Senior Test Engineer

Senior Test Engineer

Reports To: Director of Systems

Department: Systems Business Unit (SBU)

Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Job Type: Full-time Permanent

SUMMARY: The Senior Test Engineer is responsible for validating the performance, reliability, and integration of our advanced thin line towed array systems used for passive acoustic monitoring in defense and oceanographic applications.

This is a hands‑on, hardware‑focused role working with technologies such as hydrophone arrays, digitization systems, and embedded electronics. From prototype evaluation through to full system validation, you will be at the center of the SBU’s verification and validation efforts, ensuring our products perform reliably under harsh ocean conditions.

You will define and build the testing capability for the Marine Systems portfolio, including tools, software, fixtures, and processes at both component and product level. You will focus on increasing the coverage, efficiency, and accuracy of test activities in design validation, new product introduction (NPI), and production. This includes developing new test procedures and setups, custom hardware fixtures, and software scripts, and supporting their rollout to production and field environments.

Responsibilities

- Lead end-to-end testing efforts for marine systems, from component validation to full product testing on new and existing hardware.

- Own system‑and subsystem‑level test plans and procedures, ensuring clear traceability to product requirements.

- Actively participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, developing test strategies and providing design‑for‑test (DFT) feedback to design teams.

- Design, build, maintain, and operate automated test systems and fixtures that integrate custom hardware, instrumentation, and software.

- Write, debug, and maintain robust, reusable, and scalable test automation scripts and tools.

- Perform hands‑on electrical and acoustic testing and failure analysis using lab and field equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, data acquisition systems, signal generators, power supplies, and amplifiers.

- Support environmental and durability testing relevant to marine systems, such as pressure, temperature, vibration, and long‑duration operation, in collaboration with internal and external labs.

- Analyze and interpret test data to identify anomalies, root causes, and opportunities for design or process improvement, and present findings clearly to engineering and leadership.

- Collaborate closely with hardware, software, firmware, and mechanical engineers to understand design intent and ensure product testability across the full system life cycle.

- Work with production teams to transfer test knowledge, train operators, and ensure that production test setups and procedures are robust, repeatable, and well‑documented.

- Create and maintain clear documentation for test procedures, test reports, test software tools, and calibration records.

- Participate in design and test reviews, including failure review boards and continuous improvement activities.

- Occasionally plan, support, and participate in on‑water field testing, including test readiness, data collection, and post‑trial analysis.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or related discipline.

- 5+ years of professional experience in a test, test automation, or metrology role. Strong candidates with less experience may be considered.

- Demonstrated experience designing, building, and maintaining automated test systems and tools, including use of Git or similar for version control.

- Proficiency in at least one relevant programming language for test automation, such as Python, C#, C++, or MATLAB. Experience with other test automation frameworks and instrument‑control libraries is an asset.

- Hands‑on experience with electronic and mechanical test equipment and instrumentation. Experience with hydrophones, acoustic transducers, sonar systems, or underwater acoustics is highly desirable.

- Experience developing a full stack of internal test tools, from low‑level data acquisition and instrument control up to front‑end user interfaces suitable for production use.

- Strong understanding of measurement uncertainty, repeatability, calibration practices, and good metrology discipline.

- Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical test setups and to work systematically through ambiguous failures.

- Experience in a highly regulated or quality‑focused environment such as defense, aerospace, medical devices, or marine systems is an asset.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document clearly and to collaborate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.

- Ability and willingness to occasionally travel and participate in at‑sea or coastal test campaigns.

- Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an industry security clearance when and if requested.

- Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada under relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

What’s in it for you…

- Comprehensive paid time off including vacation and personal days

- Health, dental, and wellness benefits to support your well‑being

- Ongoing learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career

- Exposure to innovative, cutting‑edge acoustic technology

- A people‑first culture, where collaboration, support, and inclusion matter

- Engaging incompany events and team activities that make work enjoyable

Sensor Technology is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We encourage you to contact us if you require accommodation in the recruitment process or need this job posting in an alternative format.

While we appreciate all interest, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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