Principal Test Development Engineer - Secret Clearance

Shape the future of innovation as we tackle cutting-edge projects that make a difference. We’re not just in the business of engineering—we’re building a brighter future. Driven by creativity and a culture of excellence, we believe in the power of engineering to solve today’s challenges and create opportunities for tomorrow. What we do matters.

QDSS is looking for Principal Test Equipment Design Engineer to be responsible for development of test solutions and architectures for various programs.

Due to the nature of these roles, applicants must be a US Citizen and currently hold or be able to obtain a security clearance prior to starting. The position is onsite in Tewksbury, MA.

Role Responsibilities:

• Work with internal and external partners on the design and deployment of complex factory test systems

• Lead development of test hardware, software, and/or firmware through its development cycle, from requirements definition through deployment at manufacturing or customer facilities. These test capabilities may span disciplines (Power, Rf, Analog, Digital) and domains (hardware, software, firmware)

• Work with Prime Engineering, Production, and Operations teams early in development cycle to identify capability and capacity needs for manufacturing test and ensure smooth deployment to manufacturing facilities.

• Actively identify test readiness issues and optimizations through the development lifecycle

• Lead medium-to-large sized teams to meet project budget, schedule, and performance commitments

• Provide technical leadership to employees in support of their specific work assignments

• Engage in personal technical growth and encourage technical growth in peers and junior engineers through mentoring activities

• Prepare and clearly present project status to functional and program leadership

• Understand and report financial & earned value status for monthly reporting cycle

• Proactively manage and mitigate Risks and Opportunities

• Support Manufacturing operations, including on-site troubleshooting and debugging, both independently and in collaboration with design engineering teams.

• Contribute to cost, schedule, and technical solutions for bid and proposal development

Required Skills:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related STEM degree and a minimum of 8 years’ prior relevant experience

• Experience in an engineering design and development with at least four (4) years of direct experience with Test Equipment design and development tasks.

• Experience leading technical teams and projects.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued Interim Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain a full Secret Clearance after start. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with project management tools such as MS Project, Jira/Confluence, and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) tracking software

• Experience with decision-making and problem-solving skills

• Experience with National Instruments’ TestStand, LabWindows/CVI, and/or LabView

• Digital, and/or Analog, and/or RF, and/or power supply test hardware design experience

• Experience with routine use and/or automation of commercial test and measurement equipment, i.e. Oscilloscopes, DMMs, network analyzers power supplier, etc.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Mostly Office Environments, Occasional Shop Floor involvement.

• Substantial amounts of telephone and computer work.

• Heavily Regulated Industries with strict adherence to procedures.

• Flexibility to meet business deadlines by staying late or arriving early.

• Typical 8 hour days plus lunch / 40 hour weeks / core (required) hours are 9AM to 4PM

• Ability to use personal transportation to visit customer locations.

• Due to the nature of the work, all candidates must be a U.S. Citizen.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges
$77—$82 USD

At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don’t just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry — we’re revolutionizing it.

Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.