Senior SW Test Engineer

About Vector Atomic

Vector Atomic is a cutting-edge technology company specializing in the development of quantum devices for various applications. Our mission is to leverage the incredible properties of quantum systems to create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. From GPS-free navigation and geophysical exploration to telecommunications, our goal is to revolutionize industries with our quantum technology.

At Vector Atomic, we have a team-oriented environment that promotes collaboration and innovation. We value creativity, passion, and a drive for excellence in our employees. If you are excited about being at the forefront of quantum technology and working in a dynamic, fast-paced company, Vector Atomic is the place for you!

Position Summary

We are seeking a Senior SW/Test Engineer to join our team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of quantum technology.  This individual will be responsible for writing firmware and software to assist R&D engineering in verifying custom hardware.   In addition, this person will define test systems to validate complex instruments for small-scale manufacturing.  The right person will be comfortable writing both test firmware for embedded ARM processors and software for controlling test instrumentation.   While the team will initially focus on research and development, the objective is the production of precision instruments for multiple markets. The ideal candidate is a strong individual contributor who can take ownership of their tasks while also supporting the overall team goals.

What You'll Do

• Work with a cross-functional team of physicists and engineers to advance our in-house test and manufacturing capabilities for the next-generation quantum instruments.
• Coordinate with R&D engineers to develop comprehensive plans for performance verification. 
• Lead software development projects to develop code on new platforms.  
• Develop verification plans, test procedures, and test environments. Execute these procedures and document results to ensure system requirements are met.
• This position will be instrumental in verifying components and subsystems. This work will translate into the development of test systems that will support production activities. 
• Assisting with written procedures for assembly, test and QA. Provide support to manufacturing by answering questions and resolving issues with test software. 

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s or Masters’ degree in Science, Technology or Engineering (STEM) and five (5) years of experience relevant to developing firmware for instrumentation and sensors.
• The ideal candidate will be comfortable developing test code at both the system level and for embedded systems.
• Able to develop code on Linux and Bare Metal embedded processors (ARM-based).  Must be comfortable working at the lowest firmware level with direct control over the hardware.
• Able to write code for drivers, including interrupts and DMA. 
• Must be comfortable working in a laboratory environment on new hardware actively being debugged and validated. 
• US export control laws requires "U.S. Persons" including US citizens (born or naturalized), lawful permanent residents, and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.

Required Skills

• 5+ years of direct software engineering experience in C, C++ and Python -or- similar experience.  This experience must include developing firmware for embedded processors with limited resources.
• Expertise in developing code and testing for embedded communications protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, USB and Ethernet.
• Able to read and interpret various engineering documentation, for example, schematics, data sheets, mechanical drawings, and specification sheets.     
• A background assisting with writing documentation for assembly, test and QA procedures.  Must be able to produce readable and clearly written documentation. 
• Experience using CASE tools for professional software development, such as debuggers, GIT, Virtualization and issue trackers. 
• Experience using electronic test instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, DVMs, signal generators, etc.   They should be able to operate and create test programs to control laboratory test equipment.

Nice To Have Skills

• A background writing code for commercial integrated test systems such as NI or Digilent.  Experience with test environments such as LabVIEW or MATLAB (data acquisition).
• Direct experience developing code on the STMicro microcontrollers, such as STM32 is a big plus.   A background using STM32Cube tools. 
• A background working with FPGA-based SOC devices from Xilinx. 
• Experience building custom Linux images for embedded processors using Yocto, OpenEmbedded or Petalinux. 

At Vector Atomic we value teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We are an employee-owned company with competitive compensation and benefits including:

• Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• 20 days of paid time off / 10 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Stock ownership plan
• Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, performance bonus, benefits, and equity. The pay range for this position is $125,000 to $160,000 including annual bonus. It's atypical to be hired at the top end of this range for the role, as actual pay is based on several factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience level.

Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.

Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.