Hardware Test Engineer

Actalent; Pella (IA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent, based in the United States, is hiring a Hardware Test Engineer for an onsite role in Pella, IA. The engineer will design, execute, and support hardware and software test activities, owning test stands and programming stations, and collaborating with manufacturing and engineering teams to ensure quality and regulatory compliance.

The role balances approximately 60% hardware and 40% software work, requires hands-on testing experience, and emphasizes a collaborative culture,

Qualifications

• BS in electrical engineering or equivalent.
• At least 3 years' experience with CAN communication systems.
• Experience using LabVIEW or similar test automation environment.
• Hands-on hardware testing and validation in electrical manufacturing.
• Experience with software testing and automated or semi-automated tests.
• Ability to write and document Quality Test Plans (QTPs).
• Strong troubleshooting of electrical hardware in production or lab.
• Familiarity with EMC and compliance testing.

Responsibilities

• Own, support, and maintain test stands and programming stations.
• Create and implement test solutions and instrumentation for hardware/software.
• Support manufacturing line test requests and integrate with production processes.
• Troubleshoot test-related issues on the manufacturing line.
• Develop and execute Quality Test Plans for hardware/software.
• Document test results and provide corrective action recommendations.
• Assist EMC/compliance testing activities.

Skills

CAN communication

LabVIEW

Hardware testing

Software testing

QTP writing

EMC testing

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

CAN bus

Test instrumentation

Electrical measurement tools

Job description

Job Title: Hardware Test Engineer

Job Description

The Hardware Test Engineer designs, executes, and supports hardware and software test activities for production and compliance, with a focus on creating robust test solutions for manufacturing. This role emphasizes a caring and collaborative culture, agility in problem-solving, strong customer focus, and responsible stewardship of resources. The engineer owns and maintains test stands and programming stations, supports manufacturing test needs, and ensures that test plans and results meet quality and regulatory requirements. Approximately 60% of the work centers on hardware needs and 40% on software needs.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a caring culture, agility, customer focus, and stewardship in daily work and decision-making.
• Own, support, and maintain test stands and programming stations, including updates, configuration changes, and ongoing upkeep.
• Create and implement test solutions and instrumentation for electrical hardware and software, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements.
• Support manufacturing line test requests by analyzing needs, designing appropriate tests, and implementing solutions that integrate with production processes.
• Troubleshoot test-related issues on the manufacturing line, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions for both hardware and software problems.
• Develop, write, and execute Quality Test Plans (QTPs) for hardware and software, ensuring coverage of functional, performance, and compliance requirements.
• Evaluate and document QTP test results clearly and accurately, including test outcomes, anomalies, and recommendations for corrective actions.
• Support electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and compliance testing activities, ensuring that products meet applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to refine test requirements, improve test coverage, and enhance product quality.
• Balance approximately 60% hardware-focused tasks and 40% software-focused tasks in daily responsibilities.
• Perform additional duties related to testing, validation, and documentation as needed to support product and process quality.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working with CAN communication systems.
• Minimum 3 years of experience using LabVIEW or an equivalent test automation environment.
• Hands‑on experience with hardware testing and validation in an electrical engineering or manufacturing context.
• Experience with software testing and validation, including developing and running automated or semi‑automated tests.
• Ability to write, execute, and document Quality Test Plans (QTPs) and interpret test results.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting electrical hardware and test system issues in a production or lab environment.
• Familiarity with EMC and compliance testing practices and requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex test and system issues.
• Effective communication skills for documenting test plans, results, and collaborating with manufacturing and engineering teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting test stands and programming stations in a manufacturing environment.
• Background in both hardware and software testing, with the ability to balance approximately 60% hardware and 40% software work.
• Experience working with validation processes for embedded or electrical systems.
• Ability to work independently on test development and troubleshooting while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail in test design, execution, and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to changing test requirements and production needs.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Pella, IA. The Hardware Test Engineer works primarily in a production and lab environment, supporting manufacturing lines, test stands, and programming stations. The position involves hands‑on work with electrical hardware, test instrumentation, and test automation tools such as LabVIEW or equivalent platforms. The role requires frequent interaction with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to address test requests and resolve issues in real time. Work is conducted on site to support immediate troubleshooting, test execution, and equipment maintenance, in a setting that emphasizes safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Pella, IA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $48.00/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 Pella,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 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 [e-mail] 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.