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SparkFun Electronics

Online retailer of open-source electronics components

Product Test Developer 1

Full-Time
$20 - $52k+ 401(k) Match + Monthly Gym Stipend
Mid
Niwot, CO, USA
HybridHybrid workplace in Niwot, Colorado.
Hardware EngineeringHardware Validation & Testing

About the job

Requirements
  • A basic understanding of general electrical engineering and embedded electronics design, including Ohm’s law, voltage dividers, and transistors.
  • Experience with KiCad PCB layout software.
  • Experience with the Arduino programming language, including installing and using libraries.
  • General knowledge of Windows 10, driver installation, and software applications including AVR Studio, the Arduino IDE, and terminal programs.
  • Experience with modern version control systems such as Git and use of GitHub.
  • A functional understanding of Windows batch files.
  • A functional understanding of the Python programming language.
  • Comfort setting up and using the Linux operating system (Raspberry Pi) and using it to control or augment testing methods.
Responsibilities
  • Create test procedures and design testing equipment as needed for product development, adhering to existing testing methodology standards.
  • Provide feedback to Engineering on design for manufacturability, design for test, and product usability during prototyping and before production approval.
  • Update, maintain, and repair testing hardware and software for contract manufacturers, and provide technical assistance to them when requested.
  • Review designs using the Engineering Design Rule Checklist and work with the assigned Engineer to modify designs as needed.
  • Collaborate with other Product Test Developers on design reviews, participate in peer review, provide feedback, and anticipate potential problem areas and errors.
  • Attend small-group reviews for assigned products.
  • Organize and maintain quality control standard operating procedures for assembly and production, including product firmware, test jig design files, test code, and test procedure documentation.
  • Collaborate with Production to troubleshoot issues with testing equipment.
  • Develop a thorough understanding of SparkFun’s product catalog and each product’s assembly process and test procedure.
  • Maintain and repair testing development tools and production testing equipment, including the laser cutter and test jigs, and maintain Production technicians’ computers.
Desired Qualifications
  • Communication and collaboration skills.
  • Writing skills for creating clear, concise test-procedure documentation.
  • Ability to solve problems quickly with attention to detail and a focus on efficiency and quality.
  • Experience with time management and project prioritization.
  • Self-motivation and an ongoing drive to learn on the job.
  • Creativity and willingness to try innovative methods.

About the company

SparkFun Electronics sells electronic components, microcontroller boards, and prototyping tools through an online store, serving engineers, students, and hobbyists. Its products include in-house development boards and kits, with open-source hardware licenses that make designs, schematics, firmware, and files publicly available to customers. The company differentiates itself by offering extensive support, tutorials, and documentation, plus an education program created in 2011 to engage schools and maker communities. Its goal is to empower makers and students to learn and build by providing accessible hardware paired with guidance and open designs.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$3M

Headquarters

Niwot, Colorado

Founded

2003

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • SparkPNT TX2 launched January 2026 with 50-plus-hour battery life and Galileo HAS.
  • DigiKey partnership expanded XRP robotics kits in March 2025, broadening classroom reach.
  • SparkPNT FP launch in March 2026 adds modular GNSS SKUs across survey workflows.

What critics are saying

  • Adafruit conflict destroyed a key distribution relationship in January 2026.
  • Founder harassment allegations from Adafruit damage employer brand and recruiting.
  • If SparkPNT revenue disappoints, SparkFun remains exposed to low-margin retail competition.

What makes SparkFun Electronics unique

  • Open-source hardware plus documentation still differentiates SparkFun from commodity component resellers.
  • SparkPNT FP modular GNSS, launched March 2026, emphasizes repairability and upgradeability.
  • SparkFun employs about 100 people, keeping engineering, manufacturing, and support in-house.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Parental Leave
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Gym Membership

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

-1%

1 year growth

-2%

2 year growth

2%
GPS World
Feb 24th, 2026
SparkFun unveils quad-band GNSS rover with Galileo HAS support

SparkFun unveils quad-band GNSS rover with Galileo HAS support. By Jesse KhalilPublished February 24, 2026 Image: SparkFun SparkFun Electronics has released the SparkPNT TX2, a quad-band GNSS rover that combines an IP67-rated aluminum enclosure with support for Galileo's High Accuracy Service (HAS) and standard RTK correction workflows. The receiver is built around the Quectel LG290P quad-band GNSS engine and supports multi-constellation tracking. Galileo HAS support provides sub-20 cm accuracy globally without subscription-based correction services, while RTK workflows via NTRIP or u-blox PointPerfect can achieve centimeter-level positioning. Battery life is rated at 50-plus hours, positioning the TX2 for multi-day field campaigns without recharging. The unit connects to iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, with compatibility reported for common GIS and data-collection applications. A notable design choice is the open-source firmware, which gives users visibility into how positioning data is processed and allows for customization and third-party integration. SparkFun has positioned this as an alternative to closed GNSS ecosystems where firmware and processing pipelines are not user-accessible.

Connectivity4IR
Jun 27th, 2025
DigiKey partners with SparkFun to equip next generation of engineers with XRP robotics kits

DigiKey partners with SparkFun to equip next generation of engineers with XRP robotics kits.

SparkFun Electronics
Mar 26th, 2025
FPGA Made Easy: Alchitry V2 Boards, Tools, and Tutorials!

SparkFun released the new Alchitry V2 FPGAs on its site a few weeks ago.

PR Newswire
Mar 17th, 2025
Digikey Partners With Sparkfun To Equip Next Generation Of Engineers With Xrp Robotics Kits

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DigiKey, a leading global commerce distributor offering the largest selection of technical components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, announces a collaboration with SparkFun to bring Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) kits to the next generation of engineers, developers and innovators

CryptoNews World Feed
Mar 17th, 2025
DigiKey teams up with SparkFun to provide XRP Robotics Kits for future engineers

DigiKey, a reputable worldwide distributor of technical components and automation products, is teaming up with SparkFun to provide Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) kits to aspiring engineers, developers, and innovators.