Principal Test Engineer

Job DescriptionMercury Systems is seeking the best and brightest talent to help us bring cutting-edge technology to mission-critical aerospace and defense applications, advancing innovation where it matters most. Our Mixed Signal business unit is seeking an experienced Principal Test Engineer to develop and execute comprehensive test strategies for sophisticated mission-critical embedded technology designed to withstand the most rugged environments. This role requires deep expertise in digital hardware testing, ASIC/FPGA verification, and environmental qualification testing for aerospace and defense applications. You will own the complete test lifecycle from Design Verification Testing (DVT) through production test deployment, including test automation software development, test fixture design, and formal qualification documentation.This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thinks like a design engineer but lives in the test world—someone who can build test infrastructure as a product in its own right with the same rigor applied to flight hardware.Job Responsibilities:Develop and execute Design Verification Test (DVT) plans and procedures for complex digital circuits, modules, and systems including ASIC integration and FPGA verificationDesign, build, and certify test fixtures, cable harnesses, and test interface boards for complex digital subsystemsDevelop automated test systems using modern programming languages (Python, .NET) including instrument control, data acquisition, and automated pass/fail determination; LabVIEW support for existing systemsDevelop test firmware for embedded targets including SPI/I2C/UART communication protocols and diagnostic interfacesExecute environmental and qualification testing per MIL-STD-810H (thermal, vibration, shock, acceleration) and MIL-STD-461G (EMI/EMC) standardsPerform ASIC integration testing including register read/write verification, state machine validation, and high-speed SPI interface testingTest high-speed digital interfaces including PCIe, Ethernet, DDR SDRAM, and complex power sequencing circuitsConduct burn-in testing, accelerated life testing, and reliability qualification campaignsPerform root cause analysis on test failures with first-responder anomaly triage and failure mode characterizationDevelop comprehensive test plans, test procedures, and formal test reports traceable to product requirements (JAMA, DOORS)Maintain test assets under configuration management with NIST-traceable calibration recordsPrepare and present Test Readiness Review (TRR) packages for qualification eventsLead production test handoff activities including manufacturing test documentation and knowledge transferInterface with design engineering, program management, manufacturing, and customers to resolve technical test issuesRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldTypically requires 6+ years of related experience in electronics test engineeringHands-on experience testing complex digital subsystems including FPGA verification and ASIC integrationExperience programming skills in Python and/or .NET for test automation, data analysis, and embedded test firmware developmentExperience with test firmware development for embedded systems including SPI, I2C, UART protocol implementationsExperience executing MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461G qualification testing campaignsExperience with RF and digital test equipment including: spectrum analyzers, network analyzers (VNA), signal generators, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, and thermal chambers.This position requires you to have or obtain a government security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.Preferred Qualifications:Master's degree in Electrical EngineeringActive Secret clearance or higherExperience with ruggedized military and space-grade electronics testingExperience with AI-assisted development tools (Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, or similar) for accelerating test automation developmentDemonstrated ability to leverage modern development workflows and AI coding assistantsProficiency in C/C++, Rust, VHDL, MATLAB, and/or SQL for specialized test applications and data managementExperience with radiation qualification testing at external facilitiesKnowledge of high-speed digital design including signal integrity and power integrity analysisExperience testing Intel (Xilinx) and AMD (Altera) FPGA-based systemsFamiliarity with Cadence design tools and design verification workflowsExperience with 3U/6U VPX systems (VITA46, VITA65)Knowledge of Design for Test (DFT) and Design for Reliability (DFR) principlesRequirements traceability tool experience (JAMA, DOORS)Experience with statistical process control and test data trending analysisUnderstanding of power supply testing and EMI compliance verificationTravel approximately 20% to external test facilities and customer sites#LI-RL1This position requires you to access information that is subject to U.S. export regulations. You may only access such information if you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. government. Job RequirementsWhy should you join Mercury Systems?Mercury Systems is a technology company that makes the world a safer, more secure place. We push processing power to the tactical edge, making the latest commercial technologies profoundly more accessible for today's most challenging aerospace and defense missions. From silicon to system scale, Mercury enables customers to accelerate innovation and turn data into decision superiority. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Mercury employs more than 2,300 people in 24 locations worldwide. To learn more, visit mrcy.comOur CultureWe are committed to making Mercury a great place to work, no matter where our employees are located. We offer a casual and enjoyable atmosphere that allows employees to learn and grow. We help and care for one another and work as one to achieve results for us and for our customers. We value communication and transparency, and strive to foster two-way dialogue at all levels of the organization. We are committed to lifelong learning, offering comprehensive skills training and tuition reimbursement. Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or you are an experienced professional, it's important to us that you feel recognized and rewarded for your contributions.To find out more about Why Mercury?, or visit the Mercury Community or find answers to general questions at Mercury FAQsMercury Systems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, creed, citizenship, disability, protected veteran or marital status.As an equal opportunity employer, Mercury Systems is committed to a diverse workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact the number below for assistance.(978) 256-1300Click here read about our recent press release.Job DetailsJob Type: Full-timeCategory: EngineeringSalaried: Salaried