Test Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: PDN Validation Engineer
Job Description

We are seeking a PDN Validation Engineer to lead the power subsystem validation for our Surface products, ensuring high-quality and reliable customer experiences. In this role, you will develop validation strategies, debug complex power issues, and collaborate with hardware and software teams to enhance PDN performance, efficiency, and design quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead power subsystem validation for Surface products, focusing on component-level electrical testing and system-level PDN validation.
• Define validation strategy, requirements, test methods, and tooling based on datasheets and system specifications.
• Develop and execute comprehensive power validation plans and test procedures.
• Analyze test results, drive debugging processes, and document technical findings and reviews.
• Troubleshoot complex PDN issues, identify root causes, and work with hardware and software partners to resolve them.
• Collaborate across disciplines to improve PDN quality, reliability, and performance.
• Enhance debug and automation tools to improve validation efficiency and scalability.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in motherboard-level electrical validation.
• Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for test automation.
• Experience developing validation strategies, test methodologies, and execution plans for power delivery and management features.
• Ability to read and interpret complex schematics, including computer motherboards.
• Experience with software tools for log collection, driver installation, and software debugging.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment used for PDN analysis.

• Experience with power management validation for Intel and Qualcomm chipsets and battery charging systems.
• Understanding of common power supply topologies, including SMPS, LDO, and load switch architectures.
• Familiarity with Windows power management and system power states.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.

The position involves working onsite in a hardware lab environment, with a growing team of up to three more individuals. The work schedule is flexible but requires presence in the lab no later than 10 am and allows leaving no earlier than 3 pm. The role offers growth potential into a lead position and includes onboarding and mentoring responsibilities as needed. Benefits include 10 holidays, 15 days of PTO, and enhanced benefits.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Redmond,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 2026.

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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com 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.