Test Engineer

The Test Engineer is responsible for the development, implementation, validation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing test solutions used to support electronic assemblies, subassemblies, and finished products throughout the product lifecycle. This role serves as a technical resource for production operations and customers, supporting test strategy development, troubleshooting, process optimization, and manufacturing readiness activities.

The Test Engineer independently develops and maintains functional test, in-circuit test (ICT), flying probe, environmental, and automated test solutions while partnering with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to improve product quality, test coverage, reliability, and operational performance. This position plays a critical role in supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), yield improvement, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives within a high-reliability electronics manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions:

• Design, develop, validate, maintain, and support functional test, in-circuit test (ICT), flying probe, environmental, and automated test solutions for manufacturing operations.
• Review customer specifications, engineering requirements, schematics, and product documentation to develop effective test strategies and manufacturing test solutions.
• Lead the development, procurement, installation, qualification, validation, and maintenance of test fixtures, hardware, software, and associated support systems.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, validation plans, engineering documentation, work instructions, technical reports, and related records.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by developing test strategies, validation plans, and manufacturing readiness requirements.
• Analyze test data, yield trends, defect trends, and product performance metrics to identify opportunities for quality, reliability, and operational improvements.
• Investigate product failures, test escapes, equipment issues, and manufacturing concerns utilizing structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Develop, implement, and verify corrective and preventive actions to improve test effectiveness, product quality, and manufacturing performance.
• Support implementation of Product Change Notices (PCNs), Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), customer-driven product modifications, and related validation activities.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to resolve technical issues and support program objectives.
• Provide technical training, guidance, and support to Test Engineering Technicians, Test Operators, and manufacturing personnel regarding test equipment, troubleshooting, and testing methodologies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, engineering projects, and laboratory activities focused on yield improvement, quality enhancement, equipment optimization, reliability, efficiency, and cost reduction.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Serve as a technical resource for Test Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams.
• Lead technical problem-solving activities and support cross-functional improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Junior Test Engineers, Test Technicians, and Operators.
• Promote engineering best practices, standardized methodologies, and continuous improvement principles.
• Demonstrate accountability for project execution, technical decisions, and customer support activities.

Competencies:

• Test system development and validation
• Electronics troubleshooting and diagnostics
• Root cause analysis and corrective action
• Test automation and programming
• Data analysis and statistical problem solving
• Project management
• Continuous improvement methodologies
• Product and process validation
• Technical leadership and influence
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Customer relationship management
• Written and verbal communication
• Critical thinking and decision making
• Organization and prioritization

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related STEM discipline required.
• Certifications:
• IPC-A-610 Certification preferred.
• IPC J-STD-001 Certification preferred.
• Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) preferred.
• Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of engineering experience supporting test development, manufacturing engineering, electronics manufacturing, or related technical environments.
• Experience developing, implementing, and supporting functional test, in-circuit test (ICT), flying probe, environmental, or automated test solutions.
• Strong understanding of electronic theory, circuit analysis, and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Experience interpreting schematics, wiring diagrams, assembly drawings, and engineering documentation.
• Experience performing root cause analysis, failure investigations, and corrective action implementation.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing readiness, and product validation activities.
• Proficiency with electronic test equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, logic analyzers, and automated test equipment.
• Experience with programming, scripting, or test automation tools such as Python, LabVIEW, SQL, C++, or similar technologies preferred.
• Experience within electronics manufacturing, contract manufacturing, aerospace, defense, medical device, or other regulated industries preferred.
• Must qualify as an ITAR-compliant U.S. Person.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and computer work.
• Frequent use of electronic test equipment, computers, and engineering tools.
• Ability to inspect electronic assemblies, test fixtures, and manufacturing processes.
• Frequent movement throughout office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move materials, equipment, or fixtures weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, customers, and suppliers.

Mental Requirements:

• Ability to analyze technical problems and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to interpret engineering specifications, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, assignments, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to learn new technologies, software platforms, and engineering methodologies.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent thinking.
• Ability to adapt to changing business priorities and customer requirements.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a combination of professional office, electronics manufacturing, remote, and travel-based environments. Responsibilities may require regular interaction with production areas, exposing employees to moderate noise levels, fluctuating temperatures, production equipment, soldering operations, automated machinery, and general manufacturing activity. Duties may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, computer-based work, and occasional lifting or movement of materials consistent with job responsibilities. Employees entering production or controlled areas are required to follow all environmental, safety, ESD, quality, and equipment-handling procedures, including the use of SMTC-provided ESD-safe items where applicable. The role also requires travel between company locations, customer sites, or other business-related destinations as needed, as well as the ability to maintain a safe and secure remote workspace with reliable internet access when working remotely. Employees must remain attentive and compliant with all operational, safety, quality, confidentiality, and company policy requirements across all work environments.

SMTC Corporation was founded in 1985. SMTC is a mid-size provider of end-to-end electronics manufacturing services (EMS) including PCBA production, systems integration and comprehensive testing services, enclosure fabrication, as well as product design, sustaining engineering and supply chain management services. Services extend over the entire electronic product life cycle from the development and introduction of new products through to the growth, maturity and end-of-life phases.