Test Engineer

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Test EngineerJob Description

This Test Engineer role supports the development, planning, execution, and oversight of spacecraft hardware testing for advanced propulsion and aerospace systems. You will design and run tests for complex hardware, with a strong focus on environmental and aerospace testing, while working hands-on with laboratory and test equipment. The position requires excellent documentation skills for developing test procedures, reporting, and data collection, and offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies such as vacuum chambers, ion beam systems, and high-voltage electronics in a collaborative, small-team environment where your ideas and suggestions are valued.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive test plans, including verification and validation matrices for spacecraft hardware and related systems.
• Create detailed test procedures for qualification, acceptance, and development tests across multiple programs.
• Support environmental, vacuum, aerospace, and research and development testing activities for advanced propulsion and space systems.
• Execute tests using laboratory and test equipment, ensuring accurate data collection, analysis, and documentation of results.
• Operate and support advanced technologies, including vacuum chambers, ion beam systems, and high-voltage electronics, in a hands-on capacity.
• Support troubleshooting efforts and participate in failure investigations to identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Assist with test station setup, including configuration, calibration, and maintenance of test equipment and instrumentation.
• Coordinate and support procurement of test equipment and related hardware required for test campaigns.
• Prepare clear and thorough test reports and maintain all quality, test, and failure documentation in accordance with internal standards.
• Use laboratory instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, signal generators, and temperature sensors to support test activities.
• Apply EMI and EMC test practices and utilize lab instrumentation to ensure hardware performance and compliance.
• Leverage tools such as LabVIEW and other data acquisition or automated test platforms to support test execution and data logging.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine test requirements, improve test coverage, and enhance test methodologies.
• Handle and test ESD-sensitive hardware using appropriate procedures and safeguards.

Essential Skills

• 8+ years of experience in a test engineering or similar role.
• Experience developing and executing test plans and test procedures for hardware products.
• Experience supporting qualification or acceptance testing of hardware products.
• Experience with environmental testing for hardware, including exposure to relevant aerospace or laboratory environments.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, including power supplies, oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, and temperature sensors.
• Experience working with ESD-sensitive hardware using proper handling practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing test procedures, documentation, and reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation, reporting, and data analysis.
• Experience with test engineering for hardware systems, including the use of lab instrumentation and digital multimeters.
• Experience with EMI and EMC testing and the use of associated lab instrumentation.
• Experience using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and other test equipment to validate and troubleshoot hardware.
• Experience creating test procedures and documentation for aerospace, space systems, or related hardware.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and document test data accurately and systematically.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Vacuum chamber experience, including work in ultra-high vacuum environments (below 1 micro-Torr).
• Aerospace environmental testing experience, including testing of spacecraft or space-related systems.
• Experience with vibration, shock, radiation, thermal, and humidity testing.
• Familiarity with military or other high-reliability standards for hardware testing and qualification.
• Experience working with high-voltage equipment up to 5 kV.
• Experience with automated test equipment and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with one or more of the following software tools: LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, Altium, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD.
• Experience with test development for space systems and advanced propulsion technologies.
• Ability to work autonomously in a small, highly collaborative team environment.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, innovative setting focused on advanced propulsion technologies.

Work Environment

This role offers the opportunity to work closely with a small, highly engaged team developing groundbreaking propulsion technology, described as the first new propulsion technology of its kind since the 1960s. The culture emphasizes open communication, strong collaboration, and a setting where every team member is heard and encouraged to bring forward suggestions and ideas. You will have significant autonomy and ownership over your work due to the small-team environment. The position involves hands-on work with laboratory and test equipment, including vacuum chambers, high-voltage systems, and a variety of lab instrumentation. Travel is required for test activities within the United States, typically once a month, for about a week or less per trip. Flight test activities require travel, while non-flight testing is primarily conducted in the Boston area. The work environment centers on advanced aerospace and space systems testing, with frequent interaction with environmental, vacuum, and aerospace test setups, and the use of tools such as LabVIEW and other data acquisition or automated test platforms.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Boston, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $170000.00 - $195000.00/yr.

Benefits Paid holidays, sick time, and flexible vacation policy. Medical and dental coverage with employer contribution. 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting. Life insurance. Short-term and long-term disability coverage. Tuition/education assistance.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Boston,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.