Job Title: Test Development EngineerJob Description
This role focuses on designing and developing mechanical test fixtures, test stands, and specialized test equipment to support rigorous mechanical testing of high-reliability, high-safety products. The Test Development Engineer will own the engineering design, integration, and commissioning of testbeds and tooling used to evaluate proto@type designs, reduce technical risk, and advance technology readiness levels. The position combines hands-on mechanical design, manufacturing oversight, test execution, and data analysis to drive iterative improvements in product performance and reliability.
Responsibilities
Design and develop mechanical test fixtures, test stands, and specialized testbeds used for mechanical testing of proto@type systems, assemblies, and components.
Assist the test team in executing mechanical tests, including setting up equipment, running tests, recording results, and analyzing test data to inform redesign and improvement efforts.
Lead or support the engineering design, integration, and commissioning of test setups, tooling, and handling equipment to reduce technical risk and advance technology readiness level (TRL).
Provide oversight for manufacturing, integration, and testing activities, ensuring that test hardware and systems meet high reliability and high safety standards.
Evaluate proto@type performance and test results to facilitate rapid iteration of design, build, and testing cycles.
Develop mechanical and physical concepts and support the development of processes to create or identify mechanical solutions for testing and verification efforts.
Gather, collect, and document applicable requirements, interfaces, design bases, and design criteria by coordinating with key stakeholders and systems engineers.
Support the identification and application of relevant industry codes and standards under the direction of project leads and systems engineers.
Plan and perform analyses to assess mechanical test fixtures and systems, ensuring they can perform their intended functions and meet technical specifications and design requirements.
Develop innovative mechanical solutions to refine and deploy new concepts, technologies, and designs, including work with proto@type products made of stainless steel and graphite.
Integrate design activities across internal engineering team members, external partners, and suppliers to ensure cohesive and robust test system designs.
Perform scoping and sizing calculations to downselect design features and ensure compliance with design requirements and consensus codes and standards.
Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models, drawings, and related configuration-controlled design data.
Assess mechanical test systems and mechanical proto@types for manufacturability, assembly, and integration considerations, providing feedback to project leads and manufacturing teams.
Write and develop comprehensive design documentation, including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures.
Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support the qualification and validation of the engineering toolset.
Perform work in accordance with established quality procedures for design and configuration management to ensure project quality requirements are consistently met.
Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables, test data, and technical documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with standards.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
At least 5-10 years of experience in similar industries and roles involving mechanical engineering design and development.
Mechanical engineering design and development experience within high reliability, high quality, or high safety programs.
Demonstrated experience designing test beds and test fixtures for mechanical testing applications.
Hands-on experience executing mechanical tests, recording test data, and evaluating test results to support redesign and optimization efforts.
Proficiency with engineering hand calculations to support sizing, analysis, and verification of mechanical designs.
Experience using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software; familiarity with Siemens NX and Teamcenter is valued, though other CAD/PLM platforms are acceptable.
Hardware ownership experience, including oversight of manufacturing and testing activities for mechanical components or systems.
At least one year of hands-on experience developing and delivering hardware or manufacturing processes in a production environment.
Experience with mechanical testing, mechanical test fixtures, test stand design, and test development for hardware systems.
Ability to interpret and work with pressure vessel and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID) for mechanical or fluid systems.
Strong skills in mechanical design, test engineering, and troubleshooting of mechanical test setups and equipment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components is a plus.
Familiarity with ground support equipment, test equipment, and hardware test methods is beneficial.
Experience working with high-reliability and high-safety products and understanding of associated standards and expectations.
Knowledge of consensus industry codes and standards relevant to mechanical design, pressure systems, and testing.
Ability to develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, including reports, drawings, and design basis documents.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop innovative mechanical solutions and refine complex concepts.
Effective collaboration skills for working with cross-functional engineering teams, project leads, systems engineers, partners, and suppliers.
Attention to detail and a quality-focused mindset, with experience working under formal design and configuration management procedures.
Work Environment
The role is primarily office-based in an engineering and test-focused environment that supports both design work and hands-on interaction with hardware. The engineer will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including test engineers, systems engineers, and manufacturing personnel, to develop and validate mechanical test systems and proto@types. Work involves frequent use of CAD and PLM tools, technical documentation systems, and collaboration platforms, along with periodic time in lab or test areas to support mechanical testing and integration activities. The organization is growing rapidly, supported by significant private and public funding, and is progressing toward becoming a public company, offering opportunities to contribute to impactful, high-visibility projects in a dynamic and innovative setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $75.00/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 fully onsite position in Rockville,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
