Systems Test Technician

Actalent; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Systems Test Technician in Columbia, MD to execute comprehensive hardware and software tests within a telecom environment. You will document defects, analyze anomalies, and collaborate with engineers to ensure reliability and quality of complex systems.

The role emphasizes test planning, execution across multiple test types, and professional communication with client observers, in a dedicated lab setting.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with digital and analog telecommunications systems.
• Strong understanding of testing principles and methodologies.
• Ability to clearly describe and document defects and anomalies.
• Troubleshooting experience with routers, switches, and servers.
• Experience with Windows servers in testing or operational settings.
• Background in IT/telecommunications signaling technologies.

Responsibilities

• Execute detailed test procedures for hardware and software components in telecom environments.
• Plan, conduct, and document test activities with high accuracy.
• Perform functional, maintenance, and reliability tests to validate system behavior.
• Conduct stability and load testing to assess performance under varying conditions.
• Perform security-related tests to identify vulnerabilities and verify compliance.
• Prepare clear test documentation including plans, cases, results, and defects.

Skills

Telecommunications systems

Testing principles

Defect documentation

Troubleshooting network hardware

Windows servers testing

Lab collaboration

Job description

Job Title: Systems Test TechnicianJob Description

The Systems Test Technician executes comprehensive test procedures for both hardware and software components within a telecommunications environment. This role applies established testing principles, produces thorough test documentation, and performs a wide range of tests to ensure the reliability, performance, and quality of complex digital and analog systems. The technician identifies, analyzes, and documents defects and anomalies, supporting continuous improvement of network and server-based solutions.

Responsibilities

• Execute detailed test procedures for hardware and software components in a telecommunications and networked systems environment.
• Apply core testing principles to plan, conduct, and document test activities with a high level of accuracy and consistency.
• Perform functional, maintenance, and reliability tests to validate system behavior and long-term stability.
• Conduct stability and load testing to assess system performance under varying traffic and usage conditions.
• Perform performance and analysis testing to evaluate system throughput, responsiveness, and overall efficiency.
• Execute security-related tests to help identify vulnerabilities and verify compliance with security requirements.
• Perform voice quality tests to ensure clear and reliable communication across telecommunication systems.
• Conduct environmental tests to confirm that systems operate correctly under specified environmental conditions.
• Identify, analyze, and fully document defects and unexpected anomalies discovered during testing activities.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive test documentation, including test plans, test cases, test results, and defect reports.
• Troubleshoot issues related to routers, switches, servers, and associated network components during testing.
• Collaborate with other test technicians and engineers to coordinate test activities and resolve technical issues.
• Support production acceptance testing and factory acceptance testing to validate systems before deployment.
• Interact professionally with client representatives who monitor testing activities, providing clear status updates and explanations of findings.
• Follow established lab procedures, standards, and safety guidelines while working with test equipment and systems.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience working with digital and analog telecommunications systems.
• Strong understanding of testing principles and methodologies, including test planning, execution, and documentation.
• Proven ability to write, clearly describe, and accurately document defects and unexpected anomalies.
• Troubleshooting experience supporting routers, switches, servers, and related network hardware.
• Experience working with Windows servers in a testing or operational environment.
• Background in IT, telecommunications, and signaling technologies.
• Practical testing experience across multiple test types such as functional, performance, reliability, and environmental testing.
• Ability to work effectively in a lab-based testing environment alongside technical teams and client observers.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, complete test documentation.
• Effective communication skills to interact with engineers, fellow technicians, and client stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with network technologies, including switches and routers, in a telecommunications context.
• Familiarity with production acceptance testing and factory acceptance testing processes.
• Ability to analyze test results and provide clear, concise summaries of findings and recommendations.
• Comfort working with telecommunication signaling systems and related test tools.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple test activities and documentation requirements.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work closely with cross-functional engineering and testing teams.
• Customer-facing experience or comfort interacting with external stakeholders in a technical environment.
• Interest in supporting large, mission-critical contracts and contributing to a growing organization with a strong culture.

Work Environment

This role is based in a dedicated lab environment in Columbia, MD, focused exclusively on testing activities. The Systems Test Technician works onsite alongside other test technicians and engineers, using network and server equipment, telecommunications systems, and specialized test tools to carry out hardware and software testing. The work is closely monitored by the end customer, requiring professional, clear communication and consistent adherence to established procedures. The environment emphasizes collaboration, technical rigor, and a strong culture, offering the opportunity to support significant, large-scale contracts while working in a stable, well-equipped testing facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbia, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbia, MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbia,MD.

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.