Test Technician

Actalent; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Test Technician / Test Engineer to plan, execute, and analyze tests on large mechanical systems in an outdoor field setting. You will work with hydraulic and fluid systems, set up equipment, collect data, and document results from start to finish.

Open to junior and senior candidates with strong practical experience. The role is field‑based near Austin, TX, with rotating shifts and a contract‑to‑hire path.

Qualifications

• Strong hands‑on mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Experience testing, maintaining, troubleshooting, or developing complex mechanical equipment.
• Experience with hydraulic systems, pumps, fluid systems, and related equipment.
• Ability to understand test objectives and execute testing from planning through data collection and analysis.
• Comfort interpreting test results rather than only operating equipment or recording measurements.
• Strong technical documentation skills for writing clear test procedures and reports.
• Strong organizational skills for managing test records and documentation.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with engineers and technicians.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute end‑to‑end testing of mechanical systems and equipment.
• Set up and prepare equipment, systems, and test configurations prior to test execution.
• Collect accurate measurements and test data throughout each test.
• Analyze test results to identify trends, abnormalities, failures, and areas needing further investigation.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues involving hydraulic systems, pumps, fluid systems, and related equipment.
• Document test procedures, results, observations, and overall system performance in a clear and organized manner.
• Maintain organized test records and support document control requirements.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and other technical teams to investigate test results and equipment performance.
• Support root cause investigations and follow‑up testing when failures or unexpected results occur.
• Contribute to the improvement of testing processes, procedures, and overall test execution.
• For more experienced candidates, provide technical direction and help coordinate test activities and execution.
• Work primarily outdoors in a hands‑on testing environment, including rotating shifts.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Test equipment

Hydraulics

Pumps

Fluid systems

Data collection

Documentation

Field testing

Tools

PLC

Job description

Job Title: Test Technician / Test EngineerJob Description

This role focuses on planning, executing, and analyzing tests for large-scale mechanical systems and equipment in a hands‑on, outdoor environment. You will work directly with hardware to set up and run tests, troubleshoot mechanical issues, collect and interpret test data, and document results from start to finish. The position suits candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and an analytical mindset who have experience with hydraulics, pumps, fluid systems, mechanical assemblies, or other complex equipment. Both junior and senior‑level candidates are welcome, and early‑career engineers with strong practical experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute end‑to‑end testing of mechanical systems and equipment.


• Set up and prepare equipment, systems, and test configurations prior to test execution.


• Collect accurate measurements and test data throughout each test.


• Analyze test results to identify trends, abnormalities, failures, and areas needing further investigation.


• Troubleshoot mechanical issues involving hydraulic systems, pumps, fluid systems, and related equipment.


• Document test procedures, results, observations, and overall system performance in a clear and organized manner.


• Maintain organized test records and support document control requirements.


• Collaborate closely with engineering and other technical teams to investigate test results and equipment performance.


• Support root cause investigations and follow‑up testing when failures or unexpected results occur.


• Contribute to the improvement of testing processes, procedures, and overall test execution.


• For more experienced candidates, provide technical direction and help coordinate test activities and execution.


• Work primarily outdoors in a hands‑on testing environment, including rotating shifts.

Essential Skills

• Strong hands‑on mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.


• Experience testing, maintaining, troubleshooting, or developing complex mechanical equipment.


• Experience with some combination of hydraulic systems, pumps, fluid systems, mechanical assemblies, motors or actuated equipment, test instrumentation, and data collection.


• Ability to understand test objectives and execute testing from planning through data collection and analysis.


• Comfort interpreting test results rather than only operating equipment or recording measurements.


• Strong technical documentation skills for writing clear test procedures and reports.


• Strong organizational skills for managing test records and documentation.


• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with engineers and technicians.


• Mechanical testing and troubleshooting experience.


• Basic familiarity with electrical concepts, schematics, or PLCs is required at least at an entry level.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Entry‑level engineers with relevant internships or hands‑on project experience are encouraged to apply.


• Experience in one or more of the following industries is preferred: robotics, industrial automation, automotive, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, research and development or product development, and heavy mechanical equipment or complex machinery.


• PLC experience is a strong plus.


• Experience working with test engineering or test equipment is beneficial.


• Background in electrical schematic reading or basic PLC troubleshooting is advantageous.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field‑based, with approximately 95% of the work performed outdoors in a hands‑on testing environment at a large industrial test site. You will work around large mechanical systems, test equipment, and fluid and hydraulic systems, often in varying weather conditions. The position follows a monthly rotating shift schedule, alternating between a 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. shift and a 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. shift. The environment is highly technical and collaborative, with close interaction between technicians and engineers focused on rigorous testing, data collection, and continuous improvement of test processes. Appropriate attire for outdoor industrial work is expected, suitable for working around mechanical equipment and in changing outdoor conditions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $31.50 - $38.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

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.