Job Title: Mechanical Test Engineer
Job Description
The Mehcanical Test Engineer II plays a key role in marine design and research by applying solid engineering knowledge in mechanical, electrical, and marine systems to a variety of technical projects. This position focuses on researching market trends, leading complex test programs, and developing and validating marine technologies such as navigation, stabilization, propulsion, and steering systems. You will work in a hands-on environment that combines analytical work, lab testing, and on-the-water evaluations of advanced marine systems and large outboard engines.
Responsibilities
Perform research activities on marine technologies and industry trends, and produce thorough analysis and summary reports with limited supervision.
Utilize available data sources to understand customer, market, and economic trends that impact marine industry stakeholders.
Coordinate with product planning teams to identify market opportunities and gather customer feedback to inform new product specifications and market requirements.
Install, test, analyze, summarize, and report on various marine technology systems, including navigation systems, camera systems, boat stabilization systems, propulsion systems, steering systems, and other advanced driver assistance (ADAS) systems.
Lead testing and development of rigging components by creating and maintaining test schedules, planning testing activities, communicating with suppliers, coordinating with project team members, and summarizing and presenting engineering test results.
Manage testing of large outboard engines, including coordination with overseas development teams, creating detailed test schedules, preparing boats, installing test equipment, and collecting test data.
Determine appropriate test methods and operating modes for marine engine and system evaluations, conduct testing, and analyze, summarize, and present results to stakeholders.
Apply engineering-related knowledge to projects and assignments of moderate complexity, moving beyond analysis and diagnosis to provide recommendations on matters of importance.
Interpret engineering policies, standards, requirements, and approaches to meet project and work objectives.
Provide professional guidance and direction to team members and collaborators in the @context of testing and research activities.
Demonstrate strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills when documenting test procedures, writing reports, and presenting findings.
Maintain professional conduct at all times and follow all applicable policies, departmental safety procedures, and rules in office, lab, and testing environments.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in an engineering field such as Mechanical, Electrical, or Marine Engineering.
2-5 years of engineering experience, preferably within the marine industry.
Experience with test engineering, including planning, executing, and documenting test activities.
Hands-on experience with test equipment and instrumentation used for marine system and engine testing.
Knowledge of marine engines and related systems, including engine testing, fuel consumption measurement, and propeller pitch evaluation.
Understanding of marine navigation technologies, including navigation systems, sonar, and radar.
Experience working with boat stabilization systems such as trim tabs and stabilizers.
Ability to work with minimal supervision while seeking guidance when needed and handling projects of moderate complexity.
Ability to move beyond problem recognition to provide practical recommendations and solutions.
Strong analytical skills and application knowledge to interpret data and make engineering decisions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and presenting test results.
Effective interpersonal skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Prior engineering experience specifically in marine applications is preferred.
Experience coordinating with international or overseas development teams is beneficial.
Ability to interpret and apply engineering policies, standards, and requirements to meet project objectives.
Capability to provide professional guidance and direction to colleagues and project team members.
Moderate to strong physical capability for bending, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, stooping, and pushing/pulling equipment, as required by testing activities.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds on occasion as part of test setup and equipment handling.
Comfort working in environments that may involve exposure to typical lab and testing hazards such as pressurized equipment, toxic chemicals, moving parts, high temperatures, and sun exposure.
Interest in boating and marine technology and a desire to work with advanced marine systems in a hands-on setting.
Work Environment
This role operates in a mixed test lab and office environment, with work that alternates between research, desk-based analysis, and hands-on testing. The position involves working around marine test equipment, large outboard engines, and systems such as navigation, sonar, radar, propulsion, steering, and stabilization technologies. You will spend time in a lab setting with typical engineering hazards, including exposure to pressurized equipment, toxic chemicals, moving mechanical parts, high temperatures, and outdoor sun exposure during on-the-water testing. The work requires frequent kneeling, standing, reaching, squatting, bending, pushing, and lifting, with physical effort including pushing up to 50 pounds and lifting 25-50 pounds. Travel of up to approximately 10% may be required, which can include overseas trips depending on project demands, testing activities, and conferences. Overtime may be expected based on project schedules and responsibilities. The office is located in close proximity to the water, providing convenient access for marine testing and an engaging environment for those who enjoy working near boating activities, all within a professional, safety-conscious culture that emphasizes adherence to departmental procedures and rules.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orlando, FL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $53.00/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 Orlando,FL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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.
