Avionics Test Engineer

Job Title: Avionics Test EngineerJob Description

The Avionics Test Engineer will play a key role in testing avionics systems and components across both hardware and software, including environmental qualification activities. This role focuses on developing hardware-in-the-loop test equipment, creating and executing test plans and procedures, and troubleshooting test failures to ensure reliable, flight-ready avionics for an advanced space plane program.

Responsibilities

• Support comprehensive testing of avionics systems and components at both hardware and software levels, including environmental qualification testing.
• Develop hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test equipment and test benches to validate avionics performance and reliability.
• Create detailed test plans and procedures that cover component-level and system-level testing requirements.
• Execute tests according to established plans and procedures, carefully documenting results and observations.
• Troubleshoot test failures and anomalies, identify root causes, and propose corrective actions in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Use scripting tools and languages, such as LabVIEW and Python, to automate tests, data collection, and analysis.
• Apply environmental and electrical qualification standards, including RTCA-DO-160 and MIL-STD-461, to ensure compliance of avionics hardware.
• Collaborate closely with the avionics team and other engineering disciplines to integrate test results into design improvements and verification activities.
• Maintain organized test documentation, including test reports, configurations, and traceability to requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methodologies, tools, and processes to enhance test coverage and efficiency.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited university.
• At least 8 years of experience in engineering, with a focus on testing of electronic or avionics systems.
• Hands-on experience with component-level and system-level testing of complex hardware and software systems.
• Proficiency in developing and using hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test equipment and test benches.
• Experience in test plan and test procedure development for avionics or similar systems.
• Strong LabVIEW and/or Python development skills for test automation and data analysis.
• Experience applying environmental and electrical qualification standards such as RTCA-DO-160 and MIL-STD-461.
• Ability to troubleshoot test failures, analyze data, and identify root causes in a structured and systematic manner.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in avionics, aerospace, or other safety-critical domains.
• Familiarity with scripting for automated testing and report generation.
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail in recording test setups, procedures, and results.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Commitment to safety and quality in all testing activities.

Work Environment

This role directly supports the avionics team working on an advanced space plane program, offering the opportunity to contribute to a vehicle approaching launch. The team places a strong emphasis on a culture of safety, with Safety Above All as a core value. Work is primarily performed in a laboratory and engineering environment that includes test benches, hardware-in-the-loop systems, and specialized test equipment for environmental and electrical qualification. The position involves close collaboration with other engineers, structured test processes, and a focus on delivering high-quality, reliable avionics systems suitable for spaceflight.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tustin, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $85.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Tustin,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.