Test Engineer- Automated & Manual

Actalent; Redding (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Software Development Engineer in Test to validate robotic platforms, including embedded compute, camera modules, sensors, and cloud applications. The role emphasizes automated testing with hands-on lab work in North Reading, MA.

You will design test frameworks, write Python scripts, and drive CI/CD quality across hardware and software stacks. A 3+ year background in automated and manual testing is preferred, with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of automated and manual testing of complex systems.
• Strong proficiency in Python for test automation and scripting.
• Familiarity with shell scripting languages such as Bash.
• Experience with Linux environments and CI/CD integration.
• Ability to write clear test cases and professional reports.
• Hands-on lab experience with hardware validation.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS.
• Experience with software testing methodologies.
• Ability to adapt automation strategies to evolving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain automated test cases and frameworks for robotic subsystems, supporting software, and cloud applications.
• Develop and maintain Python and shell scripts to automate test execution, data collection, and validation workflows.
• Conduct manual testing on hardware and software components, including regression and validation activities.
• Operate and validate devices in a lab environment, including setup, configuration, troubleshooting, and issue reproduction.
• Execute test plans, track pass and failure results, and ensure comprehensive regression coverage.
• Document test results clearly and accurately, author professional test reports, and track defects with detailed reproduction steps.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and integration teams to debug complex issues and drive timely resolution.
• Enhance test processes, improve regression coverage, and support CI/CD integration to enable continuous quality improvements.
• Contribute to the design, review, and updating of test plans to ensure evolving features are validated effectively.

Skills

Python

Shell scripting

Linux

CI/CD

Test automation

Lab testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science

Tools

pytest

unittest

LabVIEW

AWS

Job description

Job Title: Software Development Engineer in Test (Automated Test) Job Description We are seeking a versatile Test Engineer to validate advanced robotic platforms and their supporting systems, including embedded compute platforms, camera modules, sensor systems, and AWS-based cloud applications. This role emphasizes automated testing while also requiring hands-on manual testing in active lab environments. You will partner closely with hardware, software, and integration teams to ensure performance, reliability, and quality across the entire system stack.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain automated test cases and frameworks for robotic subsystems, supporting software, and cloud applications.
• Develop and maintain Python and shell scripts to automate test execution, data collection, and validation workflows.
• Conduct manual testing on hardware and software components, including regression and validation activities, when required.
• Operate and validate devices in a lab environment, including setup, configuration, troubleshooting, and issue reproduction.
• Execute test plans, track pass and failure results, and ensure comprehensive regression coverage.
• Document test results clearly and accurately, author professional test reports, and track defects with detailed reproduction steps.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and integration teams to debug complex issues and drive timely resolution.
• Enhance test processes, improve regression coverage, and support CI/CD integration to enable continuous quality improvements.
• Contribute to the design, review, and updating of test plans to ensure evolving features are validated effectively.
• Apply test engineering, validation, and regression testing best practices to support the reliability of next-generation robotic platforms.
• Use test equipment and follow structured test procedures to validate electrical and software systems in the lab.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in automated and manual testing of complex systems, including hardware, software, or cloud-based platforms.
• Strong proficiency in Python for test automation and scripting.
• Familiarity with shell scripting languages such as Bash for automation and tooling.
• Experience working in Linux environments and integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines.
• Ability to write clear, structured test cases and produce professional test reports and defect documentation.
• Hands-on experience in lab environments with hardware validation, debugging, and use of test equipment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with multidisciplinary hardware, software, and integration teams.
• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience with software testing methodologies, test procedures, and test plan creation and execution.
• Ability to automate tests where needed and adapt automation strategies to evolving system requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with Python testing frameworks such as pytest and unittest, as well as regression testing frameworks.
• Experience in validation, defect lifecycle management, and working with automation frameworks.
• Exposure to AWS or other cloud-based systems.
• Background in electrical engineering concepts and LabVIEW or similar tools is beneficial.
• Experience building computers, writing code, or assembling hardware.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced R&D environment that combines hardware, software, and cloud systems.
• Experience with test engineering for robotic systems, camera modules, and sensor systems.
• Strong organizational skills and structured task management to handle multiple test activities in parallel.
• Comfort working fully onsite in lab and R&D settings and engaging directly with prototypes and test platforms.

Work Environment

This position is fully onsite in an active lab and R&D setting in North Reading, where you will work hands-on with robotic platforms, embedded compute systems, camera modules, sensor systems, and supporting software and cloud applications. The environment is fast-paced, highly collaborative, and focused on innovation, requiring independence, assertiveness, and structured task management. You will use test equipment and work primarily in Linux-based environments, contributing directly to the reliability and performance of next-generation robotic systems. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including FTC benefits, 15 days of paid time off, and 7 paid holidays.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in North Reading,MA.

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.