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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal / Sr. Principal Cyber Software Test Engineer - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Chantilly, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $103,600.0 - $193,900.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), JavaScript (Programming Language), Microsoft Windows, Agile Methodology, Android Software Development, Software Applications, JIRA, Automation of Tests, Microsoft Azure, Cyber Security, Software Debugging, Linux, DevOps, Iterative and Incremental Development, Mobile Application Software, Python (Programming Language), Scrum Methodology, Regression Testing, Security Software, Software Requirements Analysis, Software Systems, Test Case, Unix Commands, Virtual Machines, Hardware Testing, Computer Equipment, Testcomplete, Programming Languages - **Published:** July 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=3423b49845f353a0 ## About the Role * Clearance: Candidate must currently have an active Secret security clearance or higher to be considered. Secret security clearance eligibility must be in place by the start date and must stay in place through employment. * Bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant experience, a Master's degree with 3 years of relevant experience, a PhD with 1 year of relevant experience, or 9 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree. * Experience with diverse software and/or hardware testing methods throughout the development lifecycle. * Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and self-manage multiple project tasks. * Proficiency with computer hardware and software systems, and the ability to validate proper implementation and functionality between various systems and interfaces. * Experience translating requirements and user stories into functional test plans. * Ability to use strong analytical skills to identify, characterize and isolate issues, and troubleshoot to present options for correcting those issues. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills in order to write well-articulated test plans and facilitate product demonstrations. * Ability to articulate and document defects in a timely manner, and collaborate with the development team and management to prioritize bugs until resolution. Basic Qualifications for a Sr. Principal Cyber Software Test Engineer: * Clearance: Candidate must currently have an active Secret security clearance or higher to be considered. Secret security clearance eligibility must be in place by the start date and must stay in place through employment. * Bachelor's degree with 8 years of relevant experience, a Master's degree with 6 years of relevant experience, a PhD with 4 years of relevant experience, or 12 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree. * Experience with diverse software and/or hardware testing methods throughout the development lifecycle. * Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and self-manage multiple project tasks. * Proficiency with computer hardware and software systems, and the ability to validate proper implementation and functionality between various systems and interfaces. * Experience translating requirements and user stories into functional test plans. * Ability to use strong analytical skills to identify, characterize and isolate issues, and troubleshoot to present options for correcting those issues. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills in order to write well-articulated test plans and facilitate product demonstrations. * Ability to articulate and document defects in a timely manner, and collaborate with the development team and management to prioritize bugs until resolution. Preferred Qualifications for both levels: * An active TS/SCI Clearance with Polygraph. * Proficiency with writing custom automation scripts using a programming language (e.g., Python, JavaScript, etc.). * Experience with testing mobile applications on Android devices. * Experience with agile management software (e.g., Microsoft Azure DevOps, Jira, etc.). * Experience with test automation to include design, development, and debugging of tests. * Experience with test automation tools (e.g., SmartBear TestComplete) and frameworks. * Experience with installing virtual machines. * Familiarity with Agile Scrum methodologies. * Familiarity with computer security measures. * Proficiency with UNIX command lines. * Self-starter with the ability to pick up and learn new products with little supervision as well as provide leadership on assigned projects. * Ability to provide testing best practices to other team members. * Experience with providing test estimation to management and project teams. ## Description As a Principal / Senior Principal Cyber Software Test Engineering, you will have the following responsibilities: * Work as a member of an agile software development test team in a challenging, dynamic, fast-paced environment learning new tools and processes. * Test new, mission-critical software applications across diverse platforms (e.g., Windows, Linux, Android), ensuring seamless integration with wireless services and custom hardware systems. * Validate software requirements through functional, usability, performance, security, compatibility, ad-hoc, internationalization, and regression tests. * Develop, maintain, and execute test plans and procedures for software systems. * Participate in cross-functional team meetings, decision-making, technical discussion, and defining new product functionality. * Review user stories and backlog items, analyze testability of requirements, and provide feedback. * Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to clarify user stories and determine appropriate testing scenarios to validate the iterative development of products against functional and technical specifications. * Timely identification of issues and effectively communicate impact to software developers, project managers, and appropriate parties to facilitate issue resolutions. * Demonstrate software capabilities at the completion of sprints to key stakeholders to ensure solutions meet customer requirements. * Conduct test case reviews and ensure all test activities are properly executed and documented according to our client's standards. * Configure hardware and software test equipment. * Troubleshoot and isolate system failures. * Clearly identify and document defects and collaborate with the development team to prioritize bugs until resolution. * Articulate open issues and risks to management in a timely manner and make recommendations. ## Related Videos - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [From DevOps to Scaled DevOps: How We’re Rebuilding Continuous Delivery as a Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100018-from-devops-to-scaled-devops-how-we-re-rebuilding-continuous-delivery-as-a-platform) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [#90DaysOfDevOps - The DevOps Learning Journey](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/548-90daysofdevops-the-devops-learning-journey) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) ## Related Articles - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)