Senior System Integration and Test Engineer

As a Senior System Integration and Test Engineer at FORT, you'll be expected to develop and execute test methods and procedures that ensure a smooth transition from design to manufacturing. You'll design automated tests and frameworks for both software and hardware validation. Your role also includes executing a variety of tests—regression, performance, stress, and reliability—to uphold the high standards we have set. Additionally, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to debug issues and lead design reviews to ensure early consideration of testability requirements.

To qualify for the Senior System Integration and Test Engineer position at FORT, candidates must have at least 5 years of experience designing and implementing tests for complex embedded products. Proficiency in embedded software test automation and frameworks using Python, Bash, Numpy, and Pandas is essential. A solid understanding of hardware/software validation infrastructures is also required. Experience with networking technologies, containerization tools like Docker, and CI/CD practices adds an extra advantage.

At FORT, collaboration is paramount, especially in the Senior System Integration and Test Engineer role. You'll be working closely with cross-functional teams to address and resolve hardware and firmware issues. Our culture emphasizes shared success and support—encouraging open communication, sharing of information, and aligning team objectives to foster a productive work environment. This collaborative spirit enables us to tackle challenges creatively and effectively.

Test automation is crucial for the Senior System Integration and Test Engineer at FORT as it enhances efficiency and accuracy in validation processes. By developing automated tests and frameworks, you help reduce manual testing efforts, enabling quicker feedback on product performance. This capability is essential in maintaining the high quality and reliability that our customers expect, especially in the fast-paced world of autonomous systems.

The Senior System Integration and Test Engineer role at FORT may require you to engage directly with customers, necessitating some travel. Generally, this can involve about 10-20% travel, allowing you to cultivate strong relationships with customers, understand their needs, and ensure their success while using our products. Travel experiences can enrich your role by providing insights that inform product development.

In responding to this question, consider providing specific examples of test automation frameworks you’ve developed or worked with, such as those using Python or other languages. Highlight your approach in creating a testing environment, your familiarity with tools like CI/CD, and how you measure the effectiveness of your tests, emphasizing your focus on continuous improvement.

To ensure the accuracy of test results, it's important to establish a consistent testing process. Discuss your methodologies for designing test cases, validating hardware and software, and conducting regression testing. Emphasize the tools you use to track results and how collaboration with team members helps catch potential issues early in the testing phase.

When asked about challenges, think of a specific instance where you faced a problem such as an unexpected bug or integration issue. Describe how you approached the issue, the collaborations involved, and the solutions you implemented to resolve it. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills as well as your ability to work effectively with others.

Communication is critical, especially in a role that involves cross-functional collaboration. Describe how you keep both technical and non-technical stakeholders informed, how you adapt your communication style based on the audience, and provide examples of how effective communication has led to successful project outcomes or resolved misunderstandings.

Reflect on a specific design review where you took the lead. Discuss how you prepared for the review, the key criteria you focused on regarding testability, and the outcomes of your input. Highlight your skills in advocating for testing considerations early in the design process, showcasing your commitment to quality.

In answering this question, share the resources you use, such as industry blogs, forums, and relevant courses or certifications. Talk about networking within professional communities and how you apply new knowledge to your projects. This shows your commitment to professional development and keeping your skill set current.

When discussing a project involving multiple technologies, outline the scope and complexity of the project. Talk about your systematic approach to integration, how you tested each component, and any tools you used to facilitate the process. Reflect on lessons learned and how you adapted your strategies for future projects.

In managing tight deadlines, share your techniques for prioritization, such as using task management tools or methodologies like Agile. Discuss how you communicate with team members to ensure alignment on priorities and how you adapt your approach when unexpected challenges arise to maintain progress toward deadlines.

Emphasize the importance of customer feedback as a critical source of insights in your testing process. Share specific examples where customer feedback influenced your testing strategies or product enhancements, demonstrating how this practice helps ensure products meet real-world user needs.

Safety standards like IEC 61508 or ISO 26262 are fundamental in ensuring that products are not only functional but also safe to use. Discuss your understanding of these standards, how you incorporate them into your testing processes, and the implications of non-compliance. This reflects your commitment to quality and safety in your work.