Test Engineer III

Mercury Systems•Cypress, CA

20h

About The Position

Mercury Systems is seeking a Test Engineer III to lead verification, validation, and performance evaluation of complex, mission-critical systems supporting aerospace and defense applications. This role is responsible for driving system-level test strategy, executing rigorous performance analysis, and resolving integration challenges across hardware, firmware, and software domains. The position plays a critical role throughout the full engineering lifecycle, from early development and design validation through system integration, qualification, and sustainment, ensuring delivered systems meet demanding operational and customer requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's Science degree or higher in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline.
Typically requires 3–5+ years of experience in system-level test, integration, or validation of complex electronic systems.
Experience with system and subsystem interactions across hardware, firmware, and software domains.
Experience with RF principles, including frequency, wavelength, impedance, signal propagation, modulation, attenuation, and interference.
Experience developing and executing verification and validation strategies for complex systems.
Experience (Hands-on) with lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, VNAs such as Keysight PNA-X, etc.).
Experience specifying, analyzing, integrating, or verifying RF and Mixed Signal, ADC and DAC, heterogenous (FPGA and SoC) processing applications and applied concepts such as signal integrity, latency, throughput, frequency response, and system-level interactions across wide operating conditions.
Experience analyzing system performance metrics and identifying root causes of RF related issues such as signal distortion, interference, impedance mismatches, and thermal effects.
Experience in scripting or programming (Python, MATLAB, C#, or similar) for test automation and data analysis
Experience with engineering lifecycle tools (Jira, Jama, Bitbucket, or similar).
“This position requires you to have or can obtain a government security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.”

Nice To Haves

Experience with RF or high-frequency systems and wideband signal chains
Familiarity with real-time systems, networked control interfaces (e.g., TCP/UDP), and latency-sensitive applications
Experience supporting system integration efforts where hardware and software maturity are evolving in parallel
Experience with military and aerospace standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, DO-178C, DO-254)
Background in performance optimization, signal processing, or system modeling
Demonstrated ability to lead test efforts across ambiguous requirements and evolving program scope
Experience interacting directly with customers, including technical reviews and performance discussions

Responsibilities

Lead development and execution of system-level test strategies for complex electronic and RF-enabled systems across multiple programs
Design and implement test procedures focused not only on compliance, but on performance validation, margin analysis, and real-world operational behavior
Conduct detailed performance characterization including signal integrity, latency, throughput, frequency response, and system-level interactions across wide operating conditions
Drive integration and debug efforts across hardware, firmware, and software, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions in fast-paced environments
Debug issues like RF interference, spurious signals, phase noise, and spectral leakage that affect radar/EW performance across multiple programs
Analyze system behavior under dynamic and stressed conditions, identifying performance limitations and recommending design or configuration improvements
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems, hardware, firmware, and software) to ensure alignment between requirements, architecture, and test objectives
Partner with program leadership to balance test scope, schedule, and technical risk, providing clear communication on readiness and performance gaps
Develop automated test and data analysis tools using languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar to improve efficiency and repeatability
Support development and validation of complex signal processing and data handling systems, including real-time control and high-speed interfaces
Define test equipment requirements and oversee setup and validation of lab environments, including RF and high-speed digital instrumentation
Prepare and present detailed technical reports, performance summaries, and risk assessments to internal stakeholders, customers, and senior leadership
Contribute to continuous improvement of test processes, methodologies, and tools across programs