Test Engineer

Actalent; California; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Test Engineer to lead customer test projects from planning through completion in aerospace and related sectors. You will design test fixtures, operate DAQ systems, and ensure quality, cost, and schedule objectives are met.

Collaborate with Engineering and Operations, supervise technicians, and participate in design and readiness reviews. A BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and hands-on test experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years in engineering/test, internships or projects acceptable.
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with data acquisition and sensors.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency due to export controls.

Responsibilities

• Execute customer test projects from planning to completion per SPEs and requirements.
• Design, set up, instrument, and oversee test activities per test plans.
• Operate DAQ systems, environmental chambers, and vibration/shock systems.
• Design and assemble test fixtures per customer requirements and standards.
• Lead test technicians to ensure safe and accurate execution of tests.
• Author test plans, procedures, and related documentation.

Skills

DAQs

Test equipment

Data analysis

Instrumentation

Team leadership

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

NI LabVIEW

SolidWorks

Job description

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