Job Description
Position: Sr. EMC Test Engineer
Location: Irvine, CA (Hybrid)
Overview
A leading automotive technology organization is seeking a Senior EMC Test Engineer to lead EMC validation programs for advanced automotive electronic components and modules. This role is responsible for end-to-end EMC program ownership, including test planning, engineering analysis, technical dispositions, customer-facing technical discussions, and EMC compliance reporting.
The ideal candidate will bring 10+ years of EMC engineering experience with strong expertise in automotive EMC standards, testing methodologies, failure analysis, and customer support. This is a senior individual contributor role that provides technical leadership while remaining deeply engaged in validation and engineering activities.
Key Responsibilities
EMC Program Ownership
- Develop and maintain EMC test plans aligned with customer and industry requirements.
- Interpret EMC specifications and map requirements to validation methods, operating modes, and pass/fail criteria.
- Coordinate EMC test schedules with program teams and external laboratories.
- Author EMC test reports suitable for direct customer submission.
- Maintain revision control and traceability of EMC documentation.
Engineering Analysis & Failure Investigation
- Review EMC test results and provide engineering dispositions.
- Evaluate test validity and measurement uncertainty.
- Differentiate product failures from instrumentation or setup issues.
- Lead EMC root-cause investigations and corrective action activities.
- Support retest planning following design modifications.
Customer & Technical Interface
- Serve as the primary EMC technical representative on assigned programs.
- Present EMC results and technical recommendations during validation reviews.
- Respond to technical inquiries, audits, and compliance requests.
- Support PPAP and compliance evidence package preparation.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve EMC-related concerns.
Test Oversight & Technical Leadership
- Guide technicians on EMC test execution, setup configurations, and monitoring strategies.
- Review and approve test fixtures, harnesses, and laboratory setups.
- Support first-article and complex validation activities.
- Ensure data quality and testing integrity throughout validation programs.
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years of EMC testing and engineering experience.
- Extensive experience with automotive EMC validation programs.
- Strong knowledge of EMC standards and compliance methodologies.
- Experience creating EMC test plans and technical reports.
- Ability to make engineering pass/fail determinations based on data and measurement analysis.
- Experience leading troubleshooting and root-cause investigations.
- Strong customer-facing communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently while providing technical guidance to others.
Required Education
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Physics, or related technical field.
- Master's degree preferred but not required.
Required Work Experience
- 10+ years of EMC engineering experience.
- Experience supporting automotive electronics development and validation.
- Experience working with OEM, Tier-1, aerospace, defense, or consumer electronics EMC programs.
- Experience managing EMC testing through full product development cycles.
Preferred Qualifications
- iNARTE EMC Engineer Certification.
- Experience with EV/HEV high-voltage EMC validation.
- Experience supporting OEM compliance and PPAP activities.
- Knowledge of EMC simulation tools and modeling techniques.
- Experience supporting accredited EMC laboratories.
- Familiarity with design reviews and PCB-level EMC risk assessments.
Technical Skills
- EMC/EMI Engineering
- CISPR 25
- ISO 11452
- ISO 7637-2
- SAE J1113
- IEC 61000 Series
- RF Testing
- Spectrum Analyzers
- EMI Receivers
- Signal Generators
- RF Amplifiers
- ESD Testing
- Bulk Current Injection (BCI)
- Conducted Immunity Testing
- EMC32
- NSG
- TILE!
- Lab Automation
- Python
- MATLAB
- Microsoft Excel
- Statistical Analysis
- Measurement Uncertainty Analysis
Automotive Systems Knowledge
- 12V / 24V / 48V Vehicle Electrical Systems
- CAN
- CAN FD
- LIN
- FlexRay
- Automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1 / 1000BASE-T1)
- PCB Layout Review
- Grounding & Shielding
- EMC Design Best Practices
Applied Skills
- EMC Program Management
- Test Plan Development
- Test Report Authoring
- Failure Analysis
- Root Cause Investigation
- Compliance Validation
- Technical Documentation
- Customer Communication
- Laboratory Oversight
- Engineering Decision Making
- Regulatory Compliance
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
