Senior Test Engineer

VIAVI Solutions; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

VIAVI Solutions in Kansas seeks an experienced Automated Test Engineer to architect factory-level test systems for avionics and land mobile radio products, focusing on instrument automation, rack-and-stack design, and code development. You will write Python, C++, and NI TestStand drivers to control RF test gear, perform RF analysis, Gauge R&R, and DfT work with R&D to enable automated production.

The role requires 5+ years in ATE, strong leadership, and cross-functional collaboration; travel and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science.
• 5+ years in Automated Test Engineering for manufacturing.
• Experience remotely controlling RF instruments via code (GPIB, USB, LAN).
• Strong Python/C++/C# skills for instrument control and data parsing.

Responsibilities

• Architect Production Test Systems for NPI and legacy manufacturing.
• Write drivers and test sequences in Python, C++, or NI TestStand to control RF test gear.
• Develop RF analysis algorithms for parameters like Power, Modulation, VSWR, and Sensitivity.
• Perform Gauge R&R and Measurement Uncertainty analyses.
• Collaborate with R&D on Design for Test and optimize test processes.

Skills

Python

C++

C#

Instrument control

RF fundamentals

Statistical analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science

Tools

Keysight instruments

R&S instruments

Anritsu instruments

NI TestStand

SQL

Job description

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.

We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Join the team defining the standard for mission-critical wireless testing. In this role, you will architect factory-level Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for VIAVI’s industry-leading Avionics (IFF, TCAS, Radar Altimeter) and Land Mobile Radio (P25, TETRA) portfolios. This is a hands‑on NPI and Manufacturing Engineering role focused on instrument automation, rack‑and‑stack system design, and code development.

Note to Applicants: This is a factory automation and software development role. It is NOT a field testing, signal mapping, or telecom network deployment position.

Professional Growth and Tooling:

• Averna Launch Certification: We provide full training on our specific test executive wrapper.
• Unlimited NI Training: Access to National Instruments modules to elevate your TestStand skills to Architect level.
• Advanced RF Tech: Direct access to up-to-18GHz specialized RF instrumentation and SDR/transceiver technology.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

• Architect Production Test Systems: Design, build, and deploy automated test racks for New Product Introduction (NPI) and legacy product manufacturing.
• Instrument Control: Write robust drivers and test sequences in Python, C++, or NI TestStand to control VNAs, Spectrum Analyzers, and Oscilloscopes.
• Complex RF Analysis: Develop algorithms to measure RF parameters (Power, Modulation, VSWR, Sensitivity) for Avionics and Tactical Radios.
• Statistical Quality Control: Implement Gauge R&R, Cpk, and Measurement Uncertainty analysis.
• Design for Test (DfT): Partner with R&D to ensure new products are designed for automated test access.
• Project Planning: Drive detailed planning to ensure all test solutions are developed, documented, debugged, deployed, and validated prior to production pilot run.
• Fixture Development: Partner with R&D and Manufacturing Engineering to develop contract manufacturing‑ready test systems, jigs, and fixturing.
• Process Optimization: Optimize calibration and test processes for coverage, cycle time, and test stand capacity.
• System Deployment: Install and validate production systems at VIAVI facilities and contract manufacturing sites.
• Lifecycle Maintenance: Maintain and update existing production test processes throughout the product lifecycle.
• Documentation: Produce written documentation including test specifications, procedures, installation instructions, interconnect diagrams, and preventive maintenance guides.
• Cross‑Functional Communication: Communicate effectively with stakeholders including R&D, Program Management, Manufacturing Engineering, and contract manufacturing partners.
• Team Leadership: Actively engage with the team and management by reporting status against commitments and demonstrating self‑directed initiative and leadership.

Pre‑Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.

Experience And Technical Skills

• 5+ Years in Automated Test Engineering: Experience developing hardware/software test solutions for manufacturing.
• Bench Instrumentation Proficiency: Expert ability to remotely control RF instruments (Keysight, R&S, Anritsu instruments including Network Analyzers, Signal/Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators, Measurement Receivers, Oscilloscopes, and DMMs) via code (GPIB, USB, LAN).
• Coding Proficiency: Strong skills in Python, C++, or C# for instrument control and data parsing.
• RF Fundamentals: Deep understanding of RF physics, superheterodyne architecture, and S-parameters.
• Statistical Analysis: Experience applying Measurement Uncertainty and Process Capability (Cpk).
• Demonstrated leadership and self-motivation; effective cross-functional collaborator who can fully represent test engineering on a product development team.

Preferred Qualifications

• NI TestStand Development: Experience creating custom steps or process models.
• Averna Launch Experience: Familiarity with the Averna test executive wrapper (Training provided).
• SDR / FPGA Exposure: Background working with Software Defined Radios or FPGA-based signal processing.
• Avionics Protocols: Knowledge of ARINC 429/708, Mode S, ADS-B, or P25/TETRA standards.
• SQL database programming for test record storage, retrieval, and data management.
• Use of AI tools for test code development, optimization, or data analysis.
• Six Sigma, Lean, or similar continuous improvement training or certification.
• Experience with JTAG test development.

How Success Is Measured

• Test coverage, capability, and cycle time meet or exceed targets established during NPI.
• All production test systems delivered on schedule for pilot run and volume production launch.
• Gauge R&R and Measurement Uncertainty analyses confirm compliant, stable test systems at production deployment.
• Minimal test escapes reaching the field.
• Test systems require no manual touch labor beyond product connect/disconnect operations.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.

ITAR:

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen or National, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, Refugee, or Temporary Resident granted amnesty.