What are the responsibilities and job description for the Battery Test Engineer position at Actalent?
Job Title: Battery Test Engineer
Job Description
The Battery Test Engineer supports design verification, physical testing, and certification of traction battery pack systems for hybrid and electric vehicles. In this role, you work closely with test and design engineers to execute functional, safety, and thermal performance tests on battery packs. You become proficient in test site installation, equipment and instrumentation connections, verification of test setups, and start-up of the site automation system (Lynx). You also obtain safety certification to perform high voltage electrical and mechanical tests and contribute to the continuous improvement and automation of a world-class battery test laboratory.
Responsibilities
- Provide engineering support for the existing electrical test facility and ensure reliable day-to-day operation.
- Collaborate with electrical program teams to confirm the facility’s capability for current and future testing needs.
- Work with engineering and program teams to automate existing and future testing capabilities, with an emphasis on full automation and requester-not-present operation.
- Develop test systems that deliver efficient test timing and 100% issue or error detection related to product or test execution.
- Perform detailed data analysis and generate comprehensive technical reports that summarize test results, findings, and recommendations.
- Lead and support the creation and publication of standardized test methods for battery pack systems.
- Configure, operate, and program Lynx site automation systems and supplemental site controls and I/O to achieve fully automated testing and complete error detection and response.
- Review and sign off on test setups for accuracy, functionality, and safety, especially for high voltage testing.
- Analyze test data for performance and execution issues and develop detection strategies for issues not captured by the site control system.
- Facilitate timely and accurate data delivery to internal and external customers.
- Provide clear direction to Test Technicians to support the performance of design verification testing.
- Translate test request requirements into lab-executable instructions and detailed test plans.
- Assist technicians with day-to-day execution of testing, including setup, troubleshooting, and adherence to procedures.
- Lead test site troubleshooting efforts to quickly identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Develop proposals for test equipment and facility upgrade capital projects, including defining scope and objectives.
- Author specification and statement of work documents for new equipment and facility modifications.
- Build financial and business rationales for capital investments and obtain cost estimates.
- Develop project timing plans and manage capital projects, including tracking and managing cost, schedule, and equipment installation activities.
- Lead activities with equipment vendors and skilled trades to ensure successful installation and commissioning of new equipment.
- Coordinate with laboratory staff to integrate new systems and capabilities into existing test operations.
- Apply hands-on experience with circuits, wiring, circuit boards, and voltage testing to support battery and high-voltage test activities.
- Troubleshoot electrical and instrumentation issues in test setups and equipment to maintain test quality and uptime.
- Contribute to a safe, high-integrity work environment by following and promoting high-voltage and lab safety practices.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 1 year of engineering experience preferred, or a Master’s degree from an accredited engineering school.
- Experience in a battery laboratory test environment preferred, including battery test or voltage testing experience.
- Understanding of vehicle powertrain, power supply, and vehicle electrical system operation, with emphasis on high voltage, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and battery electric vehicle (BEV) applications.
- Knowledge of data collection and communication systems and their operation.
- Familiarity with AVL Lynx site automation systems is a plus.
- Knowledge of CAN and Ethernet communication protocols.
- Working knowledge of instrumentation measurement systems and transducers, including temperature, pressure, and fluid flow sensors.
- Hands-on experience with circuits, wiring components, circuit boards, and voltage testing.
- Ability to develop and follow detailed test plans for battery and electrical testing.
- Demonstrated leadership behaviors with strong teamwork, analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office tools such as PowerPoint and Excel.
- Ability to handle multiple simultaneous tasks and adjust to changing requirements.
- Self-starting attitude with the ability and desire to take responsibility and deliver results with minimal supervision.
- Ability and courage to effectively communicate key issues and recommendations to management.
- Ability to work effectively within diverse environments.
- High integrity and a positive, professional attitude.
Work Environment
This role is based in a dedicated battery laboratory and electrical test facility that supports traction battery pack testing for hybrid and electric vehicles. You work hands-on around high-voltage systems, test stands, and instrumentation, and you regularly interface with site automation systems such as AVL Lynx, data collection systems, and CAN/Ethernet communication networks. The environment combines office-based tasks such as data analysis, report writing, and project planning with lab-based activities including test setup, equipment configuration, and troubleshooting. You collaborate closely with test engineers, design engineers, technicians, equipment vendors, and skilled trades in a fast-paced setting with evolving testing demands. The position offers a long-term, open-ended opportunity with anticipated growth in workload at a major battery lab, providing strong potential for professional development and exposure to cutting-edge hybrid and electric vehicle technologies.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of DEARBORN, MI.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $38.00/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)
This is a fully onsite position in DEARBORN,MI.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
- Hiring diverse talent
- Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
- Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
- Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
Salary : $30 - $38