Test Engineer

Job Title: Test Engineer

Job Description

The Test Engineer will develop and execute comprehensive test plans, procedures, and reports to verify system requirements for a critical space payload program. This role involves hands-on integration and testing, including system operation, calibration, data collection, and fault analysis, with a strong focus on infrared sensor and optical technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed test plans, test procedures, and test reports to verify system requirements and ensure product performance.

• Perform hands-on system integration and testing, including setup, operation, and monitoring of test configurations.

• Conduct system calibration activities to ensure accurate and repeatable measurements.

• Execute data-taking activities, collect test data, and ensure data integrity throughout the test process.

• Analyze test results and perform fault analysis to identify, diagnose, and help resolve issues.

• Use test equipment such as oscilloscopes and other specialized instruments to perform measurements and troubleshoot systems.

• Support testing of infrared sensors, optical components, and related sensor technologies.

• Perform noise measurements and other performance evaluations on sensor and optical systems.

• Work with cryogenic systems and dewars as required for infrared and sensor testing.

• Collaborate closely with other test engineers, leadership, and cross-functional engineering disciplines to plan and execute tests.

• Apply working knowledge of space flight and defense programs to ensure tests meet relevant standards and mission requirements.

• Follow clean room procedures and best practices when working with sensitive hardware and payloads.

• Document test setups, configurations, results, and findings in a clear and traceable manner.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, tools, and processes to enhance test efficiency and reliability.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on engineering or test engineering experience.

• Experience developing and executing test procedures, test plans, and test reports.

• Proficiency using test equipment, including oscilloscopes and related measurement instruments.

• Experience with system integration, system operation, and system calibration in a test environment.

• Hands-on experience performing data collection, data analysis, and fault analysis.

• Working knowledge of space flight and/or defense programs.

• Experience testing infrared sensors, optical technologies, or related sensor systems.

• Familiarity with cryogenic systems, dewars, and noise measurements in sensor or optical applications.

• Ability and interest in working in a clean room environment.

• Proficiency with MATLAB for data analysis and test automation or scripting.

• Proficiency with Python for data processing, scripting, or test automation.

• US citizenship.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with optics and infrared sensor technology in a test or development environment.

• Background in sensor technology, including performance characterization and noise measurement techniques.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to complex test and integration challenges.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills for documenting test results and presenting findings.

• Motivation to contribute directly to a critical space payload program and see the impact of test activities on mission success.

Work Environment

The Test Engineer will work as part of a 6-person Test Engineering team, collaborating closely with leadership and other engineering disciplines on a critical space payload program. The environment is highly collaborative and hands-on, with frequent use of test equipment such as oscilloscopes and specialized instruments for infrared, optical, and sensor testing. Work will include time in a clean room, following appropriate procedures to handle sensitive hardware and payloads. The role offers the opportunity to work on advanced space flight and defense-related technologies, using tools such as MATLAB and Python for data analysis and test automation. The setting supports close interaction with experienced engineers and leaders, providing a dynamic environment where contributions have a direct impact on mission outcomes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Cypress, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $85.00/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 Cypress,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 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 [email protected] 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.