Lead Test Engineer

STR•Las Vegas, NV

4d•$173,000 - $220,000

About The Position

STR is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to help build and guide an expert team addressing complex test and evaluation challenges. The role focuses on delivering product-based test solutions through an experienced, trusted team that can adapt to evolving customer needs and provide decision-quality results at the speed required by the Department of War. The Principal Test Engineer serves as a technical architect and subject-matter expert for complex RF, radar, cyber, and test and evaluation challenges. The position leads test strategy development, system architecture, test campaign planning and execution, data analysis, and reporting for advanced defense systems. It applies simulation, modeling, and real-world testing to assess system performance and support operational decisions, while collaborating with software, hardware, systems integration, and test teams throughout the systems engineering lifecycle. The role also represents STR in customer engagements and technical reviews, supports test planning and operations at test locations, and helps mentor a high-performing technical team. An active Top Secret security clearance and eligibility to support Special Access Programs are required; U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government for this clearance eligibility.

Requirements

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; PhD with at least 2 years; or equivalent experience.
Active Top Secret security clearance with eligibility to support Special Access Programs; 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.
Experience working 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

Experience with programming languages such as C/C++ and Python, and with RF test equipment.
Direct experience leading RF, radar, cyber, or other advanced defense-related test and evaluation campaigns, including 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, 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.

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 requirements into executable test strategies, system architectures, and integrated solutions.
Lead planning, execution, analysis, and reporting for 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 software, hardware, systems integration, and test teams to establish requirements, specifications, test architectures, and execution methodologies.
Represent STR in design reviews, technical working groups, customer briefings, and senior-level engagements; translate mission requirements into technical solutions and test objectives.
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, expected performance criteria, and end-to-end test operations.
Help build, mentor, and guide a technical team and advance repeatable, adaptable, efficient, product-based test solutions.