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# Principal Systems Test Engineer in Manassas

- **Company:** Energy Jobline
- **Location:** Manassas, VA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $135,000.0 - $165,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Automation of Tests, White-Box Testing, Real-Time Operating Systems, Data Management
- **Published:** October 12, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.energyjobline.com/job/principal-systems-test-engineer-manassas-31918018

## About the Role

* Bachelor's in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience. (aerospace/electrical/mechanical )
 * 10+ years experience in systems ground tests and instrumentation. Preferably experience with test and evaluation at an aircraft manufacturer.
 * CAA (FAA/EASA) aircraft certification experience
 * U.S. Person

## Description

As our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you'll be the technical lead driving development of Electra's ground test infrastructure and instrumentation capability. This is a hands-on leadership role - you'll mentor junior engineers, own the architecture of our simulation labs, and build the data management and automated test processes that engineering depends on to move the EL9 toward certification.

What You'll Do

 * Lead and mentor development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs. (ex. hybrid propulsion copper bird; SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators; static and dynamic structural testing)
 * Lead and mentor development of instrument and data acquisition capabilities for ground and flight test.
 * Lead and mentor data management of all testing for use by engineering.
 * Build automated test processes requiring custom interfaces amongst disparate RTOS system models and hardware.
 * Serve as a key contact for all ground testing and instrumentation with internal customer organizations.