Advanced Lead Test Systems Design Engineer - Avionics

Job Description Summary

The Advanced Lead Test Systems Design Engineer – Avionics will own the design and delivery of automated production test systems for complex electronic aerospace products. This role combines technical leadership, hands‑on development, and cross‑functional collaboration to ensure safe, high‑quality, and cost‑effective test solutions that support manufacturing and new product introduction. This includes developing test software for full automation, managing requirements, and integrating hardware and software into complete systems.

Location:

Grand Rapids, MI

This position, which offers a blend of onsite and hybrid work arrangements, is based in Grand Rapids and necessitates a presence in the office for 2-3 days each week. An extensive corporate relocation package is also available for eligible candidates.

• Lead the design and development of production test equipment for complex electronic aerospace products, from concept through deployment.

• Architect and implement system-level automated test solutions, including hardware, software, and data flows, to achieve high test coverage and throughput.

• Own the full test system lifecycle: planning, requirements, architecture, hardware/software design, integration, verification, release, and sustainment.

• Influence overall test strategy and coverage, including test data analytics, design‑for‑test (DFT) input, and board-level test strategies in manufacturing.

• Develop and maintain test software using National Instruments Test Stand, C/C++/C# in Microsoft Visual Studio, and C in Lab Windows/CVI (or equivalent tools).

• Provide hands‑on technical support to manufacturing, including debug of test systems, test failures, and equipment issues.

• Create and maintain test design documentation, including requirements, test specifications, schematics/drawings, procedures, test software documentation, verification procedures, and reports.

• Collaborate closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Engineering to align test solutions with product requirements, safety, and quality standards.

• Contribute to and lead elements of new product introduction (NPI), process improvement, and lean/continuous improvement initiatives within test engineering and manufacturing.

• Mentor and coach other test engineers in tools, architecture, design practices, and development processes; provide technical direction within project teams.

• Communicate status, risks, and mitigation plans clearly and proactively to project and functional leadership.

• Prepare and deliver technical material for customer and internal design/test reviews and presentations.

• Plan and manage own work and assigned resources to meet schedule, cost, quality, and compliance objectives.

• Participate in and sometimes lead cross-functional teams to address organizational initiatives and drive improvements in test capability, productivity, and quality.

• BS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.

• Minimum 8 years of experience designing automated test systems for complex electronic products or electrical systems in a production or high‑reliability environment.

• Knowledge and experience in software development using C, C++, C#.

• Circuit design capability for test equipment, including signal conditioning, signal conversion, stimulus generation, filtering, and cable/harness design.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve complex technical problems, including hardware, software, and system‑level issues.

• Strong oral and written communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively in cross‑functional teams.

• Proven ability to document, plan, and execute projects or work packages to meet scope, schedule, and quality objective.

• Experience leading other engineers or technical work streams within a project team (technical lead, work package owner, or similar).

• Hands‑on experience with National Instruments tools, including Test Stand and Lab Windows/CVI, for automated test development.

• Familiarity with common aerospace and industrial interfaces, including analog and discrete I/O, RS-232/422/485, ARINC…