Principal Test Engineer

Nortech Systems, Inc. • Mankato, MN

19h • $106,000 - $145,000

About The Position

Nortech Systems is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to solve complex technical challenges, develop advanced test solutions, and help ensure high-quality, reliable products. The role provides technical leadership and collaborates across teams to advance testing and continuous improvement for products serving medical, industrial, aerospace, and defense markets.

The engineer leads or performs advanced electrical engineering analysis, design, testing, and development, from interpreting customer requirements through documenting design verification activities. The position includes circuit analysis and simulation, feasibility studies, component and assembly analysis, schematic and PCB work, prototype builds, and troubleshooting. It also involves preparing and reviewing complex engineering and design-history documentation, coaching less experienced engineers, and coordinating with cross-functional teams and customers.

The role participates in project planning, budgeting, customer communications, and presentations; follows established design, version-control, review, and documentation processes; and keeps leadership informed of project progress and resource concerns. Periodic travel is required for customer support and site visits, which may involve laboratories, testing areas, and manufacturing environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Eight years of professional electrical engineering experience using engineering design (CAD) software and reading and drafting circuit design and control specifications using technical terminology and circuit design methodology.
• Six years of electrical engineering design, testing, and development experience in an advanced technical manufacturing environment.
• Advanced experience using electronic testing and calibration equipment and methodology.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary engineering teams and leading team members in communicating, researching, designing, developing, and problem-solving electrical engineering assignments.
• Advanced, highly complex multidisciplinary experience with manufacturing methods such as electrical components, printed circuit boards, mechanical, electromechanical, photonic, electroplating, and/or molding production.
• Experience designing and troubleshooting with complex instruments such as oscilloscopes and Bit Error Rate Testers, and with eye diagrams, high-speed electronic designs, and cabling.
• Professional experience communicating complex technical ideas and concepts in writing and oral presentations.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and/or similar collaboration software.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise comply with ITAR access requirements for consideration.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related subject area and/or advanced professional training or certification.
• Experience communicating and coordinating with key customers about complex circuit and control system engineering designs and alternatives.

Responsibilities

• Use computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to analyze electronic circuits and control systems and to design and test products.
• Lead team members and develop reliable, cost-effective, manufacturable electronic products from customer requirements through documented design verification.
• Lead or perform advanced circuit analysis, simulations, and concept and feasibility design activities.
• Research and lead or conduct advanced design analysis on components and assemblies.
• Lead or create detailed block diagrams and circuit schematics.
• Lead, advise, and conduct printed circuit board layout, prototype build, and test activities.
• Review and write complex technical documents, including design specifications, verification test plans and reports, hazard analysis, and other design history file deliverables; coach and direct less experienced engineers.
• Communicate and engage with cross-functional subject matter experts, including engineering disciplines, manufacturing, supply chain, and finance, to move projects forward; review findings or concerns with the supervising team and follow up as needed.
• Participate in or lead project planning and budgeting, including project plans, resource specifications, costing, customer communications, and presentations.
• Problem-solve, troubleshoot, and improve new and existing product outcomes.
• Travel as needed for site visits and ongoing customer relationships, new business, and technical support.
• Follow company design processes, version control, design review, documented design history, and other engineering standards and protocols.
• Keep leadership informed about project status, workload, resource or other concerns, questions, and progress.
• Demonstrate and support Nortech’s mission, core values, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and family, including a 100% company-paid base medical plan for employees.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid time off.
• Training and opportunity for advancement.
• Diverse and inclusive workplace fostering responsible social engagement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal