Sr Test Automation Engineer I

Take the lead in advancing product quality and performance at Starkey as a Sr. Test Automation Engineer, where you'll design cutting-edge automated V&V systems spanning hardware, firmware, software, RF, and wireless technologies. This highly technical, hands-on role offers the opportunity to architect intelligent test platforms, apply advanced analytics, and mentor engineers while shaping the next generation of innovative communication-enabled products.

Starkey is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced hearing technologies. We are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. Our teams come to work each day focused on ensuring people everywhere have the products and services they need to hear better and live better.

Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin, Starkey is known for our cutting-edge hearing health innovations, industry-leading research and development, and not being afraid to push the edge of what's possible.

We are headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, have over 5,000 employees in 29 facilities across the globe, and do business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Watch this video to see more of what sets Starkey apart: https://youtu.be/9cUYwTlCepg?si=wkovx8_R_iINfrc6

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

The Sr. Test Automation Engineer I develops software and hardware test solutions that improve and automate product verification and validation (V&V) for new technologies and products. Working closely with cross-functional engineering teams, this role defines test requirements, designs automated test platforms, and develops tools that validate hardware, firmware, software, wireless, RF, and acoustic performance.

This position leads the development of advanced test environments and automation frameworks using modern software development practices, instrumentation, databases, and measurement systems. The role requires expertise in hardware-software integration, automated test systems, with the ability to design solutions that accurately evaluate product performance under real-world operating conditions.

The ideal candidate is a proactive technical leader who thrives in an R&D environment, takes ownership of complex challenges, and drives innovative, reliable, and scalable test automation solutions from concept through deployment.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES / RESULTS

• Lead the design, development, deployment, and support of automated test systems, software tools, and validation platforms.
• Define requirements and develop solutions for hardware, firmware, software, acoustic, wireless, and RF product verification and validation.
• Design, integrate, and troubleshoot test hardware, instrumentation, databases, communication interfaces, and automation software.
• Evaluate and implement new test technologies, methods, and equipment to improve test accuracy, reliability, and efficiency.
• Maintain and enhance existing test systems through upgrades, calibration processes, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain test software, databases, reporting tools, dashboards, and data analysis solutions.
• Create test procedures, calibration methods, technical documentation, and performance reports.
• Analyze test data, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations to improve product quality and test effectiveness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to develop scalable, reusable, and maintainable test solutions.
• Lead technical projects, prioritize work, and ensure successful delivery of project objectives.
• Mentor engineers and technicians through technical guidance, training, design reviews, and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure test systems and software are reliable, user-friendly, maintainable, and aligned with engineering best practices.

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

• Strong experience with C#, .NET, and WPF application development.
• Experience developing automated test systems and controlling hardware/instrumentation.
• Knowledge of MVVM, asynchronous programming, and software architecture best practices.
• Experience with SCPI, VISA, USB, Serial, TCP/IP, Bluetooth, or similar interfaces.
• Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Experience with REST APIs, SQL databases, and software lifecycle tools.
• Familiarity with CI/CD, unit testing, and automated testing frameworks.
• Knowledge of electrical, acoustic, wireless, RF, embedded, or medical device systems.
• Strong technical leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead technical projects and drive results.
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Ability to mentor and support the development of others.
• Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and customer focus.

Education

• B.S. (E.E or C.S) less experience will be required if M.S. or PhD

Experience

• 5 to 10 years related experience

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education

• Minimum 7 years with B.S. (E.E or C.S) or related experience or 5 years with M.S., or 2 years with PhD

Experience

• 2 to 7 years related experience

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

• Analog /digital Electronics, RF & wireless fundamentals and troubleshooting of related circuits/systems required.
• Electrical and RF test and measurement equipment required.
• Good understanding of digital, analog and RF circuits and working experience in measuring devices via computer-controlled test equipment required.
• Experienced in C# programming for automated electronic testing.
• Understanding of Wireless Physical Layer and Wireless MAC Layer Protocols desired
• Data statistical analysis and statistical process control (Excel and others)
• Understanding of FCC, ETSI and other wireless standards desired for Sr. Test Automation Engineer I and required for Sr. Test Automation Engineer II.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using the following equipment: oscilloscope, signal generator, spectrum analyzer, Network analyzer, Vector Signal Analyzers, Antenna Measurements and RF Anechoic Chambers.
• Excellent people skills.
• Excellent Communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Capable of performing with minimum supervision
• Comfortable with multi-tasking

WORK CONTEXT

Working Conditions

• Standard office and lab conditions
• Some travel required.

Salary and Other Compensation:
The target pay rate for this position is between $93,940 - $125,000 annually. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include: geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is eligible for a bonus based upon performance results. There is no guarantee of payout.

Benefits: The following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, include medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, company-paid life and short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, employee assistance plan, hearing aid benefits, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, paid floating holidays, paid volunteer service day, paid paternity and maternity leave and tuition reimbursement.