Principal Test Engineer

Job title: Principal Test Engineer

About the Role As a Principal Test Engineer at MKS Instruments, you will partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and Product Development teams to design, develop, implement, and sustain automated test solutions that support new product introduction and high-volume manufacturing operations. You will report to the Test Engineering Manager.

What You'll Do

• Designing, developing, and implementing cost-effective test methods, automated test systems, diagnostic programs, and test fixtures for new and existing products.
• Leading the integration, validation, and deployment of new test systems from concept through manufacturing release, ensuring product quality and reliability.
• Supporting production operations by troubleshooting test systems, driving corrective actions, improving yields, and minimizing equipment downtime.
• Leading and mentoring a team of 5-10 engineers and technicians while managing project schedules, resources, priorities, and technical deliverables.
• Driving Industry 4.0, automation, and data acquisition initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency, traceability, and process performance.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with quality, safety, reliability, and regulatory requirements while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Travel Requirements: Up to 10% of travel may be required.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree (Electronic or Mechatronic)
• 8+ years of related work experience
• Advanced programming experience in LabVIEW for test automation, instrumentation control, and data acquisition.
• Strong electronics background, including troubleshooting, diagnostics, electronic test methodologies, and measurement systems.
• Experience designing and developing automated test equipment (ATE), test fixtures, and manufacturing test solutions.
• Proven project management experience, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and execution of complex engineering projects.
• Demonstrated people management and leadership experience leading teams of 5-10 engineering professionals.
• Experience supporting and sustaining manufacturing production lines through root cause analysis and continuous improvement activities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate across multiple functions.
• Experience integrating and validating new test systems from development through manufacturing deployment.