Test Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Test Engineer

Job Description

This Test Engineer role focuses on performing comprehensive electro-mechanical testing across all product test stages, from requirements definition and test planning through procedure development, test execution, and final qualification approval. The position ensures that mechanical components and electrical assemblies meet stringent customer requirements by conducting full lifecycle product qualification and detailed analysis of test results. The role combines hands-on laboratory testing with structured technical documentation to support high-tech defense and naval programs.

Responsibilities

• Perform test engineering activities for all product test stages, including requirement definition, test plan development, test procedure creation, test execution, and test report development.
• Conduct full lifecycle product qualification, including planning, procedure development, test conduct, and preparation of final qualification reports.
• Test electro-mechanical systems and components to verify they meet customer needs, specifications, and requirements.
• Carry out qualification tests methodically in accordance with established test procedures, ensuring accurate and repeatable results.
• Analyze and interpret test data, identify requirement failures, and document issues that may require product design changes.
• Identify and specify the test equipment and instrumentation required to thoroughly test products, including power, environmental, and EMI-related equipment.
• Plan and formulate effective regression test efforts following product design changes to ensure continued compliance with requirements.
• Estimate the budget, schedule, and scope for proposed qualification test efforts and communicate these estimates to stakeholders.
• Prepare clear and detailed product reports, test documentation, and qualification records, including pass/fail criteria and test parameters.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, testing instructions, and technical documentation using standard office tools.
• Perform electro-mechanical testing, including environmental, electrical systems, power, and EMI testing, in both in-house and external lab environments.
• Test mechanical structures and electrical components, including connectors, wiring, and cabling for power and data transmission (such as Ethernet and fiber).
• Use oscilloscopes, test equipment, and other measurement tools to perform and validate tests on hardware and systems.
• Interpret wiring diagrams and hardware documentation to support test setup, troubleshooting, and system verification.
• Open and inspect cabinets and assemblies to investigate issues, perform hands-on troubleshooting, and verify system configurations.
• Document test results, outcomes, and observations, including detailed technical writing of procedures, test instructions, and pass/fail standards.
• Apply relevant military and industry standards, particularly for defense and aerospace applications, during test planning and execution.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to suggest design improvements based on test findings and qualification results.
• Engage in continuous learning to develop new testing methods, improve test coverage, and stay current with evolving technologies.
• Support communications systems racking and telecom-related testing activities as needed.

Essential Skills

• 1–5+ years of experience in test engineering, validation, or related electro-mechanical testing roles.
• Hands-on experience with electro-mechanical testing, including environmental, electrical systems, power, and EMI testing.
• Proficiency in developing and executing test plans and test procedures for hardware systems.
• Experience conducting qualification tests and preparing detailed test reports and documentation.
• Ability to analyze and interpret test results, identify requirement failures, and recommend design changes.
• Proficiency with oscilloscopes and other electrical test equipment used for power and EMI testing.
• Experience with power testing and electro-mechanical troubleshooting in laboratory environments.
• Familiarity with EMC and EMI testing practices and standards.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams and hardware documentation.
• Experience testing mechanical structures and electrical components, including connectors and wiring/cabling for power and data transmission (Ethernet, fiber, and power).
• Basic software capabilities in Linux environments to support system startup, configuration, and test execution.
• Basic programming or scripting experience in Python to support testing activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Word, for documentation, reporting, and test procedure creation.
• Strong technical writing skills for preparing procedures, testing instructions, and detailed test reports.
• Knowledge of military standards and qualifications relevant to defense and aerospace testing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Ability to perform both hands-on testing and detailed documentation work with equal proficiency.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to test planning, execution, and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree and experience or experienced testing technician may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or high-tech engineering environments.
• Familiarity with communications systems racking and telecom-related hardware.
• Exposure to Mil-Std regulations and qualification processes for defense and aerospace programs.
• Experience working in external test labs or with third-party testing facilities.
• Ability to estimate test budgets, schedules, and scopes for qualification efforts.
• Strong problem-solving skills for electro-mechanical troubleshooting and issue resolution.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement of testing methods and tools.

Work Environment

This role operates within a high-tech engineering and defense-focused environment, supporting advanced naval and related programs. The Test Engineer works in both internal and external laboratory settings, performing approximately 50% hands-on testing and 50% documentation and technical writing. Hands-on work includes power testing, environmental and EMI testing, use of oscilloscopes and other test equipment, and opening equipment cabinets to investigate issues and verify configurations. The position involves frequent interaction with test labs, including a power testing lab and an external testing facility in Bloomington, and requires comfort working around electro-mechanical hardware, wiring, connectors, and communication systems. The work environment emphasizes adherence to military and industry standards, structured test processes, and precise documentation. Standard office tools and computer systems are used extensively for planning, reporting, and procedure development, while laboratory spaces are equipped with specialized test instruments and fixtures suited to defense and aerospace applications.

This is a Contract position based out of Burnsville, MN.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $46.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Burnsville,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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 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 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 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.