Principal Software Test Engineer

Principal Software Test Engineer- Defense Solutions

As our Principal Test Engineer, you will serve as the senior technical authority for test strategy, test system development and complex troubleshooting across products, materials and manufacturing processes. This role leads the design and implementation of advanced test methods, fixtures and diagnostic programs while ensuring test rigor, cost efficiency and compliance with internal and contractual requirements. Operating with broad autonomy, you drive test standards, resolves high-impact failures, influences cross-functional engineering decisions and mentors less experienced engineers.

Location: Ashburn, VA- Onsite

We Take Care of Our People

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture

Salary Range: $144,100.00 - 180000.00  per year plus bonus

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Virginia. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

Your Challenge:

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced, cost-effective test methods, test fixtures, diagnostic programs and test system requirements for new and existing products (20%).

• Define and maintain comprehensive test standards and specifications for materials, components, products and manufacturing processes in alignment with company and customer requirements (20%).

• Analyze complex test results, failure trends and vendor or material performance to diagnose root causes and drive corrective and preventive actions (20%).

• Partner with customers, suppliers and internal engineering, quality and manufacturing teams to resolve high-impact test issues and ensure robust test readiness across programs (20%).

• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to lower-level engineers, including guidance on test design, data interpretation and problem-solving best practices (20%).

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.

• 15–20+ years of experience in test engineering, product validation or manufacturing test development.

• Expert-level capability in designing test systems, fixtures, diagnostic programs and automated or manual test methodologies.

• Proven success analyzing complex test data, resolving systemic test failures and implementing robust corrective actions.

• Strong understanding of materials testing, component qualification, product performance verification and manufacturing process validation.

• Experience defining and governing test standards and specifications for internal and customer-driven requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across engineering, quality, supply chain and customer organizations.

• Strong leadership, communication and mentoring skills with the ability to influence technical decisions across multiple programs.

Who We Are

Our Values

Environmental, Social and Governance

Curtiss-Wright's Defense Solution division is a trusted, proven leader, delivering superior products and services that meet the defense and aerospace industries' toughest challenges with best-in-class value. Our solutions address air, ground, and naval defense applications, and are focused on growth segments with a high demand for advanced technology, enhanced safety, security, and performance. As a leading Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions supplier for battlefield platforms and communication systems, we are uniquely positioned to benefit from the DoD's commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield.

To learn more visit: Home | Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions (curtisswrightds.com)

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No unsolicited agency submittals please.  Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal.  Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.  

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening.  In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn. 

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.

For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.