Test Engineer

Job Title: Test Engineer Job Description
The Test Engineer performs end-to-end test engineering activities across all product test stages, from requirements definition and test planning to test procedure development, test execution, reporting, and final qualification approval. The primary objective of this role is to thoroughly test and verify that fabricated mechanical components and electrical assemblies meet customer requirements and applicable standards, with a strong focus on electro-mechanical testing in environmental, electrical systems, power, and EMI domains.
Responsibilities
- Develop comprehensive test plans based on product requirements and customer expectations, ensuring full coverage of mechanical and electrical performance criteria.
- Create detailed test procedures that define test methods, setups, equipment, parameters, and pass/fail criteria for product qualification.
- Conduct qualification tests methodically in lab environments, following established procedures and industry standards, including Mil-Std regulations where applicable.
- Test systems, components, connectors, and wiring/cabling for power and transmission (Ethernet, fiber, and power) to confirm they meet functional and reliability requirements.
- Perform electro-mechanical testing, including environmental, electrical systems, power, and EMI testing, both in power test labs and external test facilities.
- Use test equipment such as oscilloscopes and other electrical and environmental test instruments to execute and monitor tests accurately.
- Analyze and interpret test results to identify requirement failures, performance issues, and root causes that may require product design changes.
- Document test outcomes thoroughly, including test procedures, test instructions, data, pass/fail results, parameters, and recommendations in clear technical reports.
- Identify and specify the necessary test equipment and tools required to thoroughly test products and support new test initiatives.
- Formulate effective regression test efforts following product design changes to ensure ongoing compliance with requirements.
- Estimate the budget, scope, and schedule for proposed qualification test efforts, providing input into project planning and resource needs.
- Perform hands-on lab work, including opening cabinets, inspecting systems, and troubleshooting electro-mechanical issues during testing.
- Prepare product reports and documentation that support qualification approvals and customer reviews.
- Interpret wiring diagrams and hardware documentation to set up tests correctly and validate electrical and mechanical configurations.
- Collaborate with engineering and technical teams to communicate test findings, recommend design improvements, and support validation activities.
- Engage in continuous learning to develop new testing methods, improve existing procedures, and stay current with relevant standards and technologies.
Essential Skills
- 1–5+ years of experience in test engineering or electro-mechanical testing, including environmental, electrical systems, power, and EMI testing.
- Hands-on experience conducting power testing and working in laboratory environments with electrical and mechanical systems.
- Ability to develop and execute test plans and test procedures for product qualification and validation.
- Proficiency in using test equipment such as oscilloscopes and other electrical measurement and diagnostic tools.
- Experience in test development, validation, and documentation of test results, including pass/fail criteria and test parameters.
- Strong electro-mechanical troubleshooting skills for mechanical structures and electrical components, connectors, and wiring/cabling.
- Familiarity with EMI and EMC testing practices and standards.
- Ability to interpret hardware documentation and wiring diagrams to set up and perform tests accurately.
- Basic software capabilities in Linux and Python to support system startup, control, and simple test-related scripts.
- Proficiency with documentation tools such as Microsoft Office and Word for technical writing and reporting.
- Background in electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline; consideration also given to senior testing technicians with an associate degree.
- Experience in test engineering within an engineering or defense-related environment.
- Ability to methodically analyze and interpret test data and translate findings into clear technical documentation.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with communication systems racking and telecommunications equipment is highly beneficial.
- Exposure to Mil-Std regulations and qualification processes from defense or aerospace industries is a strong plus.
- Prior work with hardware validation and system-level test engineering.
- Familiarity with power transmission and data transmission technologies, including Ethernet and fiber.
- Strong technical writing skills for procedures, instructions, and test reports.
- Ability to estimate test effort scope and budget and contribute to project planning.
- Demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning and the development of new test theories or methods.
- Associate, bachelor’s, or higher degree in electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, or a closely related technical field.
Work Environment
This role operates within a high-tech engineering environment that supports advanced defense-related programs. Work is split approximately 50% hands-on testing and lab activities and 50% technical documentation and report writing. Testing is performed in dedicated power test labs and at external test facilities, using a variety of electrical, mechanical, and environmental test equipment. The work involves regular interaction with electro-mechanical systems, communication racks, and cabling for power and data transmission. The environment emphasizes precision, adherence to industry and military standards, and collaboration with engineering teams, offering exposure to cutting-edge technologies and complex system qualifications.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Burnsville, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $47.00/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 fully onsite position in Burnsville,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 1, 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 [email protected] 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.