Vision Systems - Test Engineer I (Onsite)
The Vision Systems Test Engineer I at Confidential Client is an entry-level role focused on supporting integration, verification, and validation of EO/IR sensor systems. The engineer develops and executes test plans, performs system testing, and supports lifecycle requirements to ensure product quality and performance. This onsite position requires U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Secret security clearance, offering a pathway from internship to full-time employment in aerospace and defense systems testing.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Test & Integration Systems Engineer (Test Engineer I) for an onsite role in Santa Ynez, CA. This is an internship opportunity with conversion to full-time upon graduation. The role focuses on Systems Integration & Test (SI&T) for EO/IR focal plane array sensor systems and requires eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance.
What You’ll Do
- Support integration, verification & validation (IV&V), design verification testing (DVT), and production testing for EO/IR focal plane array sensor systems.
- Develop test plans, write and execute test procedures, and perform system-level testing in lab and field environments.
- Integrate new systems and test environments to validate interfaces and performance against requirements.
- Collect, analyze, and report test data to support engineering decisions and product deliveries.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and stakeholders to debug system issues and improve test coverage.
- Exercise sound engineering judgment while following configuration, documentation, and safety practices.
Qualifications You Must Have
- Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM).
- Preliminary exposure to basic laboratory equipment (e.g., power supplies, oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, spectrum analyzers, 3D printers, hobbyist electronics) through coursework, projects, or internships.
- Relevant experience may be obtained via on-the-job experience, research, coursework, or academic projects.
- Prior internship experience with Confidential Client (formerly listed as RTX) is listed in the source posting as a required qualification.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
Qualifications We Prefer
- Experience programming for test automation or data analysis using LabVIEW and/or MATLAB.
- Familiarity with instrumentation and automated collection of large data sets; scripting for data processing and analysis.
- Interest in EO/IR sensor technology, systems engineering, and test automation.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: USD 62,900 — USD 119,700 per year (good faith estimate covering the range of experience levels). This range is provided to satisfy pay-transparency requirements for California.
- Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, 401(k) match, flexible spending, paid time off, parental leave, and employee development programs. Specific benefits depend on business unit and employment status.
Location & Clearance
- Work location: Santa Ynez, California (onsite).
- This role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance; in many cases an active clearance is required after day 1. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for the security clearance process.
- This requisition is for an intern position with anticipated conversion to full-time upon successful completion of the program and graduation.
Additional Information
- Employment type: Contract & Full time (internship converting to FT as noted).
- Relocation eligibility may be available for qualified candidates.
- As part of a secure hiring process, certain interview steps may be conducted in-person at a Confidential Client office location.
- Confidential Client is committed to training and mentorship to help early-career engineers grow technical skills in systems integration and test.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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