Systems Test Engineer

Description

WaterFurnace is seeking a Systems Test Engineer to support system-level validation and reliability testing of geothermal heat pump products. This role sits between Design Engineering and the Test Lab, owning the creation and execution of test plans that validate product performance, reliability, and control behavior across a wide range of operating conditions. This engineer will focus on testing to break—identifying quality risks, defining validation strategies, and proving that both the mechanical system and its control software perform as intended under real-world and edge-case conditions. This is an R&D lab role, focused on validating product design rather than production testing. Key Responsibilities - Develop, write, and execute system-level test plans and test procedures based on operational requirements and quality risks - Perform functional, performance, reliability, and stress testing on geothermal heat pump systems operating across multiple modes and environments (heating, cooling, ambient transitions, etc.) - Validate system performance against specifications, standards, and customer use cases - Test both mechanical operation and control behavior, ensuring control logic performs as expected under varying conditions - Execute “test-to-break” validation, intentionally pushing systems beyond nominal conditions to uncover failure modes - Conduct and contribute to FMEA activities, using results to inform test coverage and validation strategy - Identify quality issues and translate them into structured, repeatable test plans - Serve as a technical bridge between Design Engineers and Test Lab teams, ensuring intent, risks, and expectations are clearly validated - Perform hands-on testing at the bench using largely non-automated test stands, with future involvement in test automation efforts - Document test results, failures, and recommendations clearly for engineering and leadership teams - Support customer-facing validation by proving system performance across a wide range of real-world scenarios

Skills

test plan, Validation

Top Skills Details

test plan,Validation

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Required Qualifications - 5+ years of experience writing and executing test plans and test procedures - Proven experience performing system-level testing and validation - Strong background in validating test plans against requirements and quality expectations - Hands-on experience in an R&D lab environment (testing design intent, not production output) - Ability to identify quality risks and independently define test strategies to address them - Experience testing integrated systems involving mechanical, controls, and software elements Preferred Qualifications - Experience in the HVAC or heat pump industry - Reliability or durability testing experience - Exposure to test automation or defining future automation strategies - Familiarity with PLC-controlled systems and functional software testing

Experience Level

Intermediate Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Wayne, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Fort Wayne,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 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 click.appcast.io 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.