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# 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:** October 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/b275dabb-430a-4d8d-9fe3-0b8dfb944f26/principal-integration-test-engineer

## 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.