Principal Test Engineer

MKS Inc.; Heroica Nogales; On-site; MXN 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

MKS Instruments is seeking a Principal Test Engineer in Mexico to design, develop, and implement automated test solutions for new products and high-volume manufacturing. This role partners with engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, and product development, reporting to the Test Engineering Manager.

You will lead a team of 5–10 engineers and technicians, drive test-system integration from concept through release, and push automation, data acquisition, and continuous improvement across

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and implementing cost-effective test methods and automated test systems for new and existing products.
• Leading integration, validation, and deployment of new test systems from concept to manufacturing release.
• Troubleshooting test systems in production to drive corrective actions and improve yields.
• Mentoring a team of 5–10 engineers and technicians while managing project schedules and resources.
• Driving Industry 4.0, automation, and data acquisition initiatives to improve efficiency and traceability.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure quality, safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
• Travel requirements: Up to 10% of travel may be required.

Skills

LabVIEW programming

Electronics background

ATE design

Project management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Root cause analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electronic or Mechatronic)

Tools

LabVIEW

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.