Principal Test Engineer (IV)

Sparton is an innovative defense contractor headquartered in DeLeon Springs, Florida, with a rich heritage dating back to 1900. Renowned for our exceptional manufacturing capabilities, we specialize in producing high-quality sonobuoys critical to the United States' undersea warfare arsenal, enhancing national security against current and future adversaries. But we are more than manufacturers; we are problem solvers. Our team of dedicated engineers and skilled professionals tackles some of the most challenging issues in defense technology. Our expertise includes advanced research systems, maritime solutions, sophisticated sensor technologies and payload delivery capabilities.

Job Summary

The Principal Test Engineer (IV) provides technical leadership and strategic direction in the design, development, integration, and validation of software-controlled hardware for advanced custom functional test systems supporting product testing. This role is responsible for defining system and test requirements, architecting robust solutions, and overseeing the complete test development lifecycle-including requirements analysis, design, implementation, integration, verification, and validation. The Test Engineer IV serves as a subject matter expert, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure test solutions meet organizational quality, performance, and compliance standards. Additionally, this role mentors engineering teams, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and contributes to the development of best practices and technical standards within the organization.

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Identify internal and external customer test requirements and specifications. Develop product test plans, scenarios, scripts, and procedures to optimize output, usability, manufacturability, and product flow.
• Create a Statement of Work.
• Formulate test plans to functionally test and or calibrate the product to meet requirements.
• Create list of COTS equipment and materials needed for test system.
• Create Electrical Schematics for I/F Panels and cables.
• Provide conceptual mechanical ideas for test fixtures.
• Write Coding S/W in NI Lab-Windows CVI.
• Write TP, ATP, IQ, OQ, PQ, TMV documents.
• Provide technical support to the manufacturing test support group.
• Lead the identification and interpretation of internal and external customer test requirements and specifications for complex product lines, ensuring alignment with business and regulatory standards.
• Architect and develop comprehensive product test strategies, including test plans, scenarios, scripts, and procedures, to optimize product performance, usability, manufacturability, and production flow.
• Author and review Statements of Work (SOW) for test system development and implementation projects.
• Design and validate advanced functional and calibration test plans to ensure products meet or exceed all defined requirements and industry standards.
• Specify and approve lists of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment and materials necessary for test system development and deployment.
• Develop and review detailed electrical schematics for interface panels and cables, ensuring robust and reliable test setups.
• Generate conceptual mechanical solutions and collaborate with design teams to create effective test fixtures.
• Design, implement, and maintain complex test automation and data acquisition software using NI LabWindows/CVI, ensuring scalability and maintainability.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive test documentation, including Test Procedures (TP), Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP), Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), Performance Qualification (PQ), and Test Method Validation (TMV) documents.
• Serve as a technical resource and provide expert-level support to the manufacturing test support group, troubleshooting complex test and system issues.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and process improvement within the team.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of best practices, standards, and technical innovation in test engineering.

• 4-year degree from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Engineering or related field OR a combination of education and relevant experience.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in designing automated test equipment systems in an electrical testing environment within a contract manufacturing or OEM environment.
• Experience developing test software applications using NI Lab Windows CVI in a windows environment.

• US Citizenship is required
• Must be able to obtain and maintain U.S. security clearance.
• Must have knowledge of data acquisition concepts and instrument control including complex test, measurement, calibration algorithm development, definition, and implementation of control interfaces to hardware.
• Requires familiarity with instrument control via GPIB, RS-232, and PXI.
• Knowledge of RF systems are a plus.
• Strong understanding of C language programming
• Able to track and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment with several simultaneous projects.
• Able to read, write and communicate effectively. Able to present information and respond to questions with peers, managers, clients, customers, and the general public on technical subjects.
• Able to follow complex schematic diagrams, assembly drawings and test specifications. Able to develop automated test systems.
• Logical troubleshooting techniques based on an understanding of the product performance and test requirements.

• Less than 20% travel.
• The physical demands describe here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment and a manufacturing environment. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions in the plant. The noise level in the work environment may be loud.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk, and communicate, use hands/finger, feel, and reach with arms. This position requires the ability to lift, bend or stoop as necessary up to 20lbs.

• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage.
• Healthcare concierge to help you navigate your benefit selections.
• Virtual health solutions for physical therapy, menopause, and diabetes.
• Company paid Basic Life Insurance. Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available.
• On-site wellness clinic.

• Competitive compensation.
• 401k program to plan for your future with company match 75% up to 8% plus 1% Employer contribution.
• Company Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick).
• Paid parental leave.
• Adoption assistance.
• Fertility and family building assistance.

• Flexible work schedules available based on position:
  • 9/80 schedule providing every other Friday off
  • 5/8s
  • 4/10s
  • 3/12s
• Lifestyle spending account.
• Perks at work.
• Generous employee referral program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Voluntary benefits available: longer term care, legal, identity theft, pet Insurance, and many more options