, cyber, and test and evaluation challenges.
Translate customer and mission requirements into executable test strategies, system architectures, integrated solutions, and test objectives.
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 software, hardware, systems integration, and test personnel to establish requirements, specifications, test architectures, and execution methodologies.
Represent STR in design reviews, technical working groups, customer briefings, and senior-level engagements.
Support the systems engineering lifecycle from conceptualization and architecture through development, integration, testing, sustainment, and operations.
Lead and support test planning, coordination, and execution, including site visits, experimental investigations, test plans, instrumentation configurations, test methodologies, performance criteria, and 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 customer needs and accelerate mission outcomes.