Principal PCBA Test Engineer

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
We are looking for an exceptional Principal PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) Test Engineer to lead in the design, development and documentation of automated test systems and test processes for electronic assemblies (incl flying probe, AOI, 5DX, and ICT). This role ensures the reliability, performance, and manufacturability of PCBAs through rigorous testing strategies and collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams. As a Principal PCBA Test Engineer, you will utilize your skills in electrical/electronic PCBA design & documentation practice, DfM / DfT analysis, and manufacturing process qualification to support our high mix, low volume production sites AND provide frontline technical support to the PCBA CMs in troubleshooting MKS PCBA subassembly and test system related issues.

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, supply chain, operations) to ensure PCBA assemblies meet design and quality standards.
• Define and implement PCBA test strategies, including DFM/DFT reviews during NPI.
• Design, develop, and document automated test systems, fixtures, and software for contract manufacturers.
• Validate and troubleshoot automated test systems and UUT issues using LabVIEW/TestStand.
• Support global contract manufacturers with remote training, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
• Lead ICT development and qualification of test fixtures, equipment, and software for production environments.
• Analyze test data, drive root-cause analysis, and continuously improve test coverage, fault isolation, and throughput.
• Maintain revision control, documentation, and review supplier changes (PCNs, Gage R&R) for test processes.
• Conduct DFM/DFT reviews and oversee supplier DFM reviews for NPI. Conduct Design for Testability (DFT) DFM / DFT reviews during New Product Introduction (NPI).
• Participate in design reviews and ensure adherence to engineering standards and best practices (process / chemistries

Skills You Bring:

• Designs, develops, and implements cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting systems and equipment
• Prepares test and diagnostic programs, designs test fixtures and equipment, and completes specifications and procedures for new products

Required Skills:

• Requires a BS in Electrical Engineering
• 8+ years' experience in PCBA functional test program set (hardware & software) design and test automation, ideally in a high mix, low volume environment is required.
• Subject matter expertise in PCBA manufacturing processes, SMT, PCBA test methodologies & inspection, PCBA design and board chemistry. In depth knowledge of IPC standards related to PCBA manufacturing.
• Experience with schematic capture and analysis applications such as Mentor Graphics/PADS, and OrCAD are required.
• Experience with automated test system design, test fixture design for low noise analog PCB's and high-speed digital PCB's and software development is required.
• Experience with DFT (Design for Test) and DFM (Design for Manufacturing) principles is required.
• Experience managing vendors and external design partners, as well as providing training and technical support to contract manufacturers (CMs) both onsite and remotely, is required.
• Ability to create detailed project plans is required.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Perform activities such as sitting, standing, or typing for extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Regularly requires good manual dexterity and coordination
• Regularly requires manual dexterity and coordination of objects below, at and above shoulder level
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
• Must be able to exchange accurate information
• Operates in a [professional office and/or laboratory/manufacturing] environment
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Ability to observe documents and details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)
• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards, including handling mechanical and electrical hardware, high voltage, gas, water, and heat
• Noise level in the work environment is usually average

This position is an on-site position and candidate must be within commutable distance to our location in Wilmington, MA. Relocation benefits are not available for this position.

We are interested in a qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States and will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

• Salary Pay Range: $100,414 - $186,482 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.
• Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
• Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.

#LI-MH1 #LI-Hybrid

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at:accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role