Test Engineer

Actalent; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Test Engineer in Mankato, MN to design, develop, and support automated test solutions for electronic and electromechanical products in a manufacturing environment. You will own the full lifecycle of automated test equipment and fixtures, driving robust test coverage, cycle time reduction, and reliability improvements.

The role requires 5+ years of experience with automated test systems, proficiency in LabVIEW/TestStand, and strong programming skills (Python/C#/C/C++).

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or equivalent practical experience required.
• 5+ years developing automated test systems in manufacturing.
• Experience integrating test software with hardware.
• Proficient in LabVIEW/TestStand or similar platforms.
• Proficient in Python, C#, C/C++ for test automation.
• Ability to read schematics and PCB layouts.
• Experience with DOE or FMEA is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated test strategies meeting coverage and cycle-time targets.
• Own lifecycle of automated test equipment and fixtures.
• Develop and maintain test software, drivers, and data interfaces.
• Define test requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Troubleshoot failures and perform root cause analysis to improve yield and test time.
• Analyze test data and communicate results and risks.
• Lead test-related projects and mentor other engineers.
• Create and maintain test system documentation.
• Train production personnel in operation and maintenance of test systems.
• Lead proposals and cost estimates for production testing.
• Ensure compliance with quality systems and documentation.

Skills

Automated test development

Test equipment integration

Test automation programming

Electrical schematics reading

Data analysis & root cause

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

NI LabVIEW

TestStand

CheckSum

Job description

Job Title: Test Engineer

Job Description

The Test Engineer designs, develops, and supports cost-effective automated test solutions for electronic and electromechanical products in a manufacturing environment. This role owns the full lifecycle of automated test equipment and fixtures, from architecture and design through deployment, maintenance, and obsolescence, ensuring robust test coverage, efficient cycle times, and reliable product performance. The Test Engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to improve testability, manufacturability, and quality, while leading technical projects and mentoring other engineers and technicians.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement cost-effective automated test strategies that achieve documented coverage and cycle time targets for development, verification, and production testing.
• Own the full lifecycle of automated test equipment, fixtures, instrumentation, controls, and product interfaces, including architecture, design, build, integration, qualification, calibration, deployment, maintenance, and obsolescence support.
• Develop and maintain test software, sequences, drivers, and data acquisition interfaces using appropriate automated test platforms and programming languages.
• Define detailed test requirements, methods, conditions, acceptance criteria, and sequences to support development, verification, and production test activities.
• Troubleshoot product and test system failures, perform root cause and statistical analysis, and implement corrective actions that improve yield, reliability, coverage, and test time.
• Analyze test data and communicate results, risks, and recommendations through clear technical reports, documentation, and project updates.
• Perform Design for Test (DFT) reviews and collaborate with product teams to improve testability, diagnosability, manufacturability, and reliability of new and existing designs.
• Create and maintain comprehensive test system documentation, including requirements, design descriptions, schematics, drawings, PCB layouts, procedures, verification protocols, reports, and controlled records.
• Support production personnel and train users in the safe and effective operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of automated test systems and fixtures.
• Develop technical proposals, cost and resource estimates, and production test cycle time projections to support planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead test-related projects, coordinate activities with suppliers and cross-functional teams, and provide technical guidance to ensure timely and successful implementation.
• Mentor and coach less experienced engineers and technicians, sharing best practices and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality system, safety, and documentation requirements throughout test system development and support activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering technology, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Five or more years of experience developing and supporting automated test systems for electronic or electromechanical products in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience integrating test software, instrumentation, fixtures, controls, and devices under test into cohesive automated test solutions.
• Proficiency with an automated test platform such as NI LabVIEW and TestStand, CheckSum, or a comparable system.
• Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language such as Python, C#, C/C++, or a similar language for test automation and data processing.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and PCB layouts, select appropriate test equipment, and establish effective test methods and acceptance criteria.
• Hands-on experience building, modifying, troubleshooting, and repairing test fixtures, prototype circuit boards, cables, connectors, and related hardware.
• Experience using electronic instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, data acquisition systems, and communication interfaces.
• Experience with test system verification and calibration, including development and execution of verification protocols and maintenance of calibration records.
• Experience performing data analysis and root cause analysis to resolve test and product issues and drive improvements in test coverage and performance.
• Experience creating and maintaining controlled engineering documentation for test systems, including requirements, procedures, and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical work, manage priorities, communicate results clearly, and collaborate effectively with Engineering, Quality, Operations, suppliers, and customers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with CheckSum systems, NI hardware and software, or other production test platforms.
• Experience with Design for Test (DFT), boundary scan, in-circuit test, functional test, firmware programming, or rack-mounted diagnostic systems.
• Experience using electrical and mechanical design tools such as Altium, SolidWorks, or comparable software.
• Experience applying Design of Experiments (DOE), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), measurement system analysis, and statistical methods to test development and manufacturing improvement.
• Experience working within ISO 9001, FDA-regulated, aerospace, defense, or other structured quality system environments.

Work Environment

This role operates in a manufacturing and engineering environment focused on automated testing of electronic and electromechanical products. The Test Engineer works hands-on with test equipment, fixtures, prototype circuit boards, cables, connectors, and electronic instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, data acquisition systems, and communication interfaces. Collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Operations, suppliers, and customers is frequent, and work involves both lab and production floor settings. The environment emphasizes structured quality systems, safety, thorough documentation, and continuous improvement in test coverage, reliability, and cycle time.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Mankato, MN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $150000.00/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.

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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Mankato,MN.

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.