Sr Electrical Engineer

Itron, Inc.•San Jose, CA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us. At Itron, we innovate with purpose—designing reliable, scalable technologies that help utilities and communities better manage energy and water. As a Senior Electrical Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring our connectivity and networked devices deliver the performance and resilience our customers depend on. This position is highly collaborative and customer‑centric, blending hands‑on RF expertise with cross‑functional teamwork to support the development and integration of industrial IoT and smart metering solutions worldwide. You will model accountability, authenticity, and agility as you validate next‑generation products that empower utilities to operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Requirements

Strong hands‑on experience testing RF/wireless systems such as cellular, sub‑GHz, and ISM band radios.
Proficiency with RF lab equipment: Spectrum Analyzer, VNA, Signal Generator, Power Meter, OTA chambers.
Expertise in RX/TX characterization, sensitivity and PER measurements, antenna performance evaluation, and OTA analysis.
Experience with RF and electrical immunity testing (ESD, EFT, surge, conducted/radiated immunity).
Proven capability in failure analysis, root‑cause identification, and cross‑functional troubleshooting.
Ability to generate clear technical reports, structured test plans, and formal RCCA documentation.
Strong communication skills for customer‑facing and stakeholder‑aligned engagement.
Proficiency in Python for test automation, data processing, and test development.
Ability to interpret schematics, PCB layouts, and mechanical drawings.
Demonstrated collaborative, agile work style with accountability and customer‑centric decision‑making.

Nice To Haves

Experience with smart metering, industrial IoT, or SCADA‑related devices.
Familiarity with FCC Part 15.247 and regulatory requirements for 900 MHz / 2.4 GHz ISM‑band radios.
Experience with environmental and reliability testing (HALT/HASS, temperature cycling, long‑duration testing).
Background working with OEM partners or integration teams.
Experience with structured new product development (NPI) lifecycles.

Responsibilities

RF, Wireless, and Electrical Testing Lead customer‑centric RF and wireless validation for IoT‑enabled and industrial smart metering products across electric, gas, and water utility applications.
Perform RX/TX characterization including sensitivity, PER testing, TX power, antenna pattern measurement, and OTA evaluation to ensure reliable field performance.
Validate sub‑GHz, cellular, and ISM‑band wireless systems used in grid‑edge and industrial IoT deployments, applying innovative test methods to reduce risk and improve product readiness.
Execute RF and electrical immunity testing (ESD, conducted/radiated immunity, surge, power‑supply robustness) to ensure safe, resilient, utility‑grade operation.
Antenna, System Integration & Partner Support Validate antenna designs and patterns for internal products and partner‑developed meter integrations, ensuring alignment with Itron performance expectations.
Collaborate with OEMs on power interfaces, interconnects, thermal considerations, enclosures, and RF interference mitigation with a focus on driving reliable integrations.
Train and support partners in executing Itron test plans, automation methods, and reporting requirements, modeling authentic and accountable collaboration.
Test Plan Development & ATE Ownership Develop and maintain structured test plans, procedures, and documentation for new products and integration programs.
Own and maintain ATE stations and RF test setups, including calibration, configuration management, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
Design and refine automated test scripts and analysis tools (Python) to enhance test coverage, repeatability, and agility.
Failure Analysis & Root Cause / Corrective Action (RCCA) Lead or support cross‑domain failure analysis and system debugging across RF, electrical, firmware, and system layers.
Conduct structured RCCA and provide data‑driven corrective and preventive action recommendations.
Present findings to stakeholders and customers clearly and collaboratively, translating technical results into actionable insights.
Cross‑Functional & Customer‑Facing Collaboration Represent Test Engineering across Product Management, R&D, Operations, Quality, and PMO to ensure testing aligns with customer and business outcomes.
Provide technical support for customer integrations, product qualification, and deployment activities, maintaining a customer‑first mindset.
Communicate test outcomes, system behaviors, and improvement opportunities in an authentic, transparent manner.
Mentorship & Technical Leadership Mentor junior engineers and technicians in RF validation, automation, and troubleshooting to build team capability.
Provide technical input during design reviews and NPI phases to enhance reliability, testability, and long‑term product performance.
Champion innovative approaches and continuous improvement across test processes and methodologies.

Benefits

This position also includes a competitive benefit package including; financial, social, health and wellbeing programs, paid vacation, 401k matching, employee stock purchase program, hybrid work schedule, and more!

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