Job Title: Test Engineer
Aerospace Client, ITAR Compliant
Job Description
The Test Engineer serves as a critical operational bridge between engineering design, hardware integration, validation testing, and engineering customer support for satellite antenna hardware systems. This role focuses on hardware bring-up, validation and qualification testing, test environment troubleshooting, workflow automation, and detailed reporting to engineering stakeholders. The Test Engineer works hands-on with electronic and mechanical hardware in laboratory environments, supports multiple test venues, and collaborates closely with cross-functional engineering teams in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.
Responsibilities
Support hardware integration, bring-up, validation, and troubleshooting activities for satellite antenna hardware systems.
Execute electrical validation testing, design validation testing, qualification testing, and hardware recovery workflows across multiple hardware assemblies.
Support ambient and thermal chamber test operations for various hardware assemblies and test venues.
Configure, integrate, troubleshoot, and maintain test racks, fixtures, and associated hardware infrastructure.
Perform hardware assembly, cabling, wire harness troubleshooting, and basic soldering and rework inspection.
Read and analyze schematics, wiring diagrams, test procedures, and technical documentation to support testing and troubleshooting.
Utilize Linux environments and Python scripting to support debugging, workflow automation, data collection, and log analysis.
Modify and validate scripts developed by software and automation teams to ensure reliable test execution and data integrity.
Analyze failures, document findings, escalate technical issues as appropriate, and participate in root cause investigations with engineering teams.
Generate clear, organized, and actionable documentation, including test reports, runbooks, and status updates for engineering stakeholders and program leaders.
Identify workflow inefficiencies and propose process improvements to increase throughput, organization, and operational efficiency.
Coordinate and support interfacility hardware movement and logistics activities across multiple engineering sites.
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness within laboratory and test environments.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Automation, Manufacturing, and Test Engineering teams.
Operate with a high level of professionalism, ownership, integrity, and accountability in a rapidly evolving engineering environment.
Work closely with engineers to test electronics and printed circuit boards (PCBs), including PCB bring-up, subsystem bring-up, and debug activities.
Contribute to test equipment development and test fixture setup to support ongoing and new validation efforts.
Review documentation related to test procedures, hardware configurations, and engineering changes to ensure accurate implementation.
Essential Skills
Experience working with engineers to test electronics and printed circuit boards (PCBs), including failures in PCB testing, lab testing, and debug.
Hands-on experience with test racks, test setups, verification activities, and leading hardware delivery from PCB bring-up through assembly integration and initial board configuration.
Proficiency working in laboratory environments with electronic hardware, test equipment, and fixtures.
Familiarity with Linux operating systems and command-line environments to support testing and debugging.
Familiarity with Python scripting or automation workflows to assist with test automation, data collection, and log analysis.
Experience using common electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, spectrum analyzers, or signal generators.
Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills, including the ability to produce clear test reports and status updates.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical problems both independently and collaboratively.
Comfort working in dynamic environments with shifting priorities and multiple concurrent deliverables.
Hands-on mechanical aptitude and familiarity with common hand tools and basic hardware assembly practices.
Ability to lift and move moderate-weight equipment and hardware in a team environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with embedded systems coursework, laboratory environments, or hands-on technical projects.
Exposure to subsystem bring-up, test equipment development, and test fixture implementation.
Experience reviewing and following detailed documentation, including test procedures and engineering specifications.
Interest in continuous improvement and process optimization within test and validation environments.
Work Environment
This role is fully onsite in Redmond and is based in a laboratory and test environment that supports satellite antenna hardware systems. The Test Engineer works closely with test racks, fixtures, ambient and thermal chambers, and a variety of electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with shifting priorities and multiple concurrent projects. Work involves hands-on interaction with hardware, including assembly, cabling, and hardware movement between facilities, and may require lifting and moving moderate-weight equipment in a team setting. The lab and test areas are maintained in a clean, organized, and operationally ready state to support ongoing hardware integration, validation, and troubleshooting activities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/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 Redmond,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.
