Test Engineer

This role will bridge engineering development and manufacturing by developing test strategies, building automated test solutions, analyzing performance data, and troubleshooting complex hardware and software issues. The ideal candidate has a strong background in electronics test engineering and test automation , with hands-on experience developing software in C#/.NET and working with laboratory instrumentation.

Position Overview
We are seeking a Test Engineer to support the development, validation, and production of advanced electronic and electro-optical systems. This role will bridge engineering development and manufacturing by developing test strategies, building automated test solutions, analyzing performance data, and troubleshooting complex hardware and software issues.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in electronics test engineering and test automation, with hands-on experience developing software in C#/.NET and working with laboratory instrumentation. Experience with optical, RF, or high-speed electronic systems is highly desirable.
What You’ll Do Test Development & Validation

• Develop and execute test strategies for electronic and electro-optical products throughout the product lifecycle.
• Create test plans covering design validation, characterization, qualification, and production testing.
• Perform hands-on testing in laboratory, prototype, and manufacturing environments.
• Develop test methods that provide appropriate coverage, repeatability, and measurement accuracy.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to evaluate product performance.
• Prepare characterization and validation reports and communicate findings to engineering and manufacturing teams.

Test Automation & Software Development

• Develop and maintain automated test applications using C# and .NET.
• Enhance existing test frameworks and engineering tools.
• Build automated and semi-automated test stations for prototype and production environments.
• Integrate software with laboratory equipment and hardware using communication protocols such as:
  • SCPI
  • USB
  • TCP/IP
  • RS-232 / Serial
• Support the software development lifecycle for test applications, including development, deployment, version control, and ongoing maintenance.
• Develop tools and workflows to extract, transform, store, and analyze test data.
• Use Python for test scripting or data analysis as needed.

Hardware & System Integration

• Interface test software with electronic hardware, optical components, and laboratory instrumentation.
• Support testing of RF, optical, and high-speed electronic systems.
• Work with systems incorporating microcontrollers, EEPROMs, ADC/DACs, and bootloaders.
• Work with hardware communication interfaces including:
  • SPI
  • UART
  • I2C/I3C
  • TTL
• Retrieve and process device parameters during real-time operation.
• Troubleshoot interactions between hardware, software, instrumentation, and test fixtures.

Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement

• Investigate failures across hardware, software, test equipment, and automated test systems.
• Perform root-cause analysis and recommend corrective or design improvements.
• Identify opportunities to increase test throughput, coverage, reliability, and efficiency.
• Improve test processes as products transition from development into production.
• Support failure analysis and use test results to drive product and process improvements.

Production & NPI Support

• Partner with manufacturing teams to transition test solutions into production.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and validation readiness.
• Develop and maintain production test procedures and work instructions.
• Train manufacturing personnel on test equipment, procedures, and interpretation of test results.
• Support scaling of automated test processes as production volume increases.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external laboratories for qualification and compliance testing, including NRTL testing.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
The Test Engineer will work closely with:

• Electrical and Hardware Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Product Validation
• Quality Assurance
• Manufacturing and Operations
• Reliability Engineering
• NPI and Production teams

The position requires the ability to communicate technical findings clearly and work collaboratively across engineering and manufacturing functions.
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field. ABET-accredited engineering programs preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in electronics test engineering, hardware validation, automated test equipment, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong professional experience developing test automation software using C#/.NET.
• Experience working with software development lifecycle processes and version control systems.
• Hands-on experience communicating with hardware and test instruments using protocols such as SCPI, USB, TCP/IP, and serial communication.
• Strong understanding of electronics and hardware systems.
• Knowledge of:
  • Signal processing
  • ADC/DAC systems
  • Microcontrollers
  • EEPROM
  • Bootloaders
  • SPI
  • UART
  • I2C/I3C
  • TTL
• Experience developing and executing hardware test plans and validation strategies.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and root-cause analysis capabilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.

Preferred Experience
Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are strongly preferred:
Optical & Electro-Optical Systems

• Photodiodes
• Optical amplifiers
• Waveguides
• Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA)
• Variable Optical Attenuators (VOA)
• Optical power meters

RF & High-Speed Testing

• RF test environments
• High-speed signal testing
• PRBS testing
• Bit Error Rate Testing (BERT)
• Optical FEC concepts

Test Instrumentation

• NI-VISA
• Keysight instrumentation
• Anritsu instrumentation
• Automated laboratory test equipment

Production Test

• Automated or semi-automated production test stations
• Test fixture development
• Production test process optimization
• Failure analysis
• Test-driven product or design improvements

Product & Compliance

• NPI and product commercialization
• Qualification and certification testing
• NRTL laboratory testing
• Scaling engineering test systems into production

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Highly organized and self-directed
• Hands-on engineering mindset
• Strong technical troubleshooting ability
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, cross-functional environments
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work may take place in laboratory, manufacturing, and cleanroom environments.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be comfortable entering a cleanroom and following required gowning and cleanliness procedures.
• Ability to follow PPE, safety, and environmental requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Comprehensive health insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities