Automation Test Engineer

TrellisWare launched in 2000 with an innovative culture striving to push technological boundaries in wireless communications. We are now a worldwide leader in highly advanced algorithms, waveforms, and communications systems ranging from small form factor radio products to fully integrated solutions. At TrellisWare, we connect passion with purpose and together we make an impact—on our careers, our company, and the world.

About the role

The Automation Test Engineer (ATE) team leverages deep understanding of both hardware and software to design, implement, verify, and scale the complex infrastructure systems used for cutting-edge radio development. You will design test cases in TrellisWare’s automation scripting environment and build advanced radio automated test systems. You’ll develop tools and systems for data collection and visualization, perform data-driven analysis of system behavior, and work on next-generation self-networking hand-held radios for Special Forces or new modem technologies addressing challenges like scalability, robustness, and maximizing throughput.

Enhancing team cohesiveness and maintaining morale is a shared responsibility, as is the ambition for self-improvement and talent development. Through dedication to unity and professional advancement, each team member directly impacts the success of TrellisWare’s deliverables and upholds core values of delivering excellence, pushing boundaries, and empowering people.

Responsibilities

• Design, maintain, and deploy an automated scripting environment and test sequencer.
• Create and document programming APIs to facilitate rapid development of automated tests.
• Develop user interfaces that enable easy access to device capabilities.
• Develop, document, and execute automated test scripts that characterize key performance parameters.
• Perform detailed data analysis to diagnose and identify performance-related issues.
• Contribute to process improvement and planning of the ATE Team.
• Support systems engineering of TrellisWare proprietary technologies.
• Program in VB.NET, C#, and Python in a product development environment.
• Develop test infrastructure, including programming APIs, user interfaces, data collection, and data post-processing.
• Operate and program test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, radio emulators, network analyzers, RF switch matrices, and multimeters.
• Design and execute automated test cases.
• Generate test plans from engineering designs and develop supporting software test code for units under test, including test database development.
• Spearhead design for testability (DfT) with hardware and software developers to ensure advanced automated testing capabilities for TrellisWare products.

Requirements

• BSEE, BSCE, BS Physics, or equivalent.
• 1–8 years of experience.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency (required for security clearance eligibility).

Qualifications

• Knowledge of object-oriented design.
• Knowledge of device drivers.
• Software development skills with database and web experience.
• Knowledge of common embedded Linux development tools (e.g., compilers, linkers, debuggers) and Linux subsystems.
• Proficiency with Windows, Linux GUI, and command-line tools for software installation and diagnostics.
• Shell scripting or advanced programming skills (a plus).
• Understanding of the OSI 7-layer model, with advanced knowledge of layers 1–4 (layers 5–7 desirable).
• Knowledge of RF technology, radio design, and RF test equipment.
• Hardware design skills and test fixture development (e.g., bed-of-nails) (a plus).
• Familiarity with IP networking.
• Familiarity with Raspberry Pi setup, configuration, and integration.
• Familiarity with wireless telecommunications and cellular radio systems standards (e.g., FDMA, TDMA).
• Experience with Mobile Ad-hoc Networked (MANET) radios and military communications (a plus).
• Experience developing embedded software using C/C++ on a Linux platform (a plus).

Skills

• Analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
• Curiosity to understand how things work and passion for learning.
• Initiative to troubleshoot and fix issues.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proactive work ethic and prioritization skills.
• Trustworthy judgment and analytical problem-solving.
• Champion of change and innovation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to foster relationships based on trust and respect.

Physical Demands

• Able to frequently sit, stand, walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel, reach within hands and arm’s length, stoop, kneel, and crouch, talk, and hear.
• Regularly required to sit for extended periods and use office equipment such as PCs, printers, and telephones.
• Able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Pay

TrellisWare Technologies pays competitively according to market rates in an individual's geographic location, qualifications, and experience. The annual pay range for this role in the San Diego, CA area is $105,000 – $200,000 USD.