Mechanical Test Engineer

Do you learn best by taking things apart—or pushing them until they fail? Are you the engineer who can’t help but ask why something works… and how it could work better? If so, you’ll feel right at home at Stress Engineering Services, Inc. (SES). Founded in 1972, SES is a premier provider of engineered solutions and professional consulting services across an extraordinary range of engineering disciplines. Our clients span medical, consumer, pharmaceutical, energy, and manufacturing industries throughout the U.S. and internationally—so the problems we solve (and the tests we run) are always changing. We’re known for deep technical expertise and proven performance in instrumentation and testing, failure analysis, reliability and predictive engineering, materials science, solid mechanics and structural design, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, floating systems, and forensics. Our reputation speaks for itself: over 80% of our work comes from repeat clients and referrals. The Role As a Test Engineer at SES, you’ll turn complex questions into meaningful data. This role blends mechanical engineering fundamentals with hands‑on testing and system operation in a dynamic, industrial laboratory environment. You’ll plan and execute custom tests, design fixtures and methods, instrument hardware, collect high‑quality data, and transform results into clear, actionable insights. Projects span medical devices, consumer products, primary and tertiary packaging, mechanical and electrical systems, industrial processes, and engineering materials. The common thread: understanding how a system is supposed to perform—and proving whether it actually does. Key Responsibilities Include Developing custom and specialized test plans, fixtures, and test methods Executing tests safely and efficiently while monitoring live data Collecting, analyzing, and documenting high‑quality test data Interpreting results and producing clear, concise technical reports What Success Looks Like Successful Test Engineers at Stress are adaptable problem solvers who thrive in both independent and collaborative environments. You’re hands‑on, mechanically curious, and comfortable working with electro‑mechanical systems, instrumentation, and multiple sensor types. You can safely navigate a heavy industrial lab setting, juggle competing priorities, and keep projects moving forward—even when tests don’t go as planned. Strong communication skills are essential. You’ll routinely interact with teammates and clients, translating technical details into clear verbal explanations and well‑written test methods and reports. Experience in regulated industries (medical device, pharmaceutical, aerospace, etc.) is a plus. Depending on your experience, you may also take the lead on managing projects, interfacing directly with clients, and guiding the work of other engineers and technicians. SES Core Values We Over Me – We put the mission, our clients, and our team ahead of individual agendas. Unyielding Pursuit of Excellence – Excellence is the standard. We deliver the right solution, on time, every time. Own It – We take personal and collective accountability to earn trust and deliver results. A Day in the Life No two days are the same—and that’s exactly what makes this role rewarding. Your morning might start with a technical discussion alongside engineers, technicians, and clients, refining a test concept or identifying instrumentation and risk considerations. You may review drawings, finalize a test plan, or troubleshoot an unexpected challenge that requires creative thinking and mechanical intuition. Before long, you’re in the lab or test yard—instrumenting hardware, coordinating with technicians, monitoring live data, and adapting on the fly. Sometimes that means pushing systems to their limits… breaking them, or even blowing them up (intentionally) to uncover answers that simply can’t be found any other way. Throughout the day, you balance safety, schedule, and performance while managing risk in real time. By day’s end, you can see tangible progress: data collected, questions answered, and another complex test successfully executed. It’s hands‑on, fast‑paced, occasionally chaotic—and deeply satisfying work that keeps Test Engineers at SES excited to come back every day. Basic Qualifications BS in Mechanical Engineering with 3–5 years of experience in testing or manufacturing/industrial equipment operations Experience with mechanical testing methods and instrumentation Hands‑on aptitude and comfort working with physical systems Experience with data acquisition and test control systems Ability to conceptualize and develop test methods, fixtures, and equipment with attention to accuracy and repeatability Strong technical writing and communication skills in English Highly motivated, self‑starter with strong critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities Familiarity with statistical techniques for reliability, capability analysis, regression, ANOVA, and sample‑size justification (plus) Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks or similar) Professional Engineer license or willingness to obtain one Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship Preferred Qualifications MS in Engineering or more than 5 years of relevant experience Knowledge of material properties and failure mechanisms for metals and polymers under mechanical, thermal, and environmental loading Experience developing test plans and reports suitable for verification and regulatory submissions Experience validating test methods for repeatability and reproducibilityFamiliarity with hazard and risk assessment tools such as FMEA or fault tree analysis Experience with U.S. and EU medical device regulations Experience or familiarity with finite element analysis Why Join SES? High autonomy, high‑impact technical work Direct influence on real‑world safety and performance Collaboration with world‑recognised subject matter experts Supportive, entrepreneurial, employee‑owned culture What’s in It for You? At SES, curiosity is encouraged and technical depth is valued. You’ll work alongside some of the brightest engineers in the industry on challenges that truly matter—including technologies that improve and save lives. As An Employee‑owned Firm, We Offer Competitive compensation aligned with experience and market benchmarks Medical, dental, and vision coverage Paid time off and paid holidays A collaborative, inclusive, and technically challenging environment Our Commitment SES is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. At SES we take pride in fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace that values diverse perspectives and experiences. This position requires legal authorization to work in the U.S. Candidates must be able to provide the necessary documentation to verify identity & employment eligibility through the I‑9 verification process. EEO/Vet/Disabled Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr