Lead Test Operator

Actalent; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in Centennial, CO is seeking a Lead Test Operator to support assembly, instrumentation, testing, and validation of turbine engine systems in a production environment. You will install engines in test cells, apply sensors, run tests with precision, troubleshoot issues, and maintain documentation for traceability, collaborating with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and EH&S teams.

This contract-to-hire role emphasizes safety, quality, and hands-on work in a fast-paced setting on the

Qualifications

• 4+ years in manufacturing, testing, assembly, or maintenance.
• 2+ years mechanical and/or electrical testing experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Experience with sensors, instrumentation, or testing equipment.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and technical docs.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Install engines and equipment into test cells per procedures.
• Apply instrumentation such as thermocouples, pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers.
• Execute predefined testing processes with high accuracy.
• Install and remove test hardware for various test programs.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues on engines and test systems.
• Maintain documentation for traceability and analysis.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvements in test operations.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical testing

Instrumentation experience

Blueprint reading

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Instrumentation equipment

Job description

Job Title: Lead Test Operator

Job Description

The Lead Test Operator supports the assembly, instrumentation, testing, and validation of advanced turbine engine systems in a production-focused environment. This role plays a critical part in preparing hardware for testing, executing test procedures, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring all testing activities are performed safely, accurately, and efficiently. The position is ideal for someone with a strong mechanical or electro-mechanical background who enjoys hands-on work and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing setting where quality, safety, and attention to detail are essential. The Lead Test Operator collaborates closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Environmental Health & Safety teams to support product development and production objectives.

Responsibilities

• Install engines and associated equipment into test cells in accordance with established procedures and safety standards.
• Apply instrumentation such as thermocouples, pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers, and related equipment to test hardware.
• Execute pre-defined testing processes and procedures with a high degree of accuracy and consistency.
• Install and remove test hardware and supporting equipment as required for various test programs.
• Perform mechanical and electrical troubleshooting activities on engines, test systems, and support equipment.
• Support ongoing development and improvement of test procedures, work instructions, and documentation to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Conduct preventative maintenance on test equipment and support systems to ensure reliable and safe operation.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, work instructions, and technical documentation to correctly assemble and test hardware.
• Ensure accurate documentation of testing activities, instrumentation setups, and technical data for traceability and analysis.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective action initiatives related to test anomalies, equipment issues, or product performance.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Environmental Health & Safety teams to meet program and production objectives.
• Maintain compliance with all safety, quality, and operational standards while working in the test cell and manufacturing areas.
• Install, remove, and support testing of complex mechanical systems, including gas turbine engines and related subsystems.
• Utilize hand tools, power tools, pneumatic tools, and inspection equipment to perform assembly, instrumentation, and maintenance tasks.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and instrumentation issues in a production or testing environment.
• Follow detailed procedures and work instructions with a high level of precision and attention to detail.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts within the test operations and manufacturing environment.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 4 years of manufacturing, testing, assembly, or maintenance experience.
• At least 2 years of mechanical and/or electrical testing experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and demonstrated troubleshooting ability.
• Experience utilizing hand tools, power tools, pneumatic tools, and measuring or inspection equipment.
• Ability to install, remove, and support testing of complex mechanical systems.
• Experience with sensors, instrumentation, or testing equipment used in production or test environments.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or instrumentation issues effectively.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, schematics, work instructions, and technical documentation.
• Comfort working within regulated manufacturing environments such as aerospace, automotive, defense, or medical device industries.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with cross-functional teams and documenting test activities.
• Strong problem-solving skills in a production or testing environment.
• Comfortable following detailed procedures with a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent focus on quality.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
• Ability to work hands-on with engines, hardware, instrumentation, tooling, and testing systems in a manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with gas turbine engines in a manufacturing or testing environment.
• Aviation propulsion testing experience, including dynamometer testing or related methods.
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems and their role in engine or test cell operation.
• Knowledge of fuel systems used in propulsion or turbine engine applications.
• Basic electrical wiring and cabling experience for test setups and instrumentation.
• Lean Manufacturing experience and familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting both production and development testing environments.
• Exposure to advanced propulsion and turbine engine programs in aerospace or defense.
• Interest in gaining broader career exposure to manufacturing, test operations, engineering, instrumentation, troubleshooting, and production leadership.

Work Environment

This is a fully onsite role in a manufacturing and test cell environment, where most of the workday is spent on the floor supporting engine installation, instrumentation, testing activities, maintenance tasks, and troubleshooting efforts. The environment is fast-paced, hands-on, and highly collaborative, with frequent interaction with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Environmental Health & Safety teams to ensure testing activities are completed safely and efficiently. Employees should be comfortable standing for extended periods, working around production equipment, using hand tools and testing equipment, and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE). The role involves working directly with advanced turbine engines, propulsion systems, and test cell technologies, and may occasionally require travel to support testing or manufacturing activities at other company locations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Centennial, CO.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $40.00/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 Centennial,CO. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.