Job Title: Mechanical Test EngineerJob Description
We are seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer to join a hardware test engineering team focused on next-generation robotic systems. In this role, you will work across multiple products and collaborate closely with hardware engineers, test engineers, technicians, and other development teams to plan, execute, and document environmental testing of robotic hardware and sensor products. You will take ownership of test activities from initial request through completion, ensuring that products meet performance and reliability expectations under a wide range of environmental conditions.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute environmental test plans and procedures for robotic hardware and sensor products.
Determine appropriate test profiles based on product requirements, previous testing, and applicable test standards.
Perform and coordinate environmental testing, including thermal and temperature testing, shock testing, vibration testing, and ingress protection (IP) testing for dust and water.
Set up test articles, sensors, instrumentation, and environmental test equipment to support planned test activities.
Perform functional checks during testing, including running basic scripts to verify sensor operation and system functionality.
Collect, analyze, and document test data, test conditions, results, and observed failures in a clear and organized manner.
Troubleshoot test setups and product issues encountered during testing, working with engineering teams to identify root causes and potential solutions.
Design simple mechanical fixtures, mounts, and adapters required to support environmental testing, using basic mechanical design principles.
Modify existing test procedures or develop new test cases to support new products and evolving requirements.
Coordinate test activities with design engineers, test engineers, technicians, and other test resources to ensure efficient use of laboratory capabilities.
Serve as a primary point of contact between engineering teams and laboratory or test technicians, ensuring clear communication of test requirements and status.
Take ownership of assigned tests from initial request through setup, execution, data analysis, documentation, and closure.
Organize and prioritize multiple test tasks while maintaining accurate records and communicating progress to stakeholders.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a similar engineering discipline.
Hands-on exposure to environmental or mechanical hardware testing through professional experience, internships, university laboratories, capstone projects, or similar work.
Understanding of why and how environmental testing is performed on hardware products, including reliability and validation objectives.
Experience in at least one area of environmental or mechanical testing such as thermal, vibration, shock, durability, or ingress protection (IP) testing.
Ability to interpret test requirements and develop or modify test procedures to meet those requirements.
Basic mechanical design and computer-aided design (CAD) experience; familiarity with SolidWorks is preferred.
Ability to create simple test fixtures or mounting solutions to support environmental testing activities.
Basic familiarity with sensors, instrumentation, and data collection systems used in test environments.
Ability to execute simple scripts for functional testing of sensors or hardware; full software development experience is not required.
Strong troubleshooting skills applied to both test setups and tested products.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tests and maintain clear documentation.
Effective technical communication skills for collaborating with engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders.
Ability to work independently while coordinating and collaborating with multiple engineers and technicians.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD tools for designing simple fixtures and mounts.
3D printing experience to rapidly create test fixtures or mounting solutions.
Prior internship, university laboratory, capstone, or project experience involving environmental or hardware testing.
Interest in and enjoyment of hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and working directly with hardware in a laboratory setting.
Motivation to take ownership of the complete test process, from planning and setup through execution, analysis, and reporting.
Suitability for entry-level or early-career engineers who want to grow within a test engineering-focused role.
Comfort working in a role that emphasizes test engineering rather than full-time mechanical design.
Work Environment
This role is primarily laboratory-based within a hardware test engineering environment that supports next-generation robotic systems. You will work hands-on with robotic hardware, sensor products, environmental chambers, vibration and shock test equipment, and other specialized test setups. The position involves frequent setup and adjustment of test articles, instrumentation, and fixtures, as well as time spent monitoring tests, performing functional checks, and troubleshooting issues on the bench and in environmental chambers. You will collaborate closely with hardware engineers, test engineers, and technicians, often coordinating shared use of laboratory resources and equipment. The environment emphasizes safety, careful handling of complex hardware, and disciplined documentation of test conditions and results. Hours are generally aligned with standard engineering and laboratory schedules, with flexibility needed at times to support test runs and coordination with multiple teams. The dress code is typical of a technical laboratory setting, balancing safety and practicality for hands-on work with equipment and test hardware.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $115000.00/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 North Reading,MA.
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.
