NPI Test Engineer I

Tractor Supply; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tractor Supply Co. in Huntsville, AL seeks an NPI Test Engineer I to support the transition of test solutions for new products moving from engineering to production.

You will collaborate with Development Engineering, TTL, and technicians to ensure products are designed for testability and that manufacturing has repeatable verification methods. This is an early-career role requiring a hands-on engineer with exposure to software, electronics, and diverse test disciplines across electrical,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical discipline; Associate degree with relevant hands-on experience may be considered.
• 0-3 years of relevant engineering, test, manufacturing, laboratory, internship, or technical project experience.
• Exposure to programming or scripting, preferably Python.
• Basic familiarity with Linux or ability to learn command-line environments.
• Hands-on with hardware, test equipment, and production personnel.
• Ability to read technical documentation and communicate across teams.
• US Citizenship due to OPSEC requirements and ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support development, implementation, troubleshooting, and improvement of manufacturing test solutions for new products.
• Apply Design for Test (DFT) principles during product development to improve testability.
• Assist with development of test strategies, plans, procedures, fixtures, automation, and acceptance criteria.
• Develop and modify basic test software and scripts using Python and other environments.
• Configure and troubleshoot test systems in Linux and Windows.
• Work with NPI Technicians to test hardware in a manufacturing environment.
• Support prototype through production-transition activities and hands-on testing.

Skills

Python

Linux

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

TSC's Production Division is looking for an NPI Test Engineer I, based in Huntsville, AL (Discovery). This group provides products and services in radar, communication systems, sensors, antennas, and other advanced electronic systems supporting Government and industry customers.

As an NPI Test Engineer I, you will support the development and transition of test solutions for new products moving from engineering development into production. Working alongside experienced Test Engineers, the Technical Transition Lead (TTL), Development Engineering, NPI Engineering, and NPI Technicians, you will help ensure products are designed for testability and that manufacturing has effective, repeatable methods to verify product performance.

This is an early-career engineering role. Candidates are not expected to be experts in every technology used by the team. We are looking for a technically curious, hands-on engineer with a solid engineering foundation, exposure to software and electronics, and the desire to develop broad experience across electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing test disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Support development, implementation, troubleshooting, and improvement of manufacturing test solutions for new products.
• Work with Development Engineering during product development to apply Design for Test (DFT) principles and identify opportunities to improve product testability.
• Assist experienced Test Engineers with development of test strategies, test plans, procedures, fixtures, automation, and acceptance criteria.
• Develop and modify basic test software and scripts using tools such as Python and other applicable programming environments.
• Work within Linux and Windows environments to configure, operate , and troubleshoot test systems.
• Support use and integration of common electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and related instrumentation.
• Work directly with NPI Technicians to develop practical and innovative approaches for testing hardware in a manufacturing environment.
• Support prototype, pilot, first-build, and production-transition activities, including hands-on hardware troubleshooting and test execution.
• Assist with troubleshooting electrical, software, mechanical, integration, and test-related issues.
• Create and maintain test procedures, work instructions, test documentation, configuration records, and other technical documentation.
• Collect and analyze test data to identify failures, trends, repeatability issues, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Participate in root-cause investigations and corrective-action activities involving test or product failures.
• Support test equipment configuration, verification, maintenance, and introduction into production.
• Work across Development Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Production, and other teams to support successful product transitions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering , Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline. Associate degree in an applicable engineering technology field may be considered with additional relevant hands-on experience.
• 0-3 years of relevant engineering, test, manufacturing, laboratory, internship, or technical project experience.
• Exposure to programming or scripting, preferably Python.
• Basic familiarity with Linux or a demonstrated ability to learn command-line operating environments.
• Basic understanding of electrical/electronic systems and engineering fundamentals.
• Hands-on interest and willingness to work directly with hardware, test equipment, fixtures, wiring, mechanical assemblies, and production personnel.
• Ability to read and understand technical documentation such as drawings, schematics, specifications, and test procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving aptitude.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively across engineering and manufacturing organizations.
• Self-motivated with a desire to learn new technologies and develop broader technical capabilities.
• US Citizenship due to Operations Security (OPSEC) requirements and the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to Python, MATLAB, C/C++, LabVIEW, or embedded programming.
• Experience with Linux and Windows-based systems, networking, serial communications, or basic test-system integration.
• Exposure to electronic test equipment including oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, or RF test equipment.
• Experience with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, microcontrollers, software-defined radio s , or other embedded hardware platforms.
• Basic RF or communications-system knowledge.
• Experience assembling, integrating, troubleshooting, or testing electromechanical hardware.
• Experience with CAD, mechanical desi