Mechanical Test Engineer

Actalent; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Mechanical Test Engineer to plan, coordinate, and execute tests on high-power system electronics across multiple locations. You will collaborate with senior engineers, technicians, customers, and subcontractors to perform production and factory acceptance tests, system verification, and environmental qualification.

The role requires a hands-on testing background, data interpretation, and translating product requirements into verification instructions.

Qualifications

• Experience with environmental testing (shock, vibration, and thermal).
• Experience with mechanical testing and related equipment.
• Ability to interpret test data and prepare reports.
• US citizenship eligibility.
• Willingness to travel domestically.

Responsibilities

• Aid in developing concepts and detailed plans for test programs.
• Assist in mapping and tracking test requirements for full coverage.
• Create and maintain test procedures for high-power electronics.
• Support subcontractors in test design and execution.
• Translate requirements into verification test instructions.
• Lead test operations when needed and guide staff.
• Provide technical direction to staff and subcontractors.
• Troubleshoot test issues and identify root causes.
• Interpret data and prepare thorough test reports.
• Collaborate with customers and subcontractors at test sites.
• Participate in setting design concepts and engineering testing efforts.
• Ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and safety practices.
• Travel to test sites in AL, Southern CA, VA, MS as needed.

Skills

Environmental testing

Mechanical testing

Test data analysis

MS Office proficiency

Verbal and written communication

Self-initiative & teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

MS/PhD or equivalent experience

Tools

High-power test equipment

MS Project

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Test EngineerJob Description

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Test Engineer to support the planning, coordination, and execution of tests on high-power system electronics across multiple locations. You will collaborate closely with senior test engineers, test managers, technical staff, customers, and subcontractors to perform production and factory acceptance tests, system and component requirements verification, operational and lifecycle tests, environmental qualification, and electromagnetic tests. The position requires a strong technical foundation, hands-on testing experience, and the ability to interpret complex test data and translate product requirements into effective verification test instructions.

Responsibilities

• Aid in developing concepts and detailed plans for comprehensive test programs.

• Assist in developing, mapping, and tracking test requirements to ensure full coverage of product specifications.

• Create, update, and maintain test procedures for high-power system electronics, ensuring clarity and completeness.

• Support and assist subcontractors in the design and execution of various tests on high-power system electronics.

• Translate product requirements into clear, actionable verification test instructions.

• Take a lead role when needed in executing and directing subsystem and system-level test operations.

• Provide technical direction and guidance to staff engineers, technicians, and subcontractors as required.

• Aid in troubleshooting test issues, identify root causes, and support resolution during test execution.

• Interpret collected test data, perform analysis, and prepare thorough and accurate test reports.

• Work closely with customers and subcontractors at test sites to execute tests and provide timely status updates on test progress.

• Participate in establishing design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts related to testing activities.

• Ensure strict adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational obligations when conducting business-related activities.

• Ensure all work is accomplished in a safe manner, following established operating procedures and safety practices.

• Travel to test sites in locations such as Alabama, Southern California, Virginia, and Mississippi, as required to support test execution.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree, masters degree, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, or equivalent engineering experience in lieu of formal education.

• Four or more years of progressive engineering experience with a bachelors degree, or two or more years of progressive engineering experience with a masters degree.

• Experience with environmental testing, including shock, vibration, and thermal tests.

• Experience with mechanical testing and test equipment used in environmental and system-level testing.

• Ability to develop and communicate new concepts and apply them accurately in an evolving environment.

• Ability to organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases and determine appropriate approaches at the task level, and with assistance at the project level, to solve complex problems.

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with technical staff, customers, and subcontractors.

• Ability to work extended hours and travel as needed to support testing activities.

• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to work independently on a self-initiated basis and effectively within a team environment.

• Ability to perform environmental testing on mechanical systems and components.

• Eligibility as a U.S. citizen.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with space or missile systems testing, including environmental testing while operating these types of systems.

• Experience developing test plans for complex systems, including space or missile systems.

• Hands-on experience testing power electronic equipment in development and production environments.

• Experience writing technical documents such as test procedures and test reports.

• Experience communicating technical information clearly to peers and customers.

• Demonstrated ability to lead or guide a technical team independently.

• Working knowledge of power electronics, particularly in power conditioning and storage applications.

• Working knowledge of electrical subsystem and system-level testing and some experience with board-level tests.

• Desire to work in a fast-paced testing environment with multiple concurrent activities.

• Experience with environmental tests such as shock analysis, vibration tests, and thermal tests.

• Background in space or missile systems testing and environmental testing of mechanical and electrical systems.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (desired).

Work Environment

This role is based in a test-focused engineering environment that involves both office-based planning and on-site test execution at various test facilities. Approximately 25% travel within the United States is required, including to test sites in locations such as Alabama, Southern California, Virginia, and Mississippi. You will work closely with cross-functional technical teams, customers, and subcontractors in a fast-paced setting that emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and high-quality test execution. The environment involves hands-on interaction with high-power system electronics, environmental test equipment, and mechanical test setups, and may require extended hours to support critical test schedules and milestones.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

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.

Competitive Salary, Benefits, 401K, Bonus

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Poway, CA.

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.