Principal Test Engineer

Astrion; Riverdale (UT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to support the C3BM program at Hill AFB in Utah. The role requires a Secret clearance and full-time status, with DoD test lifecycle expertise and leadership in cross-functional teams.

The position emphasizes DoD test standards, DOE methodologies, and rigorous data analysis to drive test planning, execution and assessment in a high-visibility defense environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience supporting the full test and evaluation lifecycle, from concept to fielding.
• Strong knowledge of DoD test and evaluation requirements, standards, and DoD lifecycle activities.
• Expertise in designing test plans, criteria, reports, and schedules to support objectives.

Responsibilities

• Support the full testing lifecycle including concept development, planning, execution and data analysis.
• Develop and document test plans, criteria, specifications, and reports.
• Apply DoE techniques to optimize test strategies and resource use.
• Evaluate test environments for configuration accuracy and readiness for verification.

Skills

Test lifecycle

DoD test standards

DOE methodologies

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in related field

20+ years in DoD or related field

30+ years of directly related experience (DoD)

Job description

Overview

PRINCIPAL TEST ENGINEER

LOCATION: Hill AFB, UT

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Secret

TRAVEL: 5% CONUS

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Test Engineer providing support to support theCommand, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (C3BM) at Hill AFB in Ogden Utah. C3BM functions as the Air Force’s technical, acquisition and sustainment experts providing unique and comprehensive support to the warfighter.

The ADE Division is responsible for a vast array of USAF systems to include Electronic Warfare, Range Systems, Range Instrumentation, Air Combat Training and Aircrew Readiness, Command and Control Systems, Advanced Radar Threat Systems, Combat Survivor Evader Locator, P5 Combat Training Systems, Black Switch and Legacy Voice Systems. Furthermore, the ADE Division provides support to depot level sustainment and maintenance efforts, FMS, U.S. Army, Navy, Pacific Air Forces, Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), and Air Education and Training Command (AETC) on a continuous basis.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:

Minimum Required Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen

Clearance: Must hold an activeSecret clearance

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and 20 years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, 10 of which must be in the DoD OR,
• 30+ years of directly related experience, 12 of which must be in the DoD

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

Technical Skills

• Extensive experience supporting the full test and evaluation lifecycle, including test concept development, test planning, execution, data collection, analysis, verification, validation, and operational testing.

• Strong knowledge of DoD test and evaluation requirements, standards, and acquisition frameworks, including DoDI 5000.02, AFI 63-101/20-101, and lifecycle testing activities supporting defense acquisition programs.

• Expertise in developing comprehensive test plans, procedures, evaluation criteria, technical reports, schedules, and cost estimates to support program objectives and milestone decisions.

• Proficient in applying Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies to optimize test strategies, improve data quality, reduce risk, and maximize resource utilization.

• Skilled in evaluating and validating test environments and system configurations, ensuring operational relevance, accuracy, and readiness for verification and fault-testing activities.

• Advanced ability to analyze complex software, hardware, and system-performance data, identify trends, assess effectiveness, and provide actionable recommendations to stakeholders.

• Experience supporting systems acquisition and product lifecycle activities, ensuring test strategies align with program schedules, technical requirements, and mission objectives.

Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrates exceptional communication and coordination skills, effectively presenting technical findings, risks, and recommendations to program leadership, engineers, and operational stakeholders.

• Excels in cross-functional collaboration, working closely with engineering, acquisition, cybersecurity, logistics, software, and operational test organizations to achieve testing objectives.

• Applies strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to resolve complex test challenges, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective courses of action.

• Exercises sound engineering judgment and innovation when addressing emerging technical issues, schedule conflicts, and test execution constraints.

• Possesses a strong customer-focused support mindset, ensuring testing activities provide meaningful insights that support mission success and informed decision‑making.

• Capable of independently managing multiple priorities, coordinating competing test events, and maintaining focus in fast‑paced, high‑visibility environments.

• Demonstrates leadership through initiative, accountability, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality technical products with minimal supervision.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties include, but not limited to:

• Support the entire testing lifecycle including test concept and methodology development, detailed test planning, execution, data analysis, and end-user operational testing.
• Develop and document test plans, criteria, specifications, cost estimates, and technical reports.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) techniques to optimize test strategies and resource use.
• Evaluate test environments for configuration accuracy, operational relevance, and availability for fault testing and verification.
• Analyze and interpret complex data to assess software/hardware performance and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Provide detailed findings, analysis, and recommendations to program leadership and test teams.Identify schedule conflicts between multiple test events/releases and support deconfliction and prioritization.
• Apply engineering judgment and develop innovative solutions to address test and evaluation challenges.
• Independently manage tasks and deliverables, with only limited supervision and periodic detailed review.