> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2403027-principal-integration-test-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2403027-principal-integration-test-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Integration & Test Engineer - **Company:** Trident Systems Inc - **Location:** Chantilly, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $101,000.0 - $188,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Board Bringup, Software Applications, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Configuration Management, Software Documentation, Computer Engineering, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Linux, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Firmware, Formal Verification, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Python (Programming Language), Real-Time Operating Systems, Systems Integration, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, Scripting, Data Server Interface, Serial Peripheral Interface, Software Verification, Information Technology - **Published:** August 18, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/17977676?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F17977676%2FPrincipal-Integration-Test-Engineer-Virginia-Chantilly ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (OR equivalent years of experience / combined education). * 9 or more years of related experience. * Experience integrating and testing embedded systems, avionics, or aerospace hardware. * Ability to debug across software, firmware, and electronics. * Experience reading and interpreting schematics, ICDs, test procedures, requirements, and design documentation. * Experience with embedded debugging tools, logs, telemetry, and lab instrumentation. * Familiarity with C/C++, Python, or similar scripting languages for test automation and troubleshooting., * Experience with space payloads, spacecraft avionics, or mission-critical embedded systems. * Experience debugging FPGA-based systems and firmware-controlled electronics. * Familiarity with Linux-based embedded systems, RTOS, or board bring-up. * Experience supporting TVAC, vibration, or EMI/EMC test campaigns. * Knowledge of space-qualified components, radiation-tolerant electronics, or flight hardware processes. * Experience with requirements verification, anomaly reporting, and formal test documentation. * Familiarity with CI/CD, automated test frameworks, HIL testing, or lab automation. Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $101,000 - $188,000 Please Note: Actual compensation offered will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location where applicable. ## Description We are seeking a Principal Integration & Test (I&T) Engineer to support the development, integration, debugging, and verification of space payload systems. This role requires a hands-on engineer who can work across software, firmware, and electronics to troubleshoot complex system issues and ensure payload readiness for lab, environmental, and flight test activities., * Integrate and test space payload hardware and software in development, qualification, and flight-like configurations. * Debug and troubleshoot issues spanning application software, embedded software, FPGA/firmware interfaces, electronics, sensors, and communication links. * Support bring-up of payload electronics, processors, FPGAs, data interfaces, and support equipment. * Investigate failures during integration and test using lab equipment, logs, telemetry, and software/firmware diagnostics. * Use lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, DMMs, protocol analyzers, and signal generators to diagnose hardware and interface issues. * Support checkout and debugging of interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, RS-422/485, Ethernet, SpaceWire, CAN, and other mission-specific buses. * Work closely with software, firmware, electrical, systems, and mechanical engineers to resolve integration issues and improve design robustness. * Document test results, anomalies, troubleshooting steps, and corrective actions to support formal verification and flight readiness reviews. * Assist with system-level and environmental testing, including functional test, thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, and mission simulations. * Contribute to development of testbeds, lab infrastructure, automated test tools, and debug processes. * Support configuration management and ensure testing is performed against the correct hardware, firmware, and software baselines. * Ability to support travel or off-site work, as needed. * Perform other duties as assigned. ## Related Videos - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Trunk-Based Development at Scale: Real-World Insights from a High-Traffic Luxury E-Commerce Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1435-trunk-based-development-at-scale-real-world-insights-from-a-high-traffic-luxury-e-commerce-platform) - [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Continuous testing - run automated tests for every change!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/190-continuous-testing-run-automated-tests-for-every-change) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Top-Paying Tech Jobs (with Salaries)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/372-top-paying-tech-jobs-with-salaries) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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