Job Title: Mechanical Test Engineer
Job Description
This role focuses on designing, building, and supporting mechanical test fixtures and automated test equipment for subassemblies and end-of-line testing in a dynamic robotics-focused environment. You will work hands-on with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to develop robust, efficient, and scalable test solutions that support new product development and production at contract manufacturers.
Responsibilities
Design and develop mechanical test fixtures for subassemblies and end-of-line testing, including structural frames, enclosures, and mounting systems.
Create detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks or equivalent tools to support fabrication and assembly.
Own the complete fixture build and integration process, including hands-on mechanical assembly, alignment, and validation of mechanical systems.
Design and integrate actuation systems such as pneumatics, motors, and linear actuators to enable automated testing.
Perform mechanical debugging and root cause analysis to resolve issues with test fixtures and products under test.
Collaborate closely with electrical and software engineers to ensure seamless integration of sensors, wiring, control systems, and data acquisition.
Support deployment, commissioning, and sustainment of test fixtures at contract manufacturers, including remote and on-site troubleshooting and continuous improvements.
Drive design improvements to enhance fixture reliability, ergonomics, cycle time, and cost efficiency.
Develop and refine test procedures, test plans, and manufacturing test strategies aligned with product and production requirements.
Work hands-on with test equipment and automated test systems to validate performance and ensure repeatable, accurate results.
Contribute to new product development by providing feedback on testability, fixture requirements, and manufacturing considerations.
Collaborate with production and manufacturing teams to ensure test fixtures and processes are robust, maintainable, and scalable.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
2-3 years of hands-on experience in fixture design or manufacturing engineering.
Strong proficiency in 3D CAD tools, with SolidWorks preferred, including creation of detailed engineering drawings.
Proven experience in designing and building mechanical fixtures or automation systems.
Hands-on experience with mechanical fabrication, assembly, and mechanical debugging.
Strong understanding of mechanical systems, including tolerancing, fits, material selection, and structural integrity.
Experience with actuation systems such as pneumatics, motors, and linear motion systems.
Ability to work closely with electrical and controls teams for system integration.
Experience supporting manufacturing environments and working with contract manufacturers.
Experience with test equipment and test engineering, including test development and manufacturing test fixtures.
Proficiency with electrical test equipment such as digital multimeters (DMM), power supplies, electronic loads, analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
Knowledge of data acquisition (DAQ) systems for test and measurement.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work standing in a hands-on test environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience designing test fixtures or specialized test equipment using SolidWorks or similar CAD tools.
Background in new product development, particularly in environments requiring robust test strategies.
Experience with robotics systems or robotics-related test setups.
Familiarity with automated equipment and robotics-based test systems.
Exposure to Python for automation, scripting, or test control.
Experience developing and executing test procedures and test plans.
Comfort working with manufacturing test processes and automated test fixtures.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform detailed root cause analysis.
Effective communication and collaboration skills for cross-functional work with engineering and manufacturing teams.
Work Environment
You will join a small, collaborative engineering team currently consisting of three engineers, with additional direct hire and contract roles being added as the organization grows. The environment is hands-on and highly technical, centered around robotics and automated test equipment. You will regularly work in a lab and production setting, interacting with mechanical fixtures, electrical test equipment such as DMMs, power supplies, electronic loads, analyzers, and oscilloscopes, as well as data acquisition and control systems. The role involves frequent physical interaction with hardware, including assembling fixtures, integrating automation components, and supporting test systems at contract manufacturing sites. The culture emphasizes innovation, practical problem solving, and close collaboration across disciplines, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to an up-and-coming robotics-focused company and to see your test solutions used in real production environments.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Wilmington, MA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $52.00/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 Wilmington,MA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 20, 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.
