Python Test Engineer

Python Test Engineer- Manufacturing Test Infrastructure Job Description You will play a key role in developing, deploying, and supporting manufacturing test infrastructure for advanced satellite and optical communication systems. This position focuses on hardware-in-the-loop and manufacturing test environments, test station bring-up, software deployment, and cross-functional coordination between development engineering and production operations. The role is ideal for an engineer with strong Python programming skills, experience in large-scale infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines, and an interest in optical communication technologies and aerospace manufacturing. Responsibilities

- Coordinate day-to-day activities between development engineering teams and the production floor during manufacturing test station bring-up.
- Conduct software and hardware integration testing and debugging for manufacturing test stations and related subsystems.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute software deployment across multiple manufacturing test stations in a production environment.
- Develop and deliver hands-on training to production operators on test station software and procedures.
- Complete station commissioning activities, including Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Built-In Self-Test (BIST) validation.
- Support, organize, and document station qualification and release processes for full production use.
- Investigate and troubleshoot yield issues during prototype builds and ongoing production runs, working closely with cross-functional teams.
- Develop detailed procedures, preventative maintenance plans, and troubleshooting guides to support reliable production operations.
- Support production and integration efforts for hardware subsystems related to satellite and optical communication systems.
- Lead and contribute to the design, automation, deployment, and ongoing support of large-scale test and manufacturing infrastructure.
- Coordinate effectively between development and production teams to reduce miscommunication and accelerate issue resolution across multiple test stations.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of manufacturing test processes, tools, and documentation to enhance reliability and throughput.

Essential Skills

- 35 years of experience in systems engineering, test engineering, or a closely related field.
- Proven experience leading the design, automation, deployment, and support of large-scale infrastructure, preferably in a manufacturing or test environment.
- Strong Python programming proficiency, with object-oriented programming experience preferred.
- Experience programming in at least one modern language such as Python, C++, or C#.
- Experience with Linux/Unix operating systems and familiarity with Windows-based development environments.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines and build processes for software deployment and integration.
- Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop or manufacturing test environments, including lab instrumentation and test station bring-up.
- Experience with software deployment and debugging in production or lab environments.
- Experience troubleshooting software and hardware integration issues.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to production operators and cross-functional partners.
- Bachelors or Associates degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, a related technical field, or equivalent relevant work experience.
- Ability to work comfortably in dark rooms with equipment and willingness to learn optical communication technologies.
- Demonstrated ownership mindset, curiosity and willingness to learn, bias for action, and a strong focus on delivering results.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Experience with distributed systems at scale.
- Experience with satellite or aerospace manufacturing testing, including test infrastructure for satellite subsystems.
- Experience with networking hardware and/or optical communication equipment in a manufacturing or lab setting.
- Experience with lab instrumentation and custom test fixtures.
- Experience with station commissioning activities such as Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Built-In Self-Test (BIST), and supporting production release.
- Experience training production operators on test software and procedures.
- Familiarity with communication protocols such as RS-232, GPIB, and I2C.
- Knowledge of National Instruments tools and software stacks used in test environments.
- Manufacturing testing experience in any industry, with aerospace experience considered a strong plus.
- Adaptability and enthusiasm for learning new technologies, particularly in optical communication.
- Interest in contributing to fast, affordable broadband solutions for unserved and underserved communities around the world.

Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $84.83/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 Redmond,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 17, 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.