Systems Test Engineer

Job Title: Systems Test Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Systems Test Engineer to develop automated functional testing systems for high-volume electronics validation on an assembly line. The role involves leading the design and development of automated PCBA functional test systems and custom test fixtures. You will work with partners to build RF and wireless test solutions and define test hardware requirements for comprehensive validation processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated PCBA functional test systems and custom test fixtures.

• Collaborate with partners to build RF and wireless test solutions for sub-assembly and finished devices.

• Define test hardware requirements, including signal conditioning, RF switching matrices, and DUT interface boards.

• Select and integrate bench and rack instruments like VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes into automated test environments.

• Develop test executive software using NI LabVIEW, Python, C#, or TestStand.

• Define functional test coverage strategies for analog, digital, mixed-signal, and power electronics assemblies.

• Author test plans, procedures, and reports in compliance with IEC and IPC-7711/7721 standards.

• Design and qualify test fixtures, including mechanical design coordination and probe placement.

• Collaborate with PCB design teams to embed Design for Test features.

• Establish yield tracking metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Develop RF characterization and production test methodologies for wireless sub-systems.

• Design calibration routines and ensure measurement accuracy at the DUT RF port.

• Collaborate with firmware and RF design engineers to define RF test strategies.

• Integrate OTA anechoic chamber measurements for regulatory pre-compliance and production screening.

• Maintain traceability of RF test equipment calibration to NIST standards.

• Ensure all test systems and documentation meet FDA and ISO quality regulations.

• Author and execute IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocols for test equipment and software.

• Maintain Design History Files and Device History Records related to test system qualification.

• Support risk management activities related to test system failures.

• Interface with Regulatory Affairs to provide test data for technical file submissions.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years in test systems design with 5 years in PCB/PCBA functional test development.

• Hands-on experience in developing RF and wireless test systems.

• Experience with NI TestStand, LabVIEW, or equivalent Python-based test framework.

• Knowledge of RF measurement fundamentals and antenna characterization.

• Experience with IQ/OQ/PQ validation methodology in regulated environments.

• Proficiency with instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers.

• Experience with JTAG/boundary scan, ICT, or flying probe test for PCBAs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline; Master's preferred.

• Experience with implantable or Class II/III medical device testing.

• RF/wireless certifications or experience in regulatory submissions.

• Familiarity with IEC electrical safety and EMC test requirements.

• Experience with NI PXI/cPCI modular instrument platforms.

• Knowledge of design for manufacturability and test methodologies.

• Familiarity with Bluetooth SIG qualification and Wi-Fi Alliance testing.

• ISO risk management experience and Six Sigma certification.

Work Environment

The role involves working in engineering environments with occasional trips to manufacturing facilities. It includes a mix of office and fieldwork, requiring interaction with various engineering teams and stakeholders.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Germantown, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72.00 - $80.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Germantown,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 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.