Mechanical Test Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Test Engineer

Job Description

The Mechanical Test Engineer owns and operates a robotics test laboratory that supports the development, validation, and continuous improvement of advanced robotic hardware systems. This role serves as the primary owner of the lab’s hardware infrastructure, including robotic systems, test equipment, fixtures, tooling, and gantry-based test environments that simulate real-world operating conditions. The Mechanical Test Engineer combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with hands-on laboratory experience and advanced CAD skills, particularly in SolidWorks, to design, build, and maintain high-quality test solutions. This position requires a proactive problem solver with exceptional ownership, clear communication skills, and a strong bias for action, working closely with a Software Engineer to develop and execute comprehensive testing solutions while maintaining responsibility for all mechanical and hardware aspects of the lab.

Responsibilities

• Own the day-to-day operation, organization, and continuous improvement of a robotics test lab.
• Serve as the primary owner of all hardware-related lab infrastructure, including equipment, fixtures, tooling, and test assets.
• Design, develop, and maintain mechanical fixtures, tooling, and test equipment, and manage associated 3D models, assemblies, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation.
• Build, integrate, troubleshoot, and maintain robotic hardware systems, sensors, and electromechanical assemblies.
• Operate, maintain, and support large-scale test infrastructure, including gantry systems used to simulate real-world environments and robotic operating conditions.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate hardware performance, reliability, durability, and functionality.
• Analyze test results, identify root causes of failures, and drive effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with a Software Engineer to implement and improve automated test solutions.
• Support prototype development, hardware rework, fixture fabrication, and engineering validation activities.
• Establish and improve test procedures, safety practices, documentation standards, and operational workflows within the lab.
• Manage lab equipment, inventory, calibration schedules, and overall test readiness to ensure consistent availability and reliability of test resources.
• Communicate test status, findings, risks, and recommendations clearly to engineering stakeholders.
• Drive projects and lab initiatives from concept through execution with minimal oversight, demonstrating strong ownership and accountability.

Essential Skills

• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with the ability to apply them to robotic hardware systems and test environments.
• Hands-on experience working in a mechanical or robotics test laboratory setting.
• Advanced CAD skills, particularly proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed mechanical drawings.
• Proven ability to design, develop, and maintain mechanical fixtures, tooling, and test equipment.
• Experience building, integrating, troubleshooting, and maintaining robotic hardware systems, sensors, and electromechanical assemblies.
• Capability to develop and execute structured test plans focused on performance, reliability, durability, and functionality.
• Skill in analyzing test data, identifying root causes of failures, and driving corrective actions.
• Strong communication skills to convey test results, risks, and recommendations to technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated proactive problem-solving skills and a strong bias for action.
• Ability to work with minimal oversight and take full ownership of lab infrastructure and projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating and supporting large-scale test infrastructure, such as gantry-based systems that simulate real-world operating conditions.
• Background in mechanical design for robotics, including fixture and tooling design.
• Familiarity with establishing and improving test procedures, safety practices, and documentation standards.
• Experience collaborating closely with software engineers to develop and refine automated test solutions.
• Ability to manage lab inventory, calibration schedules, and equipment readiness.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in maintaining engineering documentation and lab workflows.

Work Environment

The Mechanical Test Engineer works primarily in a robotics test laboratory environment that houses robotic systems, sensors, electromechanical assemblies, and large-scale gantry-based test infrastructure designed to simulate real-world operating conditions. The role involves frequent hands-on work with mechanical fixtures, tooling, and test equipment, as well as regular use of CAD software such as SolidWorks to create and maintain 3D models, assemblies, and detailed drawings. The environment is highly technical and collaborative, with close partnership between hardware and software engineering teams. Work includes a mix of lab-based testing, prototype support, troubleshooting, and documentation activities, with a strong focus on safety practices, organized workflows, and maintaining high test readiness. Attire is typically appropriate for a laboratory and engineering setting, allowing safe and comfortable interaction with mechanical and electromechanical equipment.

This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.

The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $145000.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in North Reading,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 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.

Salary : $135,000 - $145,000