Principal Test Engineer

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
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. In this role, you will report to the Test Engineering Manager.

You Will Make an Impact By:
•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.

Skills You Bring:

•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.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

•Perform activities such as sitting, standing, walking, and typing for extended periods of time.
•Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
•Regularly requires manual dexterity and coordination of objects below, at, and above shoulder level.
•Ability to remain in a stationary position for approximately 30% of the workday.
•Must be able to communicate information clearly and exchange accurate information with team members and stakeholders.
•Operates in both professional office and laboratory/manufacturing environments.
•Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment.
•Ability to observe and evaluate detailed technical information, equipment, and documentation at close range.
•Must safely work around mechanical and electrical equipment, including high-voltage systems, gases, water, and heat sources.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to various export control regulations. Applicants for these positions may be limited (by, for example, their countries of citizenship, country of origin, or immigration status) where required by law or governmental contact, and/or employment made contingent upon the issuance of appropriate governmental licensing.

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.

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: [email protected] .

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