Product Test Engineer

Vortex Optics; Barneveld (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO and holidays

401(k) and life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Vortex Optics in Barneveld, Wisconsin is hiring two Product Test Engineers for the Test and Evaluation team. One role targets early-career engineers, the other seeks a seasoned professional who can independently define test methods and help refine processes.

The team delivers accurate performance data to guide product decisions. Candidates should have a mechanical engineering background, testing experience, and strong documentation skills. Travel is domestic as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Ability to define, perform, document, analyze, and report on tests.
• Ability to work independently and with cross‑functional teams.
• Experience with firearms safety is preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Execute test methods on products to evaluate performance and develop new methods as needed.
• Gather and analyze test data to characterize product performance.
• Generate clear, well‑documented test reports after peer reviews.
• Collaborate with internal customers to clearly communicate test results.

Skills

Test method development

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

MS Office proficiency

Firearms safety

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Data acquisition systems

Lab equipment

Job description

Description

Changing the world isn’t a dream at Vortex®. It’s our goal every single day. We are obsessed with providing every customer an unforgettable experience, internal and external, one that doesn’t just make them smile, it also redefines their expectations. It’s an idea that rewards your creativity and your passion for serving others. And it’s an idea that we believe can fundamentally change our industry and our world.

Description

Changing the world isn’t a dream at Vortex®. It’s our goal every single day. We are obsessed with providing every customer an unforgettable experience, internal and external, one that doesn’t just make them smile, it also redefines their expectations. It’s an idea that rewards your creativity and your passion for serving others. And it’s an idea that we believe can fundamentally change our industry and our world. We are hiring two Product Test Engineers with different levels of experience to join our Test and Evaluation (T&E) team. As a Product Test Engineer, you will be responsible for defining, performing, documenting, analyzing, and reporting on tests for all Vortex Optics products. One position is designed for an early-career engineer who will receive direction while building product testing experience. The second position is designed for an experienced engineer with 5+ years of relevant experience who can independently define test methods, address complex testing needs, and help refine department processes and technical documentation. The Test and Evaluation Department serves our internal customers by delivering accurate, reliable information about product performance to support informed decisions. Along with your resume, please include a brief cover letter sharing what you would bring to this role and why you would like to be a part of ensuring we produce world-class products!

What You’ll Be Doing

• Execute test methods on products to evaluate performance — including developing new methods without an established procedure where your experience supports it — using strong time-management skills to stay organized and meet deadlines.
• Gather and analyze test data to characterize product performance, applying problem-solving skills to identify trends and explain outcomes.
• Generate clear, well-organized test reports that properly document test procedures and results, incorporating feedback from peer reviews.
• Work collaboratively with our internal customers to communicate test results clearly using strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Develop, maintain, and refine Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, and Data Sheets.
• Apply engineering fundamentals to improve current test methods for efficiency, accuracy, and data quality.
• Collaborate with T&E and New Product Development engineers to develop new test methods based on product needs and field failures.
• Support department growth by providing feedback on equipment, test methods, and team building.
• Continue personal development for the benefit of the team and company.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant work experience.
• Internship or work experience with product testing as the focus, or part, of the assigned duties.
• Ability to define, perform, document, analyze, and report on tests.
• Ability to work collaboratively with T&E team members and cross-functionally with internal customers.
• Ability to work and solve problems independently.
• Ability to handle and use firearms safely and comfortably.
• Ability to use MS Office Suite proficiently – Excel and PowerPoint critical.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Experience independently defining, performing, documenting, analyzing, and reporting on tests without an established procedure.
• Experience authoring and improving technical documentation such as SOPs, Work Instructions, Data Sheets, and Test Reports.
• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software.
• Experience with electronics and wiring simple systems.
• Experience with lab equipment including ED shakers, thermal chambers, optical measurement systems, and data acquisition systems.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to travel domestically to vendors, partners, and factories. Estimated travel averages 1-2 weeklong trips per year.

When You Join Team Vortex, You’ll Enjoy

• Great health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• 401(k), life insurance and short- and long-term disability
• Employee Ownership Opportunities
• Various onsite amenities including a fitness center, a nature preserve with walking trails and dog friendly work areas
• Neighboring daycare facility
• Casual and flexible work environment
• Employee discounts on industry leading products
• Many more excellent benefits and employee perks

What’s it like to join Team Vortex?

From The Production Floor To The Repair Room, From Consumer Sales To New Product Development, We’re a Growing Team Of Makers And Doers, Working Together To Give Our Customers An Experience They’ll Never Forget. Our Employees Thrive In Situations That Require Demonstrating Our Core Values

• About You
• Customer is King
• Willingness to Shovel Snow
• Be the Buffalo

Every Vortex product that leaves our door is covered by our Very Important Promise (VIP) Warranty. The Vortex VIP Warranty simply means, if you ever have a concern, issue or want to order a Vortex product, you will be met with a customer experience that will exceed all expectations! Our promise is unlimited, unconditional and lasts a lifetime. Whether your Vortex role is in Sales, Customer Service, IT, Marketing, Finance, NPD or Operations, every day starts with supporting that promise and PUTTING THE CUSTOMER FIRST!

• Must already be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer.
• This is a full-time, onsite position located in Barneveld, WI. Relocation assistance may be available.
• Applications will be accepted until Monday, October 26th. Interviews will not begin until after this date.