Principal Components Systems Engineer Emphasis on Test

About the role

Bamboohr is seeking a Principal Components Systems Engineer with a strong emphasis on test to lead the evaluation, validation, and qualification of critical hardware components and integrated systems. This senior individual contributor will own the test strategy for complex component assemblies, drive reliability assessments, and partner closely with design and manufacturing teams to ensure products meet rigorous performance and safety standards. The role is based in Boulder, Colorado and is a full-time position requiring deep technical expertise in systems-level test engineering and a proven track record of mentoring engineers and influencing technical direction across the organization. The successful candidate will act as the primary technical authority for test programs, defining how components prove their fitness for purpose under demanding conditions. They will establish the technical foundation that allows the organization to de-risk hardware investments and bring robust products to market with confidence. This position demands intellectual rigor, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to translate ambiguous requirements into concrete verification strategies. The individual will be responsible for ensuring that every component meets its specification before it ever reaches a customer.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define comprehensive test strategies that validate the performance, reliability, and safety of critical hardware components throughout the product lifecycle. Translate high-level component specifications into detailed test procedures, acceptance criteria, and pass-fail thresholds that leave no ambiguity regarding requirements. Design, build, and maintain custom test fixtures, harnesses, and automation frameworks to improve test throughput, repeatability, and data fidelity. Analyze complex test data sets, identify root cause failure modes, and produce detailed reports that drive design changes and process improvements. Collaborate closely with design engineers to ensure test procedures accurately reflect real-world environmental stress profiles and operational conditions. Mentor junior and mid-level test engineers through code reviews, procedure guidance, and technical coaching to elevate the entire team's capability. Coordinate with manufacturing and quality assurance teams to ensure test coverage aligns with production requirements, scalability goals, and compliance standards. Evaluate vendor-supplied components against defined test criteria, documenting results to inform procurement decisions and supply chain risk management. Own the calibration and maintenance strategy for laboratory equipment, ensuring measurement accuracy and traceability across all test stations and data channels. Present clear, data-driven findings and recommendations to engineering leadership and cross-functional stakeholders during design reviews and project gate meetings. Develop and maintain test documentation that serves as the definitive record of component qualification and validation activities. Drive the adoption of testing best practices and standards to ensure consistency and compliance across multiple initiatives. Identify opportunities to leverage automation and modern data analysis techniques to reduce test cycle times and increase insight generation. Serve as the technical conscience of the organization, challenging assumptions and demanding evidence-based conclusions. Contribute to the development of internal playbooks and standards that codify test knowledge for long-term organizational learning.

Requirements

Bachelor degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related technical discipline is required for this position. Ten or more years of experience in systems test engineering, component validation, or a related hardware engineering discipline is a strict requirement for consideration. Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing test plans for complex electromechanical or electronic components and assemblies is essential. Strong working knowledge of environmental stress testing, including thermal cycling, vibration, humidity, and shock procedures, must be part of your core competency. Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, and component datasheets to derive accurate test requirements is mandatory. Experience with automated test software development and data acquisition systems for high-throughput lab environments is necessary. Proven ability to mentor and develop engineering staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence, rigor, and continuous improvement is expected. Familiarity with industry standards and specifications relevant to component qualification and reliability testing is required. You must be able to pass a background check and meet the security requirements for access to sensitive technical information and facilities.

Nice to have

Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting languages for test automation and data analysis is a significant advantage. Prior exposure to semiconductor components, printed circuit board assemblies, or power electronics testing is desirable. Knowledge of statistical methods for reliability analysis, including Weibull analysis and accelerated life testing techniques, is preferred. Experience working in a regulated industry such as aerospace, defense, medical devices, or telecommunications is valuable. Familiarity with version control systems and documentation practices that support audit readiness and traceability is a plus. Background in root cause analysis using tools such as fault tree analysis or failure mode and effects analysis methodologies is beneficial.

Practical notes

This role is located at the Boulder, Colorado office and is a full-time position with on-site presence expected as part of the standard work schedule. The position reports to the Director of Engineering or equivalent senior leadership within the hardware systems organization at Bamboohr. Candidates should expect to work in a laboratory and office environment, with occasional visits to manufacturing floors or vendor sites as needed for component inspection and qualification activities. Bamboohr values technical depth and encourages engineers to pursue continuous learning through conference attendance, technical publication, and internal knowledge-sharing sessions.