Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The AvComm Business Unit of VIAVI Solutions has an opening for a Senior Test Engineer with the experience and drive to make a difference. This role is central to new product introduction and ongoing lifecycle support for wireless communication test equipment. The Senior Test Engineer partners closely with R&D and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure high-quality, reliable automated test solutions are built into production from day one, and continues to optimize those solutions throughout each product's lifecycle.

• Provide Design for Testability (DFT) direction to R&D from the concept stage through all phases of new product development.
• Define and develop the overall test and configuration strategy for new products, obtaining R&D alignment and buy-in.
• Design, develop, and implement automated production test systems-hardware and software-required to execute the product test strategy.
• Drive detailed project planning to ensure all test solutions are developed, documented, debugged, deployed, and validated prior to production pilot run.
• Partner with R&D and Manufacturing Engineering to develop contract manufacturing-ready test systems, jigs, and fixturing.
• Apply Measurement Uncertainty Analysis and Gauge R&R to ensure test solutions are capable, in control, and traceable to calibration standards.
• Leverage statistical process control tools to monitor and report on test process quality.
• Optimize calibration and test processes for coverage, cycle time, and test stand capacity.
• Install and validate production systems at VIAVI facilities and contract manufacturing sites.
• Maintain and update existing production test processes throughout the product lifecycle.
• Produce written documentation including test specifications, procedures, installation instructions, interconnect diagrams, and preventive maintenance guides.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders including R&D, Program Management, Manufacturing Engineering, and contract manufacturing partners.
• Actively engage with the team and management by reporting status against commitments and demonstrating self-directed initiative and leadership.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience designing and developing automated functional test systems, both hardware and software.
• Proficiency in National Instruments TestStand for test automation development and execution.
• Solid knowledge of RF and microwave communication concepts, technologies, and test methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard RF test equipment: Network Analyzers, Signal/Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators, Measurement Receivers, Oscilloscopes, and DMMs.
• Practical experience applying Measurement Uncertainty Analysis and Gauge R&R in a manufacturing test environment.
• Programming experience in ANSI C; familiarity with Python, PowerShell, Linux shell scripting, or C++ is a strong plus.
• General knowledge of statistical process control concepts and use of analysis and reporting tools.
• Proven project planning and management capability, including developing and executing complex multi-deliverable schedules.
• Strong written communication skills with experience producing technical documentation such as test specifications, procedures, and installation instructions.
• Demonstrated leadership and self-motivation; effective cross-functional collaborator who can fully represent test engineering on a product development team.

• National Instruments TestStand test executive programming experience.
• SQL database programming for test record storage, retrieval, and data management.
• Measurement Uncertainty Analysis and Gauge R&R methodology and application in a manufacturing test environment.
• Use of AI tools for test code development, optimization, or data analysis.
• Six Sigma, Lean, or similar continuous improvement training or certification.
• Experience with JTAG test development.

• Test coverage, capability, and cycle time meet or exceed targets established during NPI.
• All production test systems delivered on schedule for pilot run and volume production launch.
• Gauge R&R and Measurement Uncertainty analyses confirm compliant, stable test systems at production deployment.
• Minimal test escapes reaching the field.
• Test systems require no manual touch labor beyond product connect/disconnect operations.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.

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ITAR:

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen or National, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, Refugee, or Temporary Resident granted amnesty.