Sustaining Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Systems Engineer - Connectivity Sustaining is the primary technical interface between Customer Support and the Engineering and Manufacturing teams for the company's In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) and SATCOM product lines. This role encompasses test engineering, reliability engineering, and sustaining/support engineering for fielded connectivity hardware and software, including antennas, modems, servers, and associated line-replaceable units (LRUs). The Systems Engineer is responsible for driving Time To Resolution on all engineering-related issues affecting airline customers and in-service fleets, coordinating troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective and preventive action across hardware, software, and manufacturing test processes.

This is a senior-level role requiring deep familiarity with avionics and in-flight connectivity systems. The Systems Engineer serves as a technical reference for internal teams, customers, and suppliers, and provides leadership and mentorship to the broader sustaining engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical liaison between Customer Support and Engineering/Manufacturing for in-service In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) and SATCOM system issues, driving Time To Resolution on all priority items
• Manage the analysis of field and production problems, oversee the creation of problem reports, and prioritize sustaining activities based on engineering evaluation and customer/fleet impact
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, software, and test engineers to define and continuously improve Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP), Product Verification Test, Manufacturing Test, and Environmental Stress Screening philosophies and architectures for connectivity products
• Design, specify, and manage the procurement and build of test equipment needed to support connectivity system sustainment, including cables, custom electronics, RF/antenna test fixtures, PC interface adapters, and standard instrumentation
• Provide leadership and guidance to Production and Repair teams in performing product failure analysis on connectivity hardware to determine root cause and improve reliability
• Lead investigations with third-party suppliers and vendors on connectivity component and subsystem failures
• Provide technical leadership on all priority issues identified by program and customer support teams, based on engineering evaluation and customer satisfaction priority
• Drive continuous improvement within all engineering disciplines - software, hardware, and system quality - identifying root cause and preventive actions on connectivity products
• Support avionics certification, airworthiness, and regulatory compliance activities as they relate to sustaining engineering changes on connectivity systems
• Work with internal and external (airline and OEM) customers to accurately and diligently communicate engineering actions and status
• Manage day-to-day priorities for sustaining activity, delegate work across the team, and track actions to closure
• Provide regular management reports on issue status, resolution metrics, and reliability trends
• Mentor junior engineers on connectivity systems, sustaining processes, and troubleshooting techniques
• Establish and improve sustaining engineering processes to increase efficiency, consistency, and quality
• Perform other job-related duties and training as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Systems, Aerospace, or related field) or equivalent experience
• 9+ years of experience in systems, sustaining, test, or reliability engineering, with strong preference for In-Flight Connectivity, SATCOM, or avionics systems experience
• 3+ years of experience in a technical leadership role guiding sustaining or engineering support activities
• Aerospace background with a solid understanding of avionic systems and the aircraft certification environment
• In-depth familiarity with connectivity system architecture, including RF/antenna subsystems, modems, servers, cabling, power supplies, and mechanical/LRU interfaces
• Working-level understanding of Linux operating systems for debugging, log analysis, and field investigation
• Experience designing and specifying equipment utilized in engineering and production test environments
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and root cause / corrective action (RCCA) methodologies
• Proven track record resolving complex field issues and meeting project goals and objectives under time constraints

• Experience interfacing directly with airline or OEM customers on technical issues

Benefits

The starting pay range for this position is $112,000 to $127,000 per year however, the base pay offered may vary depending on the level of the position, skills, experience, job-related knowledge, and location.

In addition to a comprehensive package of health benefits that include company contributions, RAVE Aerospace offers a variety of additional benefits and perks to enhance your work-life balance experience, including but not limited to:

• A home allowance to elevate your home workspace
• Discretionary bonus program
• Future financial security with a 401(k) program with company match
• Paid time off covering vacations, personal time off and sick days, capped off by an exciting year-end holiday shutdown
• Embraced flexibility with our alternative work schedule (9/80) to navigate your workweeks with every other Friday off