Test Engineer

Actalent; United States; Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Software Test Engineer for hardware and environmental testing. The role blends hands-on lab work with leadership to guide test teams, develop automated procedures, and ensure product reliability across complex systems.

You will design and execute comprehensive test plans, coordinate with engineering and requirements teams, and travel up to 15% for field testing. Proficiency in Python and Linux, plus AS9100 awareness, are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Experience creating test equipment configurations and test plans.
• Python scripting and test automation experience.
• Environmental testing experience (TVAC, vibration, shock).
• Linux in test or development environments.
• PCA troubleshooting ability.
• Hardware-in-the-loop or hardware-based testing background.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• AS9100 knowledge.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.
• Mentoring and leadership in test teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead testing activities on complex projects with innovative test solutions.
• Create detailed test plans and configurations to ensure reliability.
• Define test areas and facilities with clear specs.
• Analyze test data and update procedures or equipment.
• Train and mentor test group members and lead teams.
• Coordinate with development and requirements teams for tests.
• Develop scripted test automation to improve coverage.
• Produce clear test reports and metrics.

Skills

Test planning

Environmental testing

Python scripting

Linux systems

Hardware-in-the-loop

Leadership

Communication

AS9100 knowledge

Mentoring

Troubleshooting PCA

Tools

Bench power supplies

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Test automation tooling

Job description

Job Title: Software Test Engineer Hardware and Environmental Testing

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, implementing, and executing comprehensive test plans for complex hardware and software systems, with a strong emphasis on environmental testing and reliability. You will develop and automate test procedures, perform detailed diagnostics and evaluations, and collaborate closely with development and requirements teams to ensure products meet stringent technical and industry standards. The position requires a blend of hands‑on lab work, analytical problem solving, and leadership in guiding test teams and mentoring colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead testing activities on highly complex projects that require innovative and original test solutions.
• Devise detailed testing plans, methods, and equipment configurations to ensure product reliability in line with requirements.
• Define and provide test areas and facilities with clear parameters and specifications for all required tests.
• Compile and analyze test data to determine necessary changes in testing equipment, procedures, or new testing requirements.
• Take responsibility for testing all customer hardware, including special tests that cannot be performed in the standard test area.
• Consult and coordinate with development and requirements teams to plan, execute, and validate application and system‑level tests.
• Perform analysis, diagnostics, and preliminary evaluations of products to identify issues and verify performance.
• Develop robust testing procedures, including scripted test automation, to increase coverage and efficiency.
• Implement standardized testing processes and ensure all test activities consistently follow those processes.
• Produce clear and comprehensive reports for each test activity and maintain tracking of key test metrics.
• Use considerable judgment and initiative to address complex testing challenges and propose effective solutions.
• Train and mentor members of the work group and lead test teams within the organization.
• Resolve divergent technical opinions within the team and with customers by applying sound engineering judgment.
• Independently determine and develop approaches to test solutions with minimal supervision.
• Support testing activities outside of standard business hours, including occasional overnight and weekend work, as needed.
• Travel to test facilities up to approximately 15% of the time, including potential out‑of‑state travel, to support test execution and coordination.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience creating and executing test equipment configurations, test procedures, and comprehensive test plans.
• Hands‑on experience writing test plans, test procedures, test reports, and data packages.
• Experience with environmental testing, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and shock testing.
• Proficiency in scripting and test automation using Python.
• Experience working with Linux operating systems in a test or development environment.
• Proven ability to perform PCA (printed circuit assembly) troubleshooting.
• Background in software testing and software test engineering with a focus on hardware‑in‑the‑loop or hardware‑based systems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with customers.
• Experience with and understanding of AS9100 industry standard practices.
• Frequent use and application of technical standards, principles, and theories in a testing or engineering context.
• Strong ability to debug and diagnose digital design issues using lab tools such as bench power supplies, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers with minimal support.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a resiliently positive attitude in team settings.
• Basic competency with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of basic electrical design and theory.
• Ability to travel on occasion as needed to support testing activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience coordinating with cross‑functional teams, including development and requirements engineering, to align test activities with project goals.
• Background in producing detailed test documentation and metrics suitable for internal reviews and customer presentations.
• Ability to work independently, determine appropriate test approaches, and adapt processes to meet unique project requirements.
• Experience mentoring or training peers in test methods, tools, and best practices.
• Comfort working on assignments that require significant judgment, initiative, and problem‑solving in a lab and field test environment.

Work Environment

You will work in a technical lab and test facility environment that supports both hardware and software testing. The role involves frequent use of test equipment such as bench power supplies, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and specialized environmental test setups including thermal vacuum chambers, vibration tables, and shock test systems. You will use Linux‑based systems, Python scripting tools, and standard office applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel as part of daily work. The position requires occasional travel, up to approximately 15%, including visits to external or remote test facilities, which may involve out‑of‑state trips. Testing schedules may sometimes extend beyond standard business hours, including occasional overnight and weekend work, to support critical test campaigns and environmental test windows. The work environment encourages collaboration, technical leadership, and a positive, solutions‑focused culture where engineers apply industry standards such as AS9100 and established technical principles to deliver high‑quality, reliable products.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of El Segundo, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $100.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long‑term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

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

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in El Segundo,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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.