Test Engineer

Job Title: Test EngineerJob Description

We are seeking a multidisciplinary Test Engineer to develop and execute testing for complex mechanical, electrical, robotic, laser, and software-integrated systems. This role requires an individual capable of learning how a product is intended to function, determining how it should be evaluated, creating the test approach, executing the test, and translating the results into meaningful engineering conclusions. The immediate need is to support an active pipeline of testing, including work performed in thermal-vacuum chambers and on robotic test systems. The Test Engineer will independently own testing while the broader engineering group focuses on product development.

Responsibilities

• Develop test plans, protocols, procedures, acceptance criteria, and test configurations based on product requirements and intended use.
• Determine how mechanical, electrical, robotic, and software-integrated systems should be tested.
• Build or configure test rigs, fixtures, instrumentation, and data-acquisition setups.
• Execute hands-on testing within laboratory and thermal-vacuum environments.
• Operate test systems involving mechanical hardware, electrical systems, robotics, sensors, and high-powered lasers.
• Monitor extended test operations and safely manage equipment during active test cycles.
• Collect, organize, and analyze test data.
• Interpret observations and results to determine what occurred, why it occurred, and what the results mean for the product.
• Document conclusions, identify anomalies, and communicate actionable findings to the engineering team.
• Work directly with design engineers to refine test objectives and translate engineering intent into executable test plans.
• Troubleshoot test equipment, test articles, instrumentation, software, and system-level failures.
• Support assembly and modification of test articles and test equipment as needed.
• Improve test processes and increase repeatability, efficiency, and usability across the team.
• Develop or modify automation scripts to standardize software used across robotic test systems.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of relevant engineering or product-testing experience.
• Demonstrated experience independently developing test plans or protocols.
• Experience testing complex physical products or integrated electromechanical systems.
• Working knowledge across mechanical and electrical systems.
• Ability to understand the intended use and operation of a product and translate that understanding into a test strategy.
• Experience executing tests, documenting results, and drawing technically meaningful conclusions.
• Hands-on experience configuring, operating, or troubleshooting test equipment.
• Ability to work in an environment where procedures and processes may still be under development.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to operate independently while collaborating closely with product-development engineers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• LabView, Python, or Matlab experience.
• Aerospace, spacecraft, defense, robotics, automotive, industrial equipment, or other complex new-product-development experience.
• Experience with thermal-vacuum or other vacuum-chamber testing.

Work Environment

The work environment includes hands-on testing in laboratory and thermal-vacuum settings. The role involves operating test systems with mechanical hardware, electrical systems, and robotics. Collaboration with product-development engineers is essential, as is the ability to work independently. Procedures and processes may still be under development, requiring adaptability and problem-solving skills.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Austin, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.