Sr. Test Engineer

Teledyne Technologies • Rancho Cordova, CA

5h

About The Position

As the Senior Test Engineer at Teledyne Microwave Solutions (TMS) in Rancho Cordova, you will serve as the technical lead for the development and implementation of automated RF test systems for traveling wave tubes (TWTs) and other high‑power microwave amplifiers. You will be at the center of modernizing our test operations by creating flexible, scalable test applications, developing an intuitive human–machine interface (HMI), and establishing the data infrastructure required to support advanced analytics and future AI‑driven build controls. Your work will directly improve factory throughput, product reliability, test consistency, and the integrity of mission‑critical data for extremely high‑power microwave products used in demanding radar, electronic warfare, and communications applications.

Requirements

• Strong hands‑on technical problem‑solving skills and a deep understanding of engineering principles, RF/microwave theory, vacuum electronics, and manufacturing processes
• Experience with complete test characterization, automation, data acquisition, troubleshooting, and production support of TWTs or similar vacuum electronic microwave devices.
• Proficiency with RF test equipment such as signal generators, spectrum analyzers, VNAs, and oscilloscopes
• Attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and reliability.
• Ability to independently manage complex projects while collaborating cross‑functionally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to travel occasionally for customer or supplier support.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field + 5+ years of RF test/automation experience , OR 15+ years of TWT test experience including 10+ years in R&D.
• US Citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD Security Clearance

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting hardware in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with automated test systems, automated process controls, or manufacturing automation.
• Familiarity with build controls or AI‑driven manufacturing methods.
• Understanding of machine‑learning concepts and their application to manufacturing or microwave device optimization.

Responsibilities

• Automation & Test System Leadership Serve as the technical lead for automation of RF testing on the TWT test floor.
• Establish test methodologies, including sequencing, special tests, repeated tests, and reporting standards.
• Develop automated test routines with robust safety features to protect personnel and devices under test.
• Ensure test routines record time, operating conditions, and error codes whenever a test fails or an interlock is triggered.
• Create a configuration‑management and equipment‑setup system to ensure test consistency across stations and product lines.
• Data Infrastructure & Database Development Lead development of the database used for storing, retrieving, and managing production test data.
• Recommend database type (relational vs. object‑oriented).
• Define schema, tables, and query structures.
• Develop methods for retrieving data, trending performance, and handling anomalies (e.g., repeat tests on the same unit).
• Provide procedures and training to production users for data retrieval and use.
• Engineering Support & Problem Solving Own technical assignments for testing, characterizing, and evaluating new and legacy high‑power microwave devices.
• Monitor devices and systems to ensure technical issues are rapidly identified and resolved.
• Support production with hands‑on troubleshooting and recommend corrective actions at critical phases.
• Co‑own and maintain TWT aging profiles and associated test methodologies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Innovation Collaborate with design and production engineering on special tests, DOEs, and new developments.
• Identify opportunities for machine learning and AI to improve yield, margins, or predictive performance.
• Partner with manufacturing during prototype, pilot, and first‑run builds to ensure smooth transition to production.
• Work with purchasing, production control, marketing, customer service, and quality assurance to meet program objectives.
• Recommend equipment and instrumentation to enhance automation or improve test capability.
• Contribute to proposals for new technical programs and product improvements.
• Support development of automated manufacturing processes to reduce variability and touch labor.
• Professional Development Maintain a high technical competency and stay current with emerging test, automation, and data analysis techniques.
• Support occasional travel as needed.

Benefits

• You will join a specialized engineering organization building high‑performance microwaves and TWT products for radar, electronic warfare, and advanced communications.
• Expect: A collaborative and technically rich environment Opportunities to lead automation and data‑driven innovation Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package from a global technology leader
• The anticipated salary range listed for this role is only an estimate. Actual compensation for successful candidates is carefully determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, location, local regulations (such as minimum wage), education/training, work experience, key skills, and type of position.
• Teledyne and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions.
• Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic or non-merit based factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

What This Job Offers

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