Job Title: Mechanical Test Engineer
Job Description
The Mechanical Test Engineer supports the testing and validation of motors and motor-driven systems that power large linear actuators for aerospace and military applications. In this role, you design and build test stands and fixtures, execute motor and motor-controller tests, support dynamometer testing, and clearly document all results. You collaborate closely with Electrical Engineers to ensure motors perform as expected before integration into higher-level assemblies, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, precision, and reliability.
Responsibilities
Design and build motor test fixtures and test stands for motors and motor-driven systems.
Perform motor and motor-controller testing to verify performance and reliability.
Support dynamometer testing for high-speed and high-load applications.
Apply GD&T to fixtures and translate 3D CAD models into detailed 2D manufacturing drawings.
Perform motor and mechanical analysis to evaluate performance, durability, and structural integrity.
Validate designs through hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and iterative improvements.
Design and implement safety mechanisms for test setups, including safety shielding and emergency stop (E-Stop) systems.
Assemble mechanical fixtures and test equipment to support test execution.
Document test setups, procedures, results, and findings in clear technical reports.
Support multiple test programs simultaneously, managing priorities in a dynamic environment.
Collaborate closely with Electrical Engineers and other cross-functional partners to ensure integrated system performance.
Maintain a safety-first mindset in all aspects of test planning, setup, and execution.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
3-5 years of relevant mechanical or test engineering experience.
Hands-on experience with motor testing, including setup, execution, and data interpretation.
Proven experience in fixture design for mechanical and motor test applications.
Strong proficiency in applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to fixtures and mechanical components.
Working knowledge of dynamometers and their use in high-speed and high-load testing.
Solid understanding of torque, speed, and power relationships in motor and mechanical systems.
Good knowledge of materials and structural behavior under load.
CAD experience with Creo, Inventor, and NX for 3D modeling and drawing creation.
Hands-on build and test experience with mechanical assemblies and test equipment.
Ability to produce clear technical documentation and test reports.
Strong cross-functional communication skills and comfort working alongside Electrical Engineers.
Detail-oriented work style with a safety-first mindset.
Ability to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working with motors and motor controllers in aerospace applications.
Exposure to DO-160 environmental and test standards.
Experience using Windchill or SAP for product data or configuration management.
FEA or simulation experience to validate structural integrity of fixtures and components.
Experience with Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD 2D, or similar CAD tools for design and detailing.
Background in mechanical testing, validation, and test engineering methodologies.
Familiarity with hydraulics and mechanical test equipment.
Experience in aerospace-related projects or environments.
Strong technical writing skills for documenting test plans, procedures, and results.
Work Environment
This role is based 100% onsite, five days a week, with a flexible start time to support work-life balance. You work in a hands-on engineering and test lab environment, collaborating closely with Mechanical and Electrical Engineers. The setting involves frequent interaction with motors, motor controllers, dynamometers, and other mechanical test equipment, as well as the use of CAD and data management tools such as Creo, Inventor, NX, AutoCAD, Windchill, or SAP. The work involves building fixtures, assembling test setups, and operating test stands, with a strong emphasis on safety mechanisms such as shielding and emergency stop systems. The environment is dynamic and project-driven, where you support multiple test programs concurrently and contribute directly to the validation of aerospace-related hardware.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Park Ridge, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/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 Park Ridge,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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.
