Sr. EMC Test Engineer

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