Hardware Test Engineer

Actalent; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 76,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Time Off/Leave (PTO)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Hardware Test Engineer in Brookfield, WI for a contract-to-hire role. You will design and execute tests across firmware, electronics hardware, and system validation, focusing on hands-on hardware testing and fixture development.

You will work with electrical, firmware, and systems engineers, using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to verify performance and reliability, and develop automation with Python, LabVIEW, or TestStand.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience with embedded systems, electronics validation, firmware testing, or hardware development.
• Hands-on hardware testing and electronics validation for embedded products.
• Ability to design test fixtures and validation hardware for electronic systems.
• Strong electronics troubleshooting, including PCBA debugging.
• Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and lab equipment.
• Experience with test automation tools such as Python, LabVIEW or TestStand.
• Solid understanding of hardware test methodologies and system-level validation.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute tests for embedded hardware and firmware to verify functionality, performance, and reliability.
• Develop and build test fixtures, validation hardware, and laboratory test setups to support product testing.
• Perform hardware bring-up activities and PCBA debugging to resolve issues at the board and system level.
• Conduct root cause analysis of system-level issues and propose corrective actions.
• Create test automation solutions using Python, LabVIEW, or TestStand to improve efficiency and coverage.
• Collaborate with electrical, firmware, and systems engineers throughout the development lifecycle.
• Use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other test equipment to measure signals and validate behavior.
• Review schematics and hardware designs to identify issues and improve testability and reliability.

Skills

Embedded systems

Hardware testing

Test fixture design

PCBA debugging

Test automation

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

TestStand

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Hardware Test Engineer Job Description

The Hardware Test Engineer designs and executes test solutions for embedded electronic products, working across firmware, electronics hardware, and system validation. This role focuses on hands-on hardware testing, test fixture development, and troubleshooting embedded systems to ensure product functionality, performance, and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute tests for embedded hardware and firmware to verify functionality, performance, and reliability.
• Develop and build test fixtures, validation hardware, and laboratory test setups to support product testing.
• Perform hardware bring-up activities and conduct PCBA debugging to resolve issues at the board and system level.
• Carry out root cause analysis of system-level issues and propose effective corrective actions.
• Create test automation solutions using tools such as Python, LabVIEW, or TestStand to improve test efficiency and coverage.
• Collaborate closely with electrical, firmware, and systems engineers throughout the product development lifecycle to ensure robust validation.
• Use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other test equipment to measure, analyze, and validate electronic signals and system behavior.
• Review schematics and hardware designs to identify potential issues and recommend improvements for testability and reliability.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience with embedded systems, electronics validation, firmware testing, or hardware development.
• Strong hands-on experience with hardware testing and electronics validation for embedded products.
• Proficiency in designing test fixtures, validation hardware, or custom test setups for electronic systems.
• Excellent electronics troubleshooting skills, including schematic review and PCBA debugging.
• Ability to use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other laboratory test equipment effectively.
• Experience with test automation tools such as Python, LabVIEW, or TestStand.
• Solid understanding of hardware test methodologies and system-level validation practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing.
• Familiarity with embedded communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, and USB.
• Experience working with power electronics and battery-powered products.
• Background in motors or other embedded electro-mechanical systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams, including electrical, firmware, and systems engineers.

Work Environment

The role is laboratory-focused and involves extensive hands-on work with embedded electronic products, test fixtures, and validation hardware. The Hardware Test Engineer regularly uses oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other test equipment in a well‑equipped lab setting. Work is highly collaborative, with frequent interaction with electrical, firmware, and systems engineers throughout the product development and validation process.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Brookfield, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $75.00/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 fully onsite position in Brookfield,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 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 Cl