What are the responsibilities and job description for the Test Engineer position at Brightpath Associates LLC?
Job Description
About the job
THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS
Job Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented Electrical Engineer / Test Specialist to support our electronics manufacturing and engineering teams. This role focuses on troubleshooting, testing, and validating electrical assemblies and systems. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of electrical and electronic principles, hands-on lab experience, and the ability to analyze and resolve technical issues in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform testing, troubleshooting, and validation of electronic assemblies and PCBs to ensure functionality and reliability.
- Work extensively with microcontroller-based systems (8-bit to 32-bit) and peripherals including RTC, Timers, ADC, DAC, PWM, Interrupts, DMA, Capture/Compare, and UART.
- Program and configure C compilers, work with and without RTOS environments, and interface with USB, TCP/IP, CAN, and Modbus RTU communication stacks.
- Support design-for-manufacturing activities, including PCB layout review (2–6 layers), component placement, and high-current/high-voltage considerations.
- Operate and maintain engineering pick-and-place equipment, including loading components, adjusting for odd shapes, and verifying placement accuracy.
- Perform fine-pitch SMT soldering and rework down to 0402 components using both leaded and lead-free solder.
- Assemble, test, and debug prototypes and pre-production units, ensuring alignment with engineering requirements.
- Develop and build test jigs, simulators, and fixtures, including wiring schematics, panel layouts, and safe use of hand tools.
- Operate and interpret results from oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, waveform generators, spectrum analyzers, and high-voltage power supplies.
- Create and refine Bills of Materials (BOMs) by cross-referencing general components (resistors, capacitors, ICs, diodes, etc.) to in-house part numbers, ordering prototypes, and applying appropriate scrap factors.
- Maintain accurate, repeatable test data and assist in root cause analysis for production or field issues.
- Install and troubleshoot engineering software, firmware tools, and driver issues as needed for testing or production support.
- Perform data collection, feasibility analysis, and assist in process or product improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to support builds, testing, and continuous improvement.
- Use Outlook, Word, Excel, SolidWorks, CAB, and online databases to locate technical documentation, data sheets, and component specifications.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, or related discipline (or equivalent hands-on experience).
- 3 years of experience in electronics testing, troubleshooting, or manufacturing support.
- Solid understanding of microcontroller architectures, embedded systems, and communication protocols.
- Skilled in use of test and measurement equipment for signal tracing and circuit validation.
- Hands-on experience with SMT soldering, rework, and prototype assembly.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and fine motor skills for working with small components and lab tools.
- Excellent documentation, organization, and communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
This role offers a diverse, hands-on experience supporting a wide range of electronic products. The right candidate will thrive in a practical environment that values precision, teamwork, and continuous improvement.