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Principal Test Engineer

Nou Systems Inc
Vandenberg, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/9/2026

nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is now officially a 100% Employee Owned (ESOP) company! We value teamwork and collaboration, and this transition allows us to take that commitment to a new level. nSI empowers our customers by supplying products, services, and expertise with powerful, data driven insights that transform defense systems and improve capabilities.

We are pleased to announce the opening for a Test Engineer who will join our Digital Transformation, Acquisition, Modernization, and Modification (DTAMM) Program supporting in Vandenberg Space Force Base (SFB), CA and become part of our rapidly growing technology company operating in missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, biotechnology, and space control marketspaces. You will be part of a team known for performing system modernization and digital transformation projects that will enable the acceleration of the space launch cadence needed for the Spaceport of the future.

Responsibilities

  • You will develop comprehensive Test Plans/Procedures/Results supporting hardware and software capability and integration testing to support test events.
  • You will interpret and analyze test plans, procedures, and requirements to configure real-time data collection, displays, real-time event logging, and recording systems.
  • You will work with the DTAMM Program Manager, systems engineering, software, and hardware engineering team to implement approved modernization efforts within specified performance, cost, and schedule objectives to ensure a seamless transition of new technologies into the ranges.
  • You will document test requirements and verification methodologies.
  • You will perform system level checkouts and pre-test validations to verify software, hardware, and data acquisition systems.
  • You will support test planning, test readiness reviews, and test events.
  • You will plan test events with all stakeholders (government and non-government entities).
  • You will identify Lessons Learned from testing and provide risks and mitigation strategies.
  • You will provide system-level engineering support and expertise to a cross-functional team.

Basic Qualifications:

  • You must have a bachelor’s and fourteen (14) years or more experience; master’s and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience in a technical field such as Engineering.
  • You must have demonstrated experience in test engineering processes and practices.
  • Experience applying principles and techniques of engineering while performing research, analysis, hardware / software / systems design, testing, and operations.
  • You must possess or can obtain an active Secret clearance.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for this position.

Lacking any one of these disqualifies you from this job.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of the Western Range (Vandenberg SFB) instrumentation, capabilities, technologies, and processes.
  • Experience in Government/Department of Defense (DoD) test processes.
  • Experience interfacing with and presenting to government customers.
  • Experience in systems engineering processes and practices.
  • Experience providing preliminary solutions to engineering problems of moderate scope and complexity in an expeditious, efficient, and timely manner.
  • Experience in using Systems Engineering tools, such as DOORS, Rational Quality Manager, and/or JIRA.

nou (pronounced ‘new’) Systems:

Since its founding in 2012, nou Systems has built a reputation for excellence in innovative engineering, prototype development, and technical and professional services in multiple markets, including missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, and space control. Our diverse and highly skilled team delivers state-of-the-art products from concepts and prototypes to fully developed and integrated solutions.

We offer significant advancement and personal career development opportunities within our dynamic high-tech company. Our culture is firmly established in treating our employees like family.

Benefits of working at nSI

nou Systems, Inc. offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and diverse benefits that reflect our company culture of service, excellence, and a supportive work environment. Benefits may vary based on status but the majority of our positions include the following:

  • Competitive Wages*
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Medical plan with Health Savings Account eligibility
  • Company-funded Life, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Personal Time Off, Vacation, and Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Norton LifeLock 
  • Tuition Reimbursement 
  • Personal Development, Technical Learning Opportunities, & Lunch-n-Learns
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

*Final compensation for this position is determined by a variety of factors, such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location.

nSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment opportunities at nSI are based upon a candidate’s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit www.nou-systems.com/workingatnou. U.S. citizenship is required for most positions. 

Salary : $130,000 - $149,500

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