Principal Test Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.; Heroica Nogales; On-site; MXN 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

MKS Instruments, Inc. in Nogales, Sonora, invites an experienced Principal Test Engineer to lead automated test development, integration, and deployment for new product introductions and high‑volume manufacturing.

You will mentor a team of 5–10 engineers, drive Industry 4.0 initiatives, ensure quality and regulatory compliance, and collaborate across functions to improve yields and equipment reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electronic or Mechatronic).
• 8+ years of related work experience.
• Advanced LabVIEW programming for test automation and data acquisition.
• Strong electronics background with diagnostics and measurement expertise.
• Experience designing automated test equipment (ATE) and fixtures.
• Proven project management with scheduling and resourcing.
• Demonstrated leadership of teams of 5–10 engineers/technicians.
• Experience sustaining production lines and root-cause analysis.
• Clear written and verbal communication across functions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement cost-effective test methods and fixtures.
• Lead integration and deployment of new test systems from concept to release.
• Support production by troubleshooting test systems and improving yields.
• Mentor and manage a team of 5–10 engineers and technicians.
• Drive Industry 4.0, automation, and data acquisition initiatives.
• Collaborate to ensure quality, safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

LabVIEW

Test automation

Electronics

ATE design

Project management

Leadership

Manufacturing support

Communication

Data acquisition

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

As a Principal Test Engineer at MKS Instruments, you will partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and Product Development teams to design, develop, implement, and sustain automated test solutions that support new product introduction and high-volume manufacturing operations. In this role, you will report to the Test Engineering Manager.

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Designing, developing, and implementing cost-effective test methods, automated test systems, diagnostic programs, and test fixtures for new and existing products.
• Leading the integration, validation, and deployment of new test systems from concept through manufacturing release, ensuring product quality and reliability.
• Supporting production operations by troubleshooting test systems, driving corrective actions, improving yields, and minimizing equipment downtime.
• Leading and mentoring a team of 5-10 engineers and technicians while managing project schedules, resources, priorities, and technical deliverables.
• Driving Industry 4.0, automation, and data acquisition initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency, traceability, and process performance.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with quality, safety, reliability, and regulatory requirements while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Travel Requirements: Up to 10% of travel may be required.

Skills You Bring:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree (Electronic or Mechatronic)
• 8+ years of related work experience
• Advanced programming experience in LabVIEW for test automation, instrumentation control, and data acquisition.
• Strong electronics background, including troubleshooting, diagnostics, electronic test methodologies, and measurement systems.
• Experience designing and developing automated test equipment (ATE), test fixtures, and manufacturing test solutions.
• Proven project management experience, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and execution of complex engineering projects.
• Demonstrated people management and leadership experience leading teams of 5-10 engineering professionals.
• Experience supporting and sustaining manufacturing production lines through root cause analysis and continuous improvement activities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate across multiple functions.
• Experience integrating and validating new test systems from development through manufacturing deployment.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Perform activities such as sitting, standing, walking, and typing for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Regularly requires manual dexterity and coordination of objects below, at, and above shoulder level.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for approximately 30% of the workday.
• Must be able to communicate information clearly and exchange accurate information with team members and stakeholders.
• Operates in both professional office and laboratory/manufacturing environments.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment.
• Ability to observe and evaluate detailed technical information, equipment, and documentation at close range.
• Must safely work around mechanical and electrical equipment, including high-voltage systems, gases, water, and heat sources.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to various export control regulations. Applicants for these positions may be limited (by, for example, their countries of citizenship, country of origin, or immigration status) where required by law or governmental contact, and/or employment made contingent upon the issuance of appropriate governmental licensing. MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business. MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [e-mail] . If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role.

At MKS, it's all about courage, big ideas, and a serious passion for innovation. Winning here is about exploring possibilities, taking action, and solving our customers’ toughest challenges. It's not just a job – it's what you make of it. While you shape your role and make it unique, we invest in you with on-the-job and formal training, as well as educational assistance. Curiosity is key at MKS - ask questions, own your path. Our success comes from celebrating the unique skills, diverse perspectives, and lived experience of employees from over 100 countries. The goal is to make sure that everyone feels that they belong. Diversity isn't just a nice-to-have; making sure everyone feels included is a big deal for us. Our group of ~10,000 employees serves semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial markets. With over 3,800 patents, our products are enabling advancements in 5G, renewable energy & storage, artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and big data. We're the behind-the-scenes support for some amazing technology. MKS Inc., enables technologies that transform our world.

MKS Inc., Product Overview