Vision Systems - Test Engineer I
The Vision Systems Test Engineer I at Confidential Client is responsible for supporting integration, verification, and validation of EO/IR sensor systems through development and execution of test plans and procedures. This entry-level role involves hands-on system testing, debugging, and data analysis to ensure product performance and reliability, requiring active DoD Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship. The position emphasizes collaboration within Systems Engineering & Test teams to deliver high-quality aerospace and defense solutions.
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 (Aerospace & Defense).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Vision Systems Test Engineer I to join the Systems Integration and Test team. This onsite role supports the integration, verification, and validation of EO/IR focal plane array sensor systems. You will help develop and execute test plans, integrate lab test environments, collect and analyze data, and support lifecycle requirements for assigned systems. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance are required.
What You’ll Do
- Support integration, verification, and validation (IV&V), design verification testing (DVT), and production testing for EO/IR sensor systems
- Develop test plans, write and execute test procedures, and document results
- Integrate new systems into lab test environments and perform system-level testing
- Use laboratory instrumentation to collect and analyze large data sets
- Apply basic troubleshooting and debugging to test hardware and interfaces
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and customer teams to resolve issues and deliver product builds
Qualifications You Must Have
- Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM)
- Hands-on experience using basic laboratory equipment in an academic or internship setting, such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, digital voltmeters, spectrum analyzers, 3D printers, or hobbyist electronics
- U.S. citizenship required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; DoD Secret clearance required or able to maintain an active clearance from day one depending on role assignment
Qualifications We Prefer
- Experience using laboratory equipment for design testing and troubleshooting technical issues
- Programming experience with LabVIEW and/or MATLAB for test automation and data analysis
- Familiarity with electrical schematics, interface control documentation, and communications protocols
- Experience collecting and managing large data sets and applying scripting or automation to data collection and analysis
- Knowledge of EO/IR sensor systems or imaging focal plane array test processes
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: 62,900 USD – 119,700 USD per year (good faith estimate across experience levels)
- Relocation eligible — relocation assistance available for this position
- Potential benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, paid time off, parental leave, and eligibility for incentive programs depending on role level and business unit
Location & Work Type
- Job location: Isla Vista, CA (onsite)
- Work type: Onsite — employees are expected to work primarily on site to support lab and production testing
- Note: As part of a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select interview steps in person at a company office regardless of role designation
Why This Role — Recruiter Notes
Careertakes is supporting this hiring process as a third-party recruiting platform. This role is a solid fit for early-career engineers with hands-on lab experience who want to build test automation and systems integration skills working on advanced EO/IR sensor systems. Candidates with LabVIEW or MATLAB experience and prior exposure to instrumentation and data collection will be competitive.
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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