Engineer 1 NPI Test

About the role

Areté is seeking a motivated New Product Introduction Test Engineer to join our engineering team, developing advanced electro-optical and stabilized imaging systems. This role supports the verification, validation, integration, and troubleshooting of complex products throughout the engineering development lifecycle. Intended for recent engineering graduates, this position offers mentorship while progressively assuming ownership of subsystem testing, automation, documentation, and laboratory activities.

Responsibilities

• Support integration and testing of electro-optical, electro-mechanical, and embedded systems throughout product development.
• Execute engineering test procedures for subsystem and system-level verification activities.
• Assist with developing, documenting, and improving engineering test procedures, test plans, and reports.
• Configure and operate laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, environmental equipment, motion control systems, and optical instrumentation.
• Collect, analyze, and document test data using engineering tools and software.
• Work with Quality to generate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), investigate failures, document observations, perform root-cause analysis, and support corrective actions.
• Develop basic test automation scripts and utilities to improve repeatability and efficiency.
• Assemble and integrate engineering prototypes and development hardware.
• Participate in design reviews, test readiness reviews, and engineering peer reviews.
• Maintain laboratory organization, calibration records, fixtures, and engineering test equipment.
• Support environmental, functional, performance, and qualification testing.
• Assist in creating engineering documentation while maintaining configuration-controlled records.
• Perform additional duties as assigned; occasional travel (up to 20%).

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required; must be able to pass a background check and drug screening.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong engineering fundamentals including mechanics, electronics, physics, or controls.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and signal generators.
• Basic programming or scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and mechanical models.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.

Preferred Skills

• Internship, capstone, undergraduate research, Formula SAE, robotics, UAV, or other hands-on engineering project experience.
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, Git, or automated test frameworks.
• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software.
• Experience with environmental or vibration testing.
• Exposure to embedded systems or hardware/software integration.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO9001 development environments.
• Experience documenting engineering work in a structured configuration-controlled environment.
• Passion for electro-optical systems, robotics, aerospace, or defense technologies.
• Adaptable and able to support various roles in different system development projects.
• Intellectual curiosity and a strong desire for continuous learning.
• A skilled and innovative problem solver.
• Familiarity with IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 Certification.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD), Vision Reimbursement, Fitness Reimbursement.
• Financial: Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan, Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Continuing Education Assistance.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible Scheduling, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $75,000 to $110,000. Areté considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.