Principal Systems Test Engineer

About Our Mission

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.

Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel.

We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.

If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.

Position Profile

The Principal Systems Test Engineer in the Fixturing Department is responsible for leading the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of automated and manual test stations and fixtures critical to system validation. This role involves defining test strategies, managing direct reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the quality and reliability of complex electro-optical systems. The ideal candidate will possess advanced technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a commitment to delivering efficient and accurate testing solutions.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development, evaluates and improves manufacturing methods utilizing knowledge of product design, materials and parts, fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment capabilities, assembly methods, quality standards, Lean Six Sigma and other improvement methodologies
• Develop test stations and test software with a focus on automation and the reduction of subjective analysis of the test results
• Develops and implements manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process flows, routers and bills of materials
• Assists production personnel with daily build and troubleshooting
• Works with design engineering to recommend changes for manufacturability and develop test requirements
• Supports training of assemblers and technicians to perform manufacturing and testing of complex electro-optical assemblies
• Design of electro-optical test fixtures/ interfaces to be utilized in manufacturing production and test, including environmental testing
• Work closely with engineering, programs and customers to ensure that test plans and procedures cover all requirements and functions of the product
• Supports all non-conformance activities, from supplying the proper data to Engineers, drafting and implementing rework procedures to direct disposition of parts when appropriate
• Assists Quality Engineering and Design Engineering with product design, product qualifications and environmental testing requirements
• Oversee the installation, maintenance, and training initiatives for all test-related equipment
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• 3 or 4 direct reports within the Test Engineering team
  
  

What You’ll Need To Be Successful

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• 10 years of experience in a development or manufacturing facility
• Proven experience in the design and maintenance of automated and manual test fixtures and stations within a manufacturing or systems engineering environment
• Expertise in test automation frameworks and scripting languages (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, Java, Selenium)
• Proficiency with performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter, LoadRunner) and defect management tools (e.g., JIRA, Azure DevOps)
• Strong understanding of systems engineering, fixturing design, and large-scale systems
• Expertise in test automation frameworks and scripting languages (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, Java, Selenium)
• Proficiency with performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter, LoadRunner) and defect management tools (e.g., JIRA, Azure DevOps)
• Strong understanding of systems engineering, fixturing design, and complex systems
• Familiarity with optical test techniques for imaging and laser systems
• Knowledge and Experience of testing to meet MIL-STD-810G requirements
• US Citizenship
  
  

Ideally, You’ll Also Have

• Master’s degree in CS or EE preferred
• Experience working in an ITAR environment and a DoD cleared facility is a plus
• Experience with design using Altium schematic capture software or equivalent
• Experience with ISO 9000 and 9015 is a plus
• Knowledge and experience of working in or maintaining a clean room is a plus
• Experience with SAP or other ERP systems is a plus
  
  

TRAVEL: No associated travel, but a willingness if the situation arises is helpful

Eeo Statement & Accessibility

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
• EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).