Senior Test Engineer - Embedded ASIC/FPGA for Defense

Mercury Systems; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercury Systems seeks a Principal Test Engineer in Huntsville, AL to own the complete test lifecycle for mission-critical embedded hardware in our Mixed Signal unit. You will design verification strategies, develop automated test systems, and build robust fixtures for complex digital subsystems.

You will lead environmental qualification campaigns per MIL-STD standards, perform root-cause analysis, and collaborate closely with design engineers to ensure traceability to requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Typically requires 6+ years of related experience in electronics test engineering.
• Hands‑on experience testing complex digital subsystems including FPGA verification and ASIC integration.
• Experience programming skills in Python and/or .NET for test automation, data analysis, and embedded test firmware development.
• Experience executing MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461G qualification testing campaigns.
• Experience with RF and digital test equipment including spectrum analyzers, VNA, signal generators, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, and thermal chambers.
• This position requires you to have or obtain a government security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Design Verification Test (DVT) plans and procedures for complex digital circuits, modules, and systems including ASIC integration and FPGA verification.
• Design, build, and certify test fixtures, cable harnesses, and test interface boards for complex digital subsystems.
• Develop automated test systems using modern programming languages (Python, .NET) including instrument control, data acquisition, and automated pass/fail determination; LabVIEW support for existing systems.
• Develop test firmware for embedded targets including SPI/I2C/UART communication protocols and diagnostic interfaces.
• Execute environmental and qualification testing per MIL-STD-810H (thermal, vibration, shock, acceleration) and MIL-STD-461G (EMI/EMC) standards.
• Perform ASIC integration testing including register read/write verification, state machine validation, and high‑speed SPI interface testing.
• Test high‑speed digital interfaces including PCIe, Ethernet, DDR SDRAM, and complex power sequencing circuits.
• Conduct burn‑in testing, accelerated life testing, and reliability qualification campaigns.
• Perform root cause analysis on test failures with first‑responder anomaly triage and failure mode characterization.
• Develop comprehensive test plans, test procedures, and formal test reports traceable to product requirements (JAMA, DOORS).
• Maintain test assets under configuration management with NIST‑traceable calibration records.
• Prepare and present Test Readiness Review (TRR) packages for qualification events.
• Lead production test handoff activities including manufacturing test documentation and knowledge transfer.
• Interface with design engineering, program management, manufacturing, and customers to resolve technical test issues.

Skills

Test automation

Python

Embedded firmware

LabVIEW

MIL-STD testing

FPGA/ASIC testing

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Cadence design tools

VNA

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Job description

Mercury Systems seeks a Principal Test Engineer in Huntsville, AL to own the complete test lifecycle for mission-critical embedded hardware in our Mixed Signal unit. You will design verification strategies, develop automated test systems, and build robust fixtures for complex digital subsystems.

You will lead environmental qualification campaigns per MIL-STD standards, perform root-cause analysis, and collaborate closely with design engineers to ensure traceability to requirements.