Field Applications Engineer

General Summary

Astronics Test Systems is seeking a Field Applications Engineer to join our Customer Support team. This role supports the software and hardware used to perform functional and diagnostic testing of electronic and electro-mechanical assemblies, referred to as Units Under Test or UUTs.

The Field Applications Engineer modifies, tests, and optimizes test system applications with limited development; troubleshoots software, hardware, and system integration issues; and implements controlled updates to improve system performance. Working remotely and at customer locations, this position also provides technical support, customer-specific solutions, product training, and system demonstrations. ATS will provide training on its products, applications, and support processes.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develop and maintain a working knowledge of assigned Astronics test systems, including hardware, software, instrumentation, interfaces, system self-test functions, and UUT applications.
2. Assemble, configure, calibrate, install, and commission test systems and related equipment at ATS and customer locations. (10%)
3. Diagnose and repair system hardware or integrate new hardware required to support software, firmware, instrumentation, or customer application changes. (10%)
4. Modify, test, and optimize existing test system software to correct deficiencies and support customer, hardware, or firmware requirements. (35%)
5. Develop test applications, test sequences, diagnostic routines, interfaces, and custom scripts to address customer-specific requirements, either remotely or on-site. (15%)
6. Collaborate with Engineering and other technical teams to reproduce issues, resolve legacy application deficiencies, develop corrective actions, and validate code changes. (5%)
7. Provide remote and on-site customer support, including structured troubleshooting, technical guidance, application-specific training, and operator education. (10%)
8. Support system installations, customer acceptance activities, technical demonstrations, and product presentations for prospective and existing customers. (5%)
9. Assist in resolving open technical issues, acceptance items, and scope gaps remaining from system installations or previous deployments. (5%)
10. Provide occasional pre-sales and post-sales technical consultation, including application reviews, solution feasibility assessments, and identification of technical risks. (5%)
11. Use approved configuration-management and revision-control tools, such as Git or SVN, to maintain software traceability, version integrity, and controlled release baselines.
12. Document software changes, test results, system configurations, service activities, technical findings, and required follow-up actions in approved ATS systems.
13. Follow established software validation, change-control, cybersecurity, quality, safety, ESD, and customer-site requirements.
14. Travel up to 60% to customer locations for installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, training, and software or system updates.
15. Occasionally work second shift, third shift, weekends, or other nonstandard hours based on customer access and operational requirements.

Job Specifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications

1. Demonstrated software development experience using one or more programming languages or development environments, such as C, C++, C#, Python, LabVIEW, TestStand, or comparable technologies.
2. Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, including the ability to perform structured root-cause analysis of software, hardware, and system-performance issues.
3. Strong written, verbal, and customer-facing communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts, provide technical guidance, and deliver customer training.
4. Experience using electronic test and diagnostic equipment, such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and signal generators.
5. Ability to interpret technical documentation, including software requirements, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, interface documentation, and troubleshooting procedures.
6. Ability to manage changing priorities, work effectively under time constraints, and adapt to customer schedules and operational requirements.
7. Ability to work independently after completing required ATS product training while following established change-control, documentation, and escalation procedures.
8. Ability to travel up to 60% and occasionally work second shift, third shift, weekends, or other nonstandard hours.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Two to five years of relevant experience in software development, test engineering, systems integration, applications engineering, field support, or a related technical role.
2. Experience developing or supporting automated test applications, diagnostic software, test sequences, or electronic test systems.
3. Knowledge of RF measurements and experience using RF test equipment, such as signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power meters, or network analyzers.
4. Familiarity with software-defined architectures, software-defined radio, automated test equipment, or modular instrumentation.
5. Experience with configuration-management or revision-control tools, such as Git or SVN.
6. Experience providing technical support, training, installation, or commissioning services at customer locations.

.Education/Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering (BSEE)
2. Practical experience with developing test automation applications and diagnostics

Computer Skills:

1. Experience with software development languages, such as C, C++, C#, MATLAB, and LabVIEW.
2. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and revision control software like Git or SVN.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles.

The noise level in the environment is moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer:  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Employment Eligibility Requirements:

• An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check
• This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.

Astronics Test Systems offers a competitive benefit package including:

• Stay Healthy - Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity
• Save for the Future - 401K & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Find Balance - Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
• Time for You - Generous Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program

Accommodation Request

Astronics Test Systems is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail ats-ml-humanresources@astronics.com or call: 407.381.6062. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.