Manufacturing Test Engineer - Aerospace

Job Title: Manufacturing / Test Engineer – Environmental Test Lab

Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on, inquisitive Manufacturing / Test Engineer to support mechanisms testing within an environmental test lab. You will work directly with TVAC chambers, thermal cycling equipment, and automated test systems to validate sub-assemblies and full systems. This role is ideal for someone who is technically curious, enjoys troubleshooting complex issues across hardware and software, and is eager to work with automated test scripts and lab diagnostics in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct tests on sub-assemblies and full systems in thermal vacuum (TVAC) chambers, thermal cycling setups, and other environmental test equipment within the lab.
• Execute and monitor environmental tests including thermal, acoustic, and vibration (vibe) testing to support both development and production programs.
• Author, review, execute, and troubleshoot automated test scripts using LabVIEW, NI TestStand, and programming languages such as Python, C , and C#.
• Collaborate closely with the software development team to understand, integrate, and utilize test automation code for manufacturing and development testing.
• Diagnose and resolve issues when test setups fail to meet expected parameters, including temperature control problems in TVAC chambers and other environmental systems.
• Analyze automated test scripts to identify bottlenecks, failure points, and inefficiencies, then recommend and help implement fixes to improve reliability and throughput.
• Troubleshoot lab hardware, electronic systems, mechanical components, networking issues, and system configurations using a broad technical skill set.
• Use diagnostic tools and lab instrumentation to support testing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement activities.
• Apply structured root cause and corrective action (RCCA) methods, as well as lean, Six Sigma, and 5S principles, to improve test processes and manufacturing quality.
• Create and maintain clear technical documentation, including test plans, work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and test reports such as QTP and ATP.
• Support automated manufacturing and test systems, ensuring that equipment, fixtures, and software operate reliably for production and development builds.
• Engage in hands-on work in the lab and on the manufacturing floor, following established lab protocols, safety guidelines, and best practices for environmental testing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing engineering, test engineering, and development engineering, to resolve technical issues and improve product performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, fixtures, and processes to enhance throughput, repeatability, and data quality.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience working in an environmental test lab setting with hands-on test execution on sub-assemblies and full systems.
• Strong background in test engineering, manufacturing engineering, and troubleshooting of mechanical and electronic systems.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, C , or C# for test script review, development, and automation.
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, NI TestStand, and other automation tools used for automated test execution and data collection.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve test failures, including hardware and software integration issues, environmental control problems, and system configuration errors.
• Experience with environmental test methods such as thermal, acoustic, and vibration testing in support of production and development programs.
• Solid understanding of automated systems and automated manufacturing concepts as they relate to test and validation.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze complex test data, identify root causes, and recommend effective corrective actions.
• Ability to read, interpret, and contribute to technical documentation such as test plans, work instructions, SOPs, and test procedures.
• Comfort working with CAD tools (such as SolidWorks, NX, or Unigraphics) to understand or support mechanical fixtures, test setups, or manufacturing tooling.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in hardware assembly and practical troubleshooting, such as building gaming PCs, setting up home networks, or assisting with IP and connectivity issues.
• background in technical writing for test plans, work instructions, SOPs, and test reports (QTP, ATP) in a manufacturing or test environment.
• Familiarity with production and development test flows, including ramping tests from development into production.
• Exposure to root cause and corrective action (RCCA) methodologies, as well as lean, Six Sigma, and 5S practices in a lab or manufacturing setting.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and improve processes.
• Passion for learning new technologies, test tools, and automation frameworks, and for adapting to evolving test methodologies.
• Strong communication skills to clearly explain findings, issues, and recommendations to engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders.
• Enthusiasm for hands-on lab work and a proactive approach to identifying and implementing process improvements.

This is a Contract position based out of Kirkland, WA.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $69.95/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 Kirkland,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 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 : $60 - $70