Test Engineer

Actalent; California (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Test Engineer to manage customer test projects from planning through execution, ensuring cost, quality, and schedule targets are met. You will operate diverse test equipment, develop fixtures, and collaborate with Engineering and Operations to drive project success. The role requires a BS in engineering and hands-on experience with DAQ systems, LabVIEW, and CAD tools.

U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required due to export controls, and a strong communication

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of engineering, test, lab, or technical project experience preferred.
• U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency required due to export-controlled information access.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute customer test projects from planning to completion per statements of work and test plans.
• Independently design, set up, instrument, and oversee test activities as required by tests.
• Operate computer-automated and manual test equipment including data acquisition systems and environmental chambers.
• Design, develop, and assemble test fixtures per requirements and standards.
• Lead and direct test technicians to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate test execution.
• Author and maintain test plans, procedures, and documentation for project support.

Skills

DAQ knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Self-directed

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NI LabVIEW

SolidWorks

DAQ hardware

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Test Engineer

Job Description

The Test Engineer executes customer test projects from initial planning through setup, fabrication, testing, and completion in accordance with customer statements of work, test plans, and applicable requirements. This role ensures that each project meets cost, quality, and schedule objectives while serving as a key technical resource within a specialized test laboratory that supports aerospace, telecommunications, military, and other industrial sectors.

Responsibilities

• Execute customer test projects from initial planning through setup, fabrication, testing, and completion in accordance with statements of work, test plans, and applicable requirements.
• Independently design, set up, instrument, and oversee assigned test activities as required by customer test plans, specifications, and instructions.
• Operate a variety of computer-automated and manual test equipment, including data acquisition systems, environmental chambers, vibration and shock systems, and measurement transducers.
• Design, develop, and assemble test fixtures in accordance with customer requirements, test plans, and applicable test standards.
• Direct and lead test technicians in support of assigned test activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate execution of test work.
• Author test plans, procedures, work instructions, and other technical documentation as required to support project execution and compliance.
• Analyze, review, and document test data to ensure accurate test results and adherence to internal documentation processes.
• Participate in design reviews, test readiness reviews, and program status meetings with customers and internal personnel.
• Develop strong communication and working relationships with Engineering, Operations, and other internal teams to support project execution and overall company objectives.
• Coordinate and manage multiple test projects across different engineering disciplines, ensuring accurate and on-time completion.
• Support the selection, setup, and use of data acquisition hardware and software, including associated sensors and transducers, for test article command, control, monitoring, and data collection.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, fixtures, and documentation to enhance quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of two years of relevant engineering, test, laboratory, or technical project experience preferred; recent graduates with strong hands‑on, internship, research, or project experience are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated technical aptitude, strong organizational ability, and high attention to detail.
• Hands‑on experience and a solid understanding of basic mechanical and/or electrical concepts.
• Ability to work in a self-directed manner and develop practical, creative solutions in a fast‑paced, multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Experience with data acquisition systems (DAQs) used for test article command, control, monitoring, and data collection.
• Interest and ability to work on multiple projects across different engineering disciplines simultaneously.
• Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to work collaboratively with engineers, technicians, customers, and other internal departments.
• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status required due to access to U.S. export‑controlled information.
• Eligibility to be added as a possessor under an explosives license, subject to applicable requirements.
• Valid driver’s license.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience running, supporting, or managing engineering test projects.
• Experience reading, interpreting, and following industry standards, test specifications, and customer test plans.
• Experience selecting, setting up, and using DAQ hardware and software, such as NI LabVIEW, along with associated sensors and transducers.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar computer‑aided design (CAD) modeling software.
• Familiarity with qualification testing methods, such as thermal cycling, vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, electrical testing, or fiber optic testing.
• Experience with project management, project coordination, and project engineering in a technical environment.
• Experience in customer‑facing roles, including customer service or technical