Systems Test Engineer

SYSTEMS TEST & VALIDATION ENGINEER | JOIN AN R&D-FOCUSED TEAM IN FORT WAYNE, IN

Job Description

We are seeking a Systems Test Engineer to support system-level validation and reliability testing of geothermal heat pump products. This role bridges Design Engineering and the Test Lab, focusing on the creation and execution of test plans that validate product performance, reliability, and control behavior across a wide range of operating conditions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, and execute system-level test plans and test procedures based on operational requirements and quality risks.
• Perform functional, performance, reliability, and stress testing on geothermal heat pump systems operating across multiple modes and environments such as heating, cooling, and ambient transitions.
• Validate system performance against specifications, standards, and customer use cases.
• Test both mechanical operation and control behavior, ensuring control logic performs as expected under varying conditions.
• Execute 'test-to-break' validation, intentionally pushing systems beyond nominal conditions to uncover failure modes.
• Conduct and contribute to FMEA activities, using results to inform test coverage and validation strategy.
• Identify quality issues and translate them into structured, repeatable test plans.
• Serve as a technical bridge between Design Engineers and Test Lab teams, ensuring intent, risks, and expectations are clearly validated.
• Perform hands-on testing at the bench using largely non-automated test stands, with future involvement in test automation efforts.
• Document test results, failures, and recommendations clearly for engineering and leadership teams.
• Support customer-facing validation by proving system performance across a wide range of real-world scenarios.

Essential Skills

• 5 years of experience writing and executing test plans and test procedures.
• Proven experience performing system-level testing and validating test plans against requirements and quality expectations.
• Hands-on experience in an R&D lab environment focused on testing design intent.
• Ability to identify quality risks and independently define test strategies to address them.
• Experience testing integrated systems involving mechanical, controls, and software elements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the HVAC or heat pump industry.
• Reliability or durability testing experience.
• Exposure to test automation or defining future automation strategies.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled systems and functional software testing.

Work Environment

The role offers a flexible work environment with the ability to work three days in the office and two days remotely, depending on the project phase. This is a hands-on, cross-disciplinary R&D role, where you have the opportunity to influence design and build the validation process forward, impacting real-world product performance.

THIS OPPORTUNITY IS ONSITE IN FORT WAYNE, IN - NOT SOUTH BEND, IN

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Bend, IN.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/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 hybrid position in South Bend,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 20, 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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $50 - $60