Project Engineer

Job Title: Project EngineerJob Description

The Project Engineer manages and executes complex test projects across mechanical, aerospace, electrical, and fiber optic hardware and components. This role serves as the primary technical and program interface with customers, ensuring that all test activities meet contractual, technical, and schedule requirements. The Project Engineer oversees the full project lifecycle, from interpreting customer test plans and drafting procedures to coordinating resources, monitoring progress, and delivering accurate, well-documented results.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute test projects from initiation through completion, serving as the principal point of contact for customer communication, scheduling, coordination, monitoring, and reporting.

• Act as the primary technical and program interface between the organization and customers, ensuring clear, professional, and timely communication at all stages of the project.

• Review and interpret customer-provided test plans, statements of work, standards, and related documentation to ensure test compliance, technical accuracy, and feasibility.

• Monitor and maintain project scope, proactively identifying scope changes and communicating them to customers while relaying updated information to internal teams.

• Draft detailed test plans, procedures, and work instructions based on customer requirements and applicable standards.

• Select and identify suitable vendors, obtain quotations, and source required supplies, materials, and services to support the development and performance of test projects.

• Design and manage test setups, including fixturing, instrumentation, chambers, equipment, and data acquisition systems, to achieve specified test conditions and requirements.

• Coordinate cross-functional efforts among engineering, laboratory, and support teams to ensure efficient and accurate test execution.

• Analyze test data, verify its accuracy and consistency, and document results according to internal documentation processes and customer requirements.

• Prepare clear and comprehensive test reports and project documentation that accurately reflect test methods, conditions, and outcomes.

• Ensure adherence to relevant industry standards, test methodologies, and internal quality procedures throughout project execution.

• Support laboratory operations by performing related duties as assigned, including assisting with process improvements, equipment utilization, and resource planning.

• Provide excellent customer service by responding promptly to technical inquiries, managing expectations, and maintaining strong professional relationships.

• Contribute to a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team environment and support colleagues through knowledge sharing, mentoring, and joint problem-solving.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering or scientific field.

• 3+ years of relevant work experience in engineering, test engineering, or closely related project-based roles.

• Experience managing and/or running test engineering projects, including planning, coordination, and reporting.

• Demonstrated knowledge of product qualification and test engineering in environmental testing, such as thermal cycling, vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, pressure, electrical, and optical testing.

• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and implement industry-standard test methodologies and specifications.

• Proficiency with standard business software products, including Microsoft Office and project management tools.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and confidently with customers and internal stakeholders.

• Hands-on, self-directed work style with the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.

• Strong organizational skills with a high degree of conscientiousness, accuracy, and attention to detail.

• Proven ability to work smoothly and collaboratively within a team environment.

• US Citizenship or US Permanent Resident status, due to access to US export-controlled information.

• Ability to obtain Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) approval as an Employee Possessor.

• Valid drivers license.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with project engineering, project coordination, and cross-functional project management.

• Background in customer service or customer-facing engineering roles, with strong customer interface skills.

• Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and/or other computer-aided design (CAD) or engineering design software.

• Interest in working simultaneously on a variety of projects across multiple engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and fiber optic systems.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects and manage time effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

• Motivation to continue learning through mentoring, ongoing education, and collaboration within a technical team.

Work Environment

This role operates within a large, specialized test laboratory campus spanning multiple buildings and over 50,000 square feet of facilities. The environment offers hands-on exposure to testing cutting-edge technologies for major engineering companies across aerospace, telecommunications, military, and industrial sectors. Project Engineers support testing on a wide range of systems, including rocket engines, satellite components, electric vehicle batteries, and lunar lander hardware. The work setting is dynamic and fast-paced, with frequent interaction between mechanical, electrical, and fiber optic disciplines and close collaboration among engineers, technicians, and support staff. The organization emphasizes technical excellence, superior customer service, and a culture where staff thrive through mentoring, ongoing education, and teamwork. The atmosphere encourages problem-solving, innovation, and professional growth in a highly technical, laboratory-based environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oxnard, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $55.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oxnard, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Oxnard,CA.

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.