Electrical Engineer - ATE Systems (Test, Troubleshooting & PCB Design)

San Diego, CA

Job Description:

We are seeking a hands-on Electrical Engineer to support Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) systems and associated VLS tasking. This role blends system-level troubleshooting, PCB design, production support, and field deployment, requiring a candidate who is equally comfortable working at a lab bench, on the production floor, and at remote customer sites.

The selected candidate will support testing, diagnostics, failure investigation, and modification of ATE systems, while contributing to schematic updates, PCB design efforts, and technical documentation. This position plays a critical role in ensuring ATE systems meet operational requirements across both production and fleet environments.

This is not a purely design or desk-based role-the engineer will be expected to actively troubleshoot hardware, support technicians, and resolve real-time system issues.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform testing, troubleshooting, and repair support for ATE systems and associated hardware in house and off site at customer locations
• Diagnose and resolve system-level and board-level failures (power, analog, digital, interfaces)
• Support failure investigations and root cause analysis (RCA) for production and field issues
• Redline and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation
• Design and modify printed circuit boards (PCBs) using Altium Designer
• Coordinate PCB fabrication, assembly, and validation with external manufacturers
• Support on-site installation, integration, and acceptance testing of ATE systems
• Provide hands-on production floor support, working closely with technicians and operators
• Lead Projects and design automated test equipment from cradle to grave
• Assist with ATE system modifications, upgrades, and performance improvements
• Develop and deliver:
  • Test reports
  • Failure investigation reports
  • Updated schematics and design documentation
  • Travel and field service reports
• Ensure quality, timeliness, and accuracy of all deliverables
• Travel up to 50% to support on-site efforts at various facilities with short notice

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be legally authorized to work [RG2] in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship now or at any time in the future
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance level Secret
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
• 5+ years of hands-on experience supporting electronic systems, ATE, or similar test environments
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and diagnose hardware issues at system and board level
• Experience working with:
  • Oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies, and signal generators
  • Analog and digital circuits
• Proficiency in reading, interpreting, and redlining electronic schematics
• Proficiency with PCB design and layout tools, preferably Altium Designer
• Ability to support production environments and resolve time-sensitive issues
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals (power distribution, signal integrity basics, grounding)
• Ability to work independently in field environments with minimal supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication and briefing skills
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with VLS Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) architectures (PXI, VXI, or custom rack systems)
• Familiarity with test program environments (e.g., LabVIEW or similar frameworks)
• Experience supporting DoD, aerospace, or defense-related systems
• Background in production support, manufacturing test, or depot-level maintenance
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) principles
• Experience performing root cause analysis using structured methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, fault tree)
• Hands-on experience with board bring-up, rework, or component-level repair
• Familiarity with configuration management and engineering change processes (ECOs)
• Understanding of communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, RS-422/485, Ethernet, etc.)
• Experience supporting field installations and system integration

Work Environment:

• Combination of:
  • Engineering lab
  • Production floor
  • Field/customer sites
• Frequent interaction with:
  • Technicians
  • Production personnel
  • Program and engineering teams
• Fast-paced environment with real-time problem-solving requirements

Security Clearance:

Applicants must have an active security clearance and/or the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements to obtain a DoD Government- granted security clearance. Individuals will be subject to a background investigation to include but not limited to, criminal history, employment and education verification, drug testing, and creditworthiness.

Salary Description

$140,000.00-$160,000.00 Yearly