What are the responsibilities and job description for the Propulsion Test Engineer position at Actalent?
Job Title: Systems Engineer IV – Satellite Propulsion Front Line Test Engineer
Job Description
The Satellite Propulsion Front Line Test Engineer serves as the first line of defense for production quality within a high‑volume electric propulsion manufacturing environment. This role focuses on testing and validating propulsion subsystems, including Hall-effect thrusters, cathodes, propellant feed systems, avionics, propellant storage, and integrated propulsion systems, using automated test equipment. The engineer troubleshoots test issues in real time, resolves nonconformances, and optimizes test processes to ensure minimal downtime, robust root cause analysis, and 100% test coverage before products reach the customer. Acting as a key bridge between Design Engineering and the Production Floor, this position combines hands-on technical work with data-driven decision making in a fast-paced, high-pressure production setting.
Responsibilities
This role operates in a fast-paced manufacturing and test environment focused on satellite electric propulsion systems. You will work directly on the production floor around automated test equipment, propulsion subsystems, and related hardware, frequently interfacing with pressurized fluid, vacuum, and plasma-based systems under established safety protocols. The position supports two weekday shifts: a day shift from Monday to Friday, typically from 9:00 AM, and a night shift from Monday to Friday, typically from 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM. The work requires standing for long periods, moving between test stations, and handling physical hardware and test fixtures. Collaboration with production operators, technicians, and engineers is continuous, and the environment emphasizes rapid response to issues, clear communication, and rigorous adherence to quality and documentation standards.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.
Pay And Benefits
The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $84.85/hr.
Requirements
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:
This is a fully onsite position in Redmond,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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
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.
Job Description
The Satellite Propulsion Front Line Test Engineer serves as the first line of defense for production quality within a high‑volume electric propulsion manufacturing environment. This role focuses on testing and validating propulsion subsystems, including Hall-effect thrusters, cathodes, propellant feed systems, avionics, propellant storage, and integrated propulsion systems, using automated test equipment. The engineer troubleshoots test issues in real time, resolves nonconformances, and optimizes test processes to ensure minimal downtime, robust root cause analysis, and 100% test coverage before products reach the customer. Acting as a key bridge between Design Engineering and the Production Floor, this position combines hands-on technical work with data-driven decision making in a fast-paced, high-pressure production setting.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary engineering contact on the production floor for propulsion component and subsystem acceptance tests, including in-circuit tests (ICT), functional tests, and end-of-line tests.
- Provide immediate production engineering support for test nonconformances and critical "line-down" situations to restore testing operations quickly and safely.
- Troubleshoot and repair test issues by diagnosing direct and root causes of failures, distinguishing between product defects and test system problems involving test equipment or software.
- Perform systematic root cause analysis on hardware failures and test anomalies, and drive corrective and preventive actions to closure.
- Monitor First Pass Yield (FPY) and other key test performance metrics, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, improve throughput, and minimize re-test loops.
- Optimize and refine automated test equipment and test sequences to improve reliability, repeatability, and coverage of propulsion subsystem tests.
- Assist in the validation, commissioning, and "bring-up" of new test stations during New Product Introduction (NPI) phases, ensuring they meet performance and quality requirements.
- Collaborate closely with Design Engineering to interpret test results, refine test limits, and ensure that test strategies align with product design intent and customer requirements.
- Maintain clear, accurate documentation of station downtime, test issues, corrective actions, and Engineering Change Order (ECO) implementations.
- Create, update, and clarify operator instructions and test procedures to support consistent and safe execution of test operations by production personnel.
- Communicate complex technical issues and test findings in a clear, accessible manner to non-technical production operators and provide data-driven reports and status updates to leadership.
- Support a high-pressure, live production environment by prioritizing tasks effectively, responding rapidly to issues on the line, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to minimize production impact.
- Handle and interface with physical hardware, including propulsion components and test fixtures, while adhering to established safety and quality standards.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
- At least 1 year of experience developing or maturing test and data acquisition software using Python, NI LabVIEW, or NI TestStand.
- At least 1 year of experience operating pressurized fluid, vacuum, and/or plasma-based systems.
- At least 1 year of experience investigating hardware failures or performing structured root cause analysis.
- At least 1 year of experience working with electrical test equipment and data acquisition systems such as oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers.
- Strong ability to distinguish between product-related failures and issues originating from test equipment or test software.
- Ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to non-technical production operators.
- Ability to prepare and present data-driven reports and recommendations to leadership.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with live production pressures.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and safely handle physical hardware and test fixtures.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills in an automated test environment.
- Experience in a production test, manufacturing test, or front line test engineering role supporting live manufacturing lines.
- Familiarity with propulsion systems, including Hall-effect thrusters, cathodes, propellant feed systems, avionics, propellant storage, and integrated propulsion systems.
- Experience in continuous improvement methodologies focused on improving First Pass Yield, reducing cycle time, and minimizing re-test rates.
- Experience working with Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and implementing changes in a production test environment.
- Experience collaborating across design, manufacturing, and test teams to resolve complex technical issues.
- Ability to perform effectively under time pressure while maintaining high quality and safety standards.
- Strong written documentation skills for test procedures, operator instructions, and issue tracking.
This role operates in a fast-paced manufacturing and test environment focused on satellite electric propulsion systems. You will work directly on the production floor around automated test equipment, propulsion subsystems, and related hardware, frequently interfacing with pressurized fluid, vacuum, and plasma-based systems under established safety protocols. The position supports two weekday shifts: a day shift from Monday to Friday, typically from 9:00 AM, and a night shift from Monday to Friday, typically from 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM. The work requires standing for long periods, moving between test stations, and handling physical hardware and test fixtures. Collaboration with production operators, technicians, and engineers is continuous, and the environment emphasizes rapid response to issues, clear communication, and rigorous adherence to quality and documentation standards.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.
Pay And Benefits
The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $84.85/hr.
Requirements
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 Redmond,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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
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 : $75 - $85