Systems Test Engineer

CACI International, Inc.; Los Gatos (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI International, Inc. is seeking a Systems Test Engineer to lead the integration, verification, and validation of free-space optical communication systems across IRAD, DVT, and production stages.

You will own system-level test strategies, automate test infrastructure with Python, and collaborate with systems, optics, electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure performance requirements are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• 10+ years in systems integration and electro-optical testing.
• Expert Python skills for automation, data analysis, and reporting.
• Deep knowledge of free-space optical communications, BER, and link budgets.
• Hands-on optical bench integration, alignment, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Lead hardware, software, and optomechanical integration of FSO systems.
• Develop and execute system-level verification plans and production test methods.
• Create Python automation for instrument control, data acquisition, and reporting.
• Perform optical bench alignment, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Conduct FSO performance testing including link margin, BER, and acquisition.
• Plan TVAC and vibration testing, instrumentation, and data analysis.
• Lead bring-up, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action verification.
• Develop test fixtures, harnesses, and automated test procedures.
• Maintain test plans, requirements traceability, and anomaly documentation.
• Transition DVT/qualification methods into production to improve coverage and yield.
• Support IRAD efforts by developing new test methods for FSO tech.
• Mentor engineers in systems testing and Python automation.

Skills

Python automation

Optical bench alignment

FSO knowledge

Test planning

Root-cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent (EE/Optical/Systems)

Tools

PyVISA

NumPy

SciPy

Pandas

Matplotlib

pytest

Job description

Job Title: Systems Test Engineer

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: None

Type of Travel: None

The Opportunity:

The Systems Test Engineer will lead the integration, verification, and validation of free-space optical communication systems across IRAD, DVT, qualification, and production programs. They will take ownership of system-level test strategies and the automated test infrastructure, overseeing all execution from initial prototype bring-up through final release into production. In this role, the engineer will apply expert hands-on experience with optical bench opto-mechanics, electro-optical integration, and communications performance testing to ensure that each system meets its technical and performance requirements. They will plan and carry out environmental testing activities, including thermal-vacuum testing and vibration testing. Additionally, the Systems Test Engineer will serve as a senior technical resource for cross-functional teams, collaborating closely with systems, optics, electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, and quality engineering groups.

Responsibilities:

• Lead hardware, software, and optomechanical integration of FSO communication systems.


• Develop and execute system-level verification plans, DVT procedures, qualification plans, and production test methods.


• Create Python-based automation for instrument control, data acquisition, test sequencing, analysis, and reporting.


• Perform hands-on optical bench integration, alignment, adjustment, calibration, beam routing, and troubleshooting.


• Conduct FSO performance testing, including link margin, received power, acquisition, pointing and tracking, throughput, and bit-error rate.


• Plan and execute TVAC and vibration testing, including test readiness, instrumentation, functional checks, execution, and post-test analysis.


• Lead system bring-up, failure investigation, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action verification.


• Develop test fixtures, harnesses, instrumentation configurations, and automated test procedures.


• Generate and maintain test plans, procedures, requirements traceability, reports, and anomaly documentation.


• Transition validated DVT and qualification methods into production while improving test coverage, yield, and test time.


• Support IRAD efforts by developing new test methods and evaluating emerging FSO technologies.


• Mentor engineers and technicians in systems test, Python automation, optical bench practices, and environmental testing.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.


• Ten or more years of experience in systems integration, electro-optical test, communications test, aerospace hardware test, or a related discipline.


• Expert-level Python skills, including automated test frameworks, instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and reporting.


• Strong knowledge of free-space optical communications, including link budgets, acquisition, pointing and tracking, photodetection, modulation, and BER.


• Expert hands-on experience integrating, aligning, adjusting, and troubleshooting optical bench opto-mechanics.


• Demonstrated experience developing and executing system-level test plans for DVT, qualification, acceptance, and production.


• Experience planning and executing thermal-vacuum and vibration testing for electro-optical or aerospace systems.


• Experience with optical, electrical, mechanical, communications, and environmental test equipment.


• Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, technical documentation, and cross-functional communication skills.

Desired:

• Experience with FSO systems for aerospace, defense, UAV, VTOL, satellite, or other demanding applications.


• Experience with Python tools such as PyVISA, NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, pytest, or equivalent.


• Experience transitioning DVT or qualification test methods into production, including yield improvement and test-time reduction.


• Knowledge of laser safety, fiber optics, RF communications, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.

What You Can Expect:

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers – every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation’s most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground – in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range:

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

The proposed salary range for this position is:
$103,800 - $218,100

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.