Test Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Video Test Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on hands-on video testing and troubleshooting of complex embedded hardware and software systems. You will set up and run video tests, diagnose issues at the board level using lab equipment, and collaborate with engineering teams to verify and validate high-speed video and multimedia products. The position requires strong practical experience in video test engineering, a solid understanding of schematics and PCB-level hardware, and the ability to operate a variety of electronic test instruments in a lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and run video tests on embedded systems using encoders, decoders, monitors, and related video equipment.
• Connect devices to test fixtures and configure test setups, including encoders, decoders, and fiber connections, before executing automated or semi-automated test scripts.
• Troubleshoot video issues by using tools such as signal generators, signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers, and by reviewing schematics to identify potential problem areas.
• Perform hands-on testing of both hardware and software, focusing on verification and validation (V&V) of video and high-speed signal performance.
• Check DC power levels, analyze electrical issues, document findings, and work closely with the engineering team to resolve problems.
• Conduct verification and validation tests (V&V) on boards and systems, ensuring they meet design and performance requirements.
• Generate clear, detailed test reports that summarize test setups, procedures, results, and identified issues.
• Collaborate with electrical, firmware, software, and mechanical engineers to review observed behaviors, determine appropriate test strategies, and decide how to program or test specific features.
• Inspect and test PCBs at the board level, including high-speed signals, and use schematics to guide test and debug activities.
• Identify when PCB rework is required and provide precise instructions to technicians or engineers, such as which components to move or solder, and where to place resistors or other components.
• Use and manage multiple automation consoles, ensuring proper test setup and execution while remaining actively involved in hardware-level testing and analysis.
• Configure and run partial automation scripts for tests, interpret results, and adjust configurations as needed to validate system performance.
• Perform troubleshooting of electrical, electronic, and hardware issues, going beyond simple pass/fail results to understand product behavior.
• Utilize lab management best practices, keeping test areas organized, equipment properly configured, and test data well documented.
• Participate in discussions and meetings to review test behaviors and results, and to contribute to decisions on how to refine tests or configurations for improved coverage and accuracy.

Essential Skills

• Proven video testing experience with video, multimedia, screens, displays, and monitors.
• Hands-on experience analyzing and testing PCBs and boards in embedded systems, including high-speed signals on the board.
• Ability to read and interpret electronic schematics and apply them during troubleshooting and testing.
• Strong proficiency using oscilloscopes for measurement and analysis of signals.
• Experience using test equipment such as signal generators, signal analyzers, and spectrum analyzers.
• Experience in test engineering with a focus on verification and validation (V&V), including verification testing, validation testing, and automated test execution.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electrical, electronic, and hardware issues in a lab environment.
• Detail-oriented approach to electronics lab work and lab management, including careful documentation and organization.
• Comfort working directly with hardware and test fixtures, rather than solely relying on fully automated, push-button testing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience programming in Python to perform basic automation and configure test tools.
• Experience conducting network-related testing, including interfacing with fiber, Ethernet, and similar communication media.
• Approximately 7–10+ years of experience in test engineering, hardware testing, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on hardware testing experience at the board level, including high-speed and embedded systems.
• Soldering experience and familiarity with PCB rework, including moving components and modifying board layouts as needed.
• Experience using additional tools such as digital analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators for deeper analysis.
• Understanding of how firmware drives peripherals, USB interfaces, and physical components, with the ability to relate this to hardware behavior.
• Ability to bridge hardware and firmware perspectives, focusing on how physical components and signals behave rather than only on communication protocols.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role with flexible work arrangements. The position is based in a lab and engineering environment that includes a mix of electrical, firmware, software, mechanical, and test engineers. You will work alongside a local team consisting of approximately 3–5 electrical engineers, 3–5 firmware and software engineers, 3 test engineers, and 2 mechanical engineers, as well as an extended OEM team located overseas. The work involves extensive use of lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, signal analyzers, spectrum analyzers, digital analyzers, encoders, decoders, monitors, and various test fixtures. Testing focuses on real hardware rather than simulations, and you will frequently handle boards, connect cables, and configure equipment. The schedule offers flexibility as long as you are present during core hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and complete an 8-hour workday. On certain days, such as when you have appointments, you may work from home, and some engineers occasionally work remotely on Fridays, subject to team needs. The environment encourages collaboration, technical discussions, and hands-on problem solving with a focus on delivering reliable, high-performance video and embedded systems.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $56.00 - $85.00/hr.

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 Torrance,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 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.