FPA Principal Test Engineer

Job ID: 113902 
Location: Cypress CA 
Schedule: 9/80 

DRS Space Systems in Cypress, CA develops advanced space mission payloads, leveraging cutting edge electro-optical and infrared space sensors, instruments, and software for key domestic and international allied customers. As part of DRS’s Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business, we offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance. 

 Employing the world’s brightest. Supporting the world’s bravest.

This position is for a mid to senior level Test Engineer (IV or V) to perform testing, design test plans, develop test procedures, lead junior engineers, maintain equipment and run test labs for the Focal Plane Array Test Group.  Prior experience testing FPA’s, micro-electronics, IR detectors and large FPA’s is required.

Work to be performed at the DRS facility in Cypress, California.  The work schedule is first shift, with a 9/80 schedule.

• Maintain, repair, order replacement parts, and correspond with vendors to troubleshoot any issues when required for all test equipment.
• Configure Laser sources, optical components and cameras, order parts, and assist other engineers in performing Spot Scan testing.
• Maintain FPA/FPM test Dewar operation and troubleshoot issues.
  • Experience with open and closed-cycle Dewar Equipment (Heli-tran, cryostats, etc.)
  • Experience with cryogenic cooling using LN2 and Liquid Helium
  • Recharge Cryo-cooler compressors with high pressure Helium gas when required
  • Configure Dewars to accommodate different FPA/FPM test setups
  • Conduct tests to verify Dewars are functioning correctly and validated prior to testing
  • Maintain Thermal Cycling software to operate with desired test parameters
• Coordinate reference detector recalibration cycles (Si, Ge, Pyro).
• Manage Blackbody source calibration cycles - order new calibrated temp sensors and install/update calibration on controller units or send out to recalibrate if required.
• Verify Blackbody sources are functioning correctly prior to FPA testing.
• Verify Integrating Sphere sources are checked out and function correctly prior to use.

• BS in Engineering or science field
• Master's of Science is preferred
• Minimum 10 years of experience in testing FPA’s and similar electronics
• Very strong understanding of both visible and IR imaging, spectral analysis and analog/digital pixel technology.
• Experience with spectral measurements (FTIR spectrometer, Monochromator, or similar Instruments) highly preferred
  • Conduct tests to verify Instrument and auxiliary test equipment are functioning correctly for spectral testing
  • Supervise, conduct and process spectral data scans for analysis and presentation

• Experience with Electroglas Wafer Probe, or similar equipment highly preferred
  • Install/align probe cards on prober equipment required to probe various wafer (ROIC) formats
  • Assist other engineers to set up auxiliary test equipment for probe testing
• Experience with FPA Test Rack Equipment, or similar equipment (timing, bias, ADCs) highly preferred

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $113,385/year - $176,031/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. 
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.