Systems Test Engineer

The Systems Test Engineer supports advanced electromagnetic interference and compatibility testing for multiple defense-related programs. This role focuses on developing and maintaining electrical system test strategies and plans, executing environmental reliability tests on printed circuit board assemblies, and ensuring electrical compliance and robustness to military standards. The engineer also designs and deploys electrical system integration test benches and supports testing from vehicle-level systems down to individual components and subsystems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain electrical system test strategies and detailed test plans to support multiple defense programs.
• Plan, execute, and document EMI/EMC testing activities to validate system performance and compliance.
• Conduct electrical compliance and robustness testing in accordance with MIL-STD-704 and MIL-STD-461 requirements.
• Support and perform environmental reliability testing, including HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing) and HASS (Highly Accelerated Stress Screening) on printed circuit board assemblies.
• Design, build, and deploy electrical system integration test benches to support subsystem and system-level validation.
• Support vehicle-level to component-level test requirements, ensuring traceability and coverage across all electrical subsystems.
• Perform integration testing of electrical subsystems to verify proper operation and interaction within larger system architectures.
• Operate and configure specialized test equipment required for EMI/EMC, environmental, and electrical compliance testing.
• Document test procedures, results, and findings, and provide clear feedback and recommendations to engineering teams.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, firmware, and software engineers, to resolve issues identified during testing and improve overall system performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, tools, and processes to increase test efficiency and coverage.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BS EE).
• 4 years of hands-on EMI/EMC testing experience.
• Strong understanding of MIL-STD-704 and MIL-STD-461 electrical compliance standards.
• Practical experience conducting electrical compliance and robustness testing to MIL-STD-704 and MIL-STD-461.
• Working knowledge of HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing) and HASS (Highly Accelerated Stress Screening) testing methods.
• Experience using test equipment for EMI/EMC and electrical compliance testing.
• Ability to design and support electrical system integration test benches.
• Ability to support testing from vehicle-level systems down to component-level subsystems.
• Eligibility to work on U.S. defense-related programs, including U.S. citizenship as required by program needs.

• Experience with EMI testing and EMC testing for complex electronic systems.
• Familiarity with test bench design and deployment for hardware integration.
• Experience working on defense or aerospace programs involving advanced sensor and platform hardware.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams, including mechanical, firmware, and software disciplines.
• Strong documentation skills for test plans, procedures, and reports.
• Interest in supporting cutting-edge AI and computer vision-based detection and defeat capabilities through robust hardware testing.

The Systems Test Engineer works within a team supporting Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), collaborating closely with a group of approximately 10 engineers and 1 technician. The environment centers on state-of-the-art technology used in defense applications, including platform and sensor hardware that enables advanced AI and computer vision capabilities. The role involves regular use of specialized test equipment, electrical system integration test benches, and facilities designed for EMI/EMC, environmental, and reliability testing. The organization emphasizes a fast-moving, technology-driven culture with strong growth, cross-functional collaboration, and opportunities to work alongside highly talented and driven engineers across mechanical, firmware, and software domains.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Costa Mesa, CA.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $90.00/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 Costa Mesa,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 : $60 - $90