Staff Systems Engineer (ATSO)

Why Astronics Test Systems:

Joining Astronics Test Systems offers an unparalleled opportunity to be part of a pioneering organization at the forefront of automated test technology for aerospace, defense, and other high-reliability industries. As a team member, you will have the chance to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry, collaborating on innovative solutions that make a significant impact on the safety and performance of critical electronic systems worldwide. At Astronics Test Systems, we foster a culture of continuous learning, growth, and development, empowering our employees to stretch their capabilities and reach new heights in their careers. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and open communication, enabling you to make meaningful contributions and be recognized for your achievements.

General Summary:

Designs complete and complex frameworks, systems, and products in support of our radio test, transit test automation, and military/defense applications. This role defines processes for technical platforms, system specifications, and input/output and working parameters for hardware and/or software compatibility; conceives system interfaces and prototypes; and identifies, analyzes, and resolves system design weaknesses. As a Staff-level engineer, you will work on complex issues requiring in-depth evaluation of variable factors, serve as a technical lead and mentor, and contribute to frameworks (architectures) used across multiple products or systems.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Design & Systems Engineering

• Lead the design of a complete system or product, including definition of system performance and verification of system requirements.
• Develop system specifications, input/output definitions, and allocate requirements for hardware and/or software.
• Review and interpret schematics at both board (PCBA) and system levels to understand design intent and signal flow.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve system design weaknesses.
• Ensure compliance with certification requirements and regulatory policies as they relate to system development and safety.

Hardware Sustaining & Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot complex systems and PCBAs down to the component level using standard lab equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, signal generators).
• Update schematics, assembly drawings, and BOMs based on engineering red-lines, maintaining configuration control and revision integrity.
• Perform field or lab system investigations and troubleshooting in support of design, sales, or product sustaining.

Software

• Maintain, update, and debug software programs written in VB, C, C++, and C#.
• Develop and modify test automation routines supporting radio and transit test systems.

Leadership & Program Execution

• Serve as technical lead and trusted advisor with customers; establish trust through customer intimacy and identify/communicate new business opportunities.
• Prepare and review detailed plans including statements of work, development plans, design documents, schedules, and certification documents.
• Manage large, multi-faceted programs, balancing technical execution against business priorities, schedules, and budgets.
• Serve as technical mentor within the team.
• Drive continuous improvements in engineering processes by challenging and eliminating unnecessary steps.
• Prepare and present technical information at design reviews and customer meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (must have):

• Experience using a PCB schematic capture tool like Altium.
• Experience with all lab test equipment and troubleshooting techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Critical Thinking, good communication, progress monitoring, time management, and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality and reliability.
• Travel could be up to 20% including international.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 8+ years of working experience in engineering, preferably in PCB test and test automation.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.

Physical Demands:

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 essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Employment Eligibility Requirements:

• An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check
• This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.

Astronics Test Systems offers a competitive benefit package including:

• Stay Healthy - Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity
• Save for the Future - 401K & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Find Balance - Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
• Time for You - Generous Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program

Accommodation Request

Astronics Test Systems is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail ats-ml-humanresources@astronics.com or call: 407.381.6062. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

EOE Statement - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.