Test Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy automated test scripts and software frameworks for production testing, end-of-line verification, environmental-stress screening, and acceptance testing. Troubleshoot and debug failures during production testing, collaborating with hardware, firmware, and production teams to isolate root causes. Develop, validate, maintain, and version-control test software, automated test procedures, and production test fixtures.
• Design, execute, and oversee comprehensive test plans for hardware environmental qualification and compliance standards (e.g., MIL-STD, DO-160, IPC). Manage test setup, connectivity, execution, and data collection within internal test environments and at third-party qualification test laboratories. Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, including Test Plans, Test Procedures, Test Reports, and Verification & Validation (V&V) artifacts.
• You build and scale version-controlled automated test frameworks and production fixtures that accelerate testing velocity while maintaining high coverage and defect detection.
• You work effectively with hardware, firmware, and production teams to isolate root causes rapidly, turning complex failure data into actionable product improvements.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain a US Government security clearance (Active Security Clearance preferred).
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills; passionate about driving technical and procedural impact in a small team environment.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD, DO-160, and IPC standards.

Test Engineer

to join our growing team. In this role, you will be involved in all aspects of qualifying our embedded products (hardware/software), driving production test automation, and supporting the integration of hardware, firmware, and software in our Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environment. This position requires hands-on experience with hardware setup and connectivity, the ability to build test fixtures, create software test tools, and apply a strong understanding of hardware/software QA processes and automated test execution.

You will be responsible for the setup, automation, and execution of tests across third-party qualification labs, internal manufacturing production areas, and HIL / system test environments. This includes developing and maintaining robust test procedures for production hardware and software, managing version control for qualification and production test code, and collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure complete test coverage, product quality, and high reliability.

This position is based out of our headquarters in

Rosslyn, VA and requires up to 20% travel to support hardware qualification testing at 3rd party labs and on-site customer integration testing.

Environmental Qualification & Compliance

Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) & System Design Verification

Assist in operating and maintaining the HIL lab, including configuration, cabling design, and hardware integration of test benches, test fixtures, and instrumentation. Collaborate with design engineers to perform Design Verification Testing (DVT), regression testing, and low-level system integration across embedded hardware, firmware, and software interfaces. Continuously improve test environments, methodologies, and automated coverage.

End-to-End Hardware Qualification

You seamlessly execute and document qualification testing internally and at third-party labs, ensuring products meet stringent compliance standards (MIL-STD, DO-160) and airworthiness expectations.

HIL Lab Mastery

You keep the HIL lab operational, well-configured, and tightly integrated across embedded hardware, firmware, and Linux software interfaces to catch integration issues early.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

3+ years of experience in hardware qualification testing, HIL testing, or test automation.

QA & Test Automation

Strong understanding of hardware/software QA processes, test automation frameworks, and scripting languages (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink).

Hardware & Lab Hands-On Experience

Direct experience setting up and connecting hardware components, test fixtures, measurement equipment, and diagnostic tools (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, DAQs).

Embedded Systems & Firmware

Familiarity with Linux operating systems, embedded software debugging, firmware concepts (HDL), and embedded Linux devices.

Communication Protocols

Knowledge of protocols such as CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, and UART.

Quality & Manufacturing

Understanding of manufacturing/production processes and quality frameworks such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $110,000 - $140,000

Bonus program and equity in a fast-growing startup

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families
• Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
• Employer-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Uncapped paid time off policy

Flexible work & remote work policy

Tax-deferred public transit benefits with Metro SmartBenefits (DC/MD/VA)

We are committed to building an inclusive culture of belonging that embraces the diversity of our people and represents the communities in which we work and the customers we serve. We know the happiest and highest performing teams include people with diverse perspectives and ways of solving problems. We strive to attract and retain talent from all backgrounds and create workplaces where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

Shift5 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, projected veteran status, or any other protected group or class.

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