Independent Contractor Electronics Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Position Title: Integration and Test Engineer 
Requisition ID: 1861
Position Location: Chantilly, VA
Position Reports To: Factory Manager
Supervises Others: No

At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs.

We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.

Position Summary

We are looking for a Test Engineer to support functional testing, and validation of electronic systems. This is a hands-on role focused on board-level testing, system-level testing, and documenting real-time issues. You’ll work alongside design engineers and test technicians to ensure hardware performs as expected, from early prototypes to flight-ready systems. We’re interested in individuals with a strong sense of responsibility and ownership of their work. This role is engineering-driven and an essential component to system success.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support system requirements verification activities through program life cycle.
• Supports product development lifecycle from requirements development, through design and implementation, and completing with verification and validation.
• Support hardware, electrical, software, and firmware testing activities through design and requirement verification.
• Participate on creating verification and validation plans and test procedures tailored to the specific system requirements, encompassing both functional and environmental testing parameters.
• Conduct thorough functional testing of electronic components and systems to verify compliance with design requirements and specifications.
• Perform environmental testing, including thermal vacuum testing, vibration testing, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, to simulate the conditions of space and evaluate the performance of electronic systems.
• Support interfacing disciplines such as firmware, mechanical, RF, hardware, integration & test, and program management.
• Follow written instructions to execute tasking in a standard and repeatable manner.
• Set up and break down testing work area, as per training and instruction, by applying basic electro-mechanical skills.
• Determine test outcomes, record results, and recognize when to escalate issues.
• Recommend corrections, improvements to test procedures and/or processes.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects.
• Comfortable using various meters and tools including multimeters, signal generators, etc.
• Identifies problems and issues in straightforward situations.
• Works independently or as part of a small team to complete assignments.
• Works with cross functional design team to design, develop and test electronics systems.
• Train and mentor Test Techs as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Education/Certification: BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering. 
• Years of Experience: 0-2+ years of related experience and/or a mix of similar education and experience.
• Familiarity with printed circuit assemblies and electrical test.
• Familiarity with electronics test equipment (multimeter, oscilloscope, signal generator, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer) 
• Demonstrated ability to learn new/proprietary software in a timely manner
• Proven communication/interpersonal skills, self-motivated, and ability to be a strong team player.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with printed circuit assemblies and electrical test.
• Familiarity with electronics test equipment (multimeter, oscilloscope, signal generator, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer) 
• Demonstrated ability to learn new/proprietary software in a timely manner.
• Proven communication/interpersonal skills, self-motivated, and ability to be a strong team player.
• Ability to be granted a security clearance if needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasionally lifting up 25lbs exertion. Standing or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Repetitive Motion: Constantly operates test equipment, computers and other office productivity machinery.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• ESD production environment. Some exposure to machine noise; hearing protection may be required.
• Must have availability to work 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts as scheduled.
• Work hours could vary and weekends may be requested to fulfill needs.
• Primarily located in Chantilly with flexibility to occasionally work in Fairfax or Sterling.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $51,000 - $113,000

Please Note: Actual compensation offered will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location where applicable.

Benefits 

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

• Health benefits
  • Medical 
  • Dental 
  • Vision
  • Basic life with AD&D
  • Short term disability
  • Long term disability
  • Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
  • Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
• Paid time off
• Holidays
• 401(k) (including company match)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Leaves (Parental, maternity, and military)
• Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)

Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position. 

Trident Systems is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruiting@tridsys.com.

Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)