FPA Principal Test Engineer

DescriptionJob Title: FPA Principal Test EngineerLocation: On-Site - Cypress, CA Employment Type: Direct Hire Industry: Defense & AerospaceCompensation: $130k-$170kShift: 1st Schedule: 9x80 About the Opportunity: As a mid-to-senior level Test Engineer (Level IV/V), you will lead critical testing efforts for advanced focal plane array (FPA) systems, supporting cutting-edge technologies in microelectronics and infrared detection. You'll design and execute test plans, maintain complex lab equipment, and mentor junior engineers, all while ensuring precision and reliability in a highly technical lab environment. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives on hands-on problem-solving and leading sophisticated testing operations. What You'll Do:Design and execute test plans and procedures for FPA, IR detector, and microelectronic systems while ensuring accurate and reliable resultsMaintain, troubleshoot, and repair test equipment, including coordinating with vendors and managing replacement partsConfigure and operate optical and laser-based test setups, including cameras and Spot Scan testing systemsOversee Dewar systems and cryogenic operations, including setup, validation, thermal cycling, and maintenance of cooling systemsLead lab operations by mentoring junior engineers and managing calibration cycles for reference detectors, blackbody sources, and integrating sphere equipment Why You'll Love Working Here:Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountabilityOpportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industriesPeople-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to workStrong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates Why This Opportunity is Exciting: This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally. About Acara Solutions Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide. Sound like a good fit? APPLY TODAYJob RequirementsWhat You'll Bring:Bachelor's degree in engineering/science fieldMinimum 10 years of experience in testing FPA's and similar electronics What Sets You Apart:Master's degree in engineering/science fieldVery strong understanding of both visible and IR imaging, spectral analysis and analog/digital pixel technology.Experience with spectral measurements (FTIR spectrometer, Monochromator, or similar Instruments) highly preferredExperience with Electroglas Wafer Probe, or similar equipment highly preferredExperience with FPA Test Rack Equipment, or similar equipment (timing, bias, ADCs) highly preferredExperience with open and closed-cycle Dewar Equipment (Heli-tran, cryostats, etc.)Experience with cryogenic cooling using LN2 and Liquid Helium Additional Information:Occasional travel may be requiredUpon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and a drug screenIn compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.Successful candidate must be able to obtain and main (level of) security clearance.After you apply, you may receive a call or message from our AI Talent Scout about this role or other opportunities that match your skills and preferences. AI agent role is to help speed up your hiring process by answering questions, confirming basic information, and identifying whether there's a mutual fit.The call or chat may be recorded so that our recruiting team can review it - they make all final hiring decisions, while AI agent simply helps move you forward faster. The best part? They are available 24/7, so you can connect whenever it's convenient for you.Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.