Engineering Lab Assistant Jobs in Plainfield, NJ

Job Description Thank you for your interest in BAE Systems! This opening is included as part of our September 2026 Defense Electronics Engineering Hiring Event. While we encourage all interested professionals to apply, please note that this is a selection-based interview event for candidates whose skills and experience match our hiring needs. If your background and skill set match these needs, we will reach out with next steps. If selected for an interview, specific opportunities based on your interests, experience, and skill set will be discussed with the hiring team. For candidates not local to the northern New Jersey area, virtual interviews will be accommodated. BAE Systems is looking for Test Engineering Assistants to work as part of a cross-functional, multi-disciplinary team to integrate, debug, and test sophisticated, next generation digital EW systems. We are seeking Test Engineering Assistants to Integrate and Test the full capabilities of our RFEW systems that detect, identify, locate, and counter RF threats. If you join our Electronic Combat Systems engineering team you will join a growing dynamic group of engineers developing leading edge EW capabilities built with state-of-the-art electronics. BAE Systems seeks all levels of experience and will mentor more junior test engineering assistants and provide more challenging assignments to our most senior test engineering assistants. At BAE Systems our products operate in extreme environments spanning air, land, sea, and space; we are developing the technology of tomorrow, delivered today. We put our customers first - exemplified by our mission: "We Protect Those Who Protect Us®." Summary:
The Test Engineering Assistant provides advanced support for Electronic Warfare (EW) system integration and testing within a System Integration Lab environment. This role assists engineering teams by executing test procedures, operating and maintaining RF/electronic test equipment, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and ensuring accurate documentation of test results to support system verification and validation activities. In this Test Engineering Assistant position you will make impacts in the following ways;
* Support Electronic Warfare system integration efforts including setup, configuration, and troubleshooting of hardware components, software loads, RF subsystems, cables, harnesses, and test fixtures.
* Execute detailed engineering test procedures to evaluate system functionality, RF performance, subsystem interoperability, and mission-specific behaviors.
* Operate and maintain a wide range of electronic and RF test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, and digital acquisition tools.
* Collect, validate, and organize technical data; assist engineers with evaluating results, identifying anomalies, and maintaining test traceability.
* Perform system-level troubleshooting and assist with fault isolation and root-cause analyses for hardware, software, and RF-related issues.
* Maintain lab readiness by tracking equipment inventory, coordinating calibrations, documenting configuration changes, and supporting adherence to lab processes.
* Ensure compliance with all safety, security, and documentation requirements.
* Create and maintain test logs, configuration records, setup diagrams, and work instructions.
* Collaborate with engineering teams to support verification, validation, and acceptance test activities. This position will require you to be onsite at our Wayne , NJ or Totowa, NJ location. Because of the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and/or the requirement to perform all work onsite due to the nature of this particular role, it will be performed full-time on site. This means work will be conducted on location at a BAE Systems facility 100% of the time. Required Education, Experience, & Skills * Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret clearance and able to meet future clearance requirements based on program requirements (Top Secret, SCI) * High School Diploma plus 4 years of related experience.
* Experience testing and troubleshooting systems, modules, and/or sub-assemblies.
* Good understanding of basic electronics and ability to work with common test equipment.
* Problem-solving mindset and ability to think critically when troubleshooting.
* Ability to read and follow engineering procedures, wiring diagrams, and system configuration instructions.
* Teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
* Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
* Must adhere to all security protocols for handling classified systems, environments, and materials. Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills * Associate's Degree in Engineering Technology or related technical field, or equivalent relevant work experience.
* Active US Secret Clearance or above * Experience working with RF systems, military electronics, or Electronic Warfare subsystems.
* Familiarity with system integration labs, hardware-in-the-loop environments, or structured engineering test processes.
* Exposure to basic scripting or data processing tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is a plus
#ECSSE Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $82907 - $132651 Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience. Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics. About BAE Systems Electronic Systems BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support. Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters. This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.