Principal Test Engineer

SAIC • Kirtland AFB, NM

2d • Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Test Engineer to support a critical program for the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. The role supports delivery of reliable, mission-ready software and ground system capabilities for space operations across the Department of Defense. The Test Engineer validates, improves, and certifies software solutions that support operational users, working with developers, system administrators, mission partners, and end users to ensure capabilities are thoroughly tested, operationally relevant, and ready for deployment in demanding mission environments. The position also offers an opportunity to influence test strategy, drive continuous improvement, implement modern testing methodologies, and help transition capabilities from development to operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical discipline and 9+ years of relevant experience, or a master's degree in one of these disciplines and 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Active Top Secret or DoE Q clearance with SCI eligibility; must be eligible for SCI indoctrination within the first 3 months of the start date and able to obtain and maintain TS/SCI.
• At least 4 years of dedicated software and system testing experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing test plans, test procedures, automated test scripts, and manual test methodologies.
• Strong understanding of software quality assurance principles, defect lifecycle management, and testing best practices.
• Experience managing requirements verification and traceability using an RVTM or similar framework.
• Knowledge of operational test events, including DITL, TTO, and other user-focused validation activities.
• Experience supporting Integrated System Tests (ISTs) and integrating new capabilities into operational environments.
• Ability to analyze complex systems, identify potential failure points, and ensure mission requirements are validated before deployment.
• Current Security+ certification compliant with DoD 8570.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command, or other national security space programs.
• Familiarity with Agile development environments and DevSecOps practices.
• Experience with automated test frameworks and CI/CD pipelines.
• Background in satellite operations, mission planning, scheduling systems, or ground system software.
• Experience administering Linux- or Windows-based test environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead software and system test activities for mission-critical space operations capabilities, validating functionality, performance, security, and user requirements before deployment.
• Collaborate with engineering, integration, and operational teams to troubleshoot issues, verify corrective actions, and improve software quality and testing effectiveness.
• Plan and execute operational test events, including DITLs, TTOs, and ISTs, to support transition of capabilities from development into operational environments.
• Manage requirements verification and traceability through RVTM management, use case development, and test environment administration to ensure complete mission requirement coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal