Associate Test Engineer

Job Title: Associate Test EngineerJob Description The Associate Test Engineer connects and tests electronic hardware in a hands-on lab environment, troubleshoots issues on printed circuit boards, and supports verification and validation activities. This role focuses on conducting physical tests (not simulations) using a variety of electronic test instruments, analyzing results, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary engineering team to resolve problems and improve product quality. The Associate Test Engineer also helps maintain an organized, efficient electrical engineering lab and prepares clear test documentation. Responsibilities Connect devices under test to appropriate testing fixtures and equipment in a safe and accurate manner.Conduct physical tests on electronic hardware using tools such as encoders, decoders, signal generators, monitors, and other test instruments.Perform verification and validation (V&V) tests and automated tests as required to support product development and qualification.Check DC power levels, measure signals, and analyze electrical performance to identify issues and anomalies.Troubleshoot problems on PCBs and boards, including tracing signals, isolating faults, and determining root causes.Read and interpret hardware schematics to support analysis, testing, and troubleshooting activities.Document test procedures, results, and observations, and generate clear and concise test reports.Communicate findings to the engineering team and collaborate with electrical, firmware, software, mechanical, and OEM partners to resolve issues.Assist with lab management tasks, including organizing equipment, maintaining test setups, and ensuring tools and instruments are in good working order.Support automation testing efforts, including running automated test scripts and configuring test tools as needed.Proactively take on a variety of tasks assigned by the team, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to learn new tools and methods.Help ensure the EE lab remains clean, safe, and efficient, following best practices for handling electronic equipment and components. Essential Skills Experience analyzing and testing printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic boards.Ability to read and interpret hardware schematics at a basic level.Hands-on experience with electrical testing and troubleshooting of electronic hardware.Familiarity with test engineering concepts and the use of common test equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, and analyzers.Basic understanding of electrical and electronic engineering principles.Experience with verification and validation (V&V) testing, including verification testing, validation testing, and automated test execution.Ability to troubleshoot electrical issues, including identifying and resolving problems with signals, power, and hardware components.Proactive, energetic attitude with a strong willingness to learn and take on diverse tasks.Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze test data and report findings clearly.Comfort working in an electronics lab environment and managing multiple tests and setups. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience programming in Python to perform basic automation and configure test tools.Experience conducting network testing and working with interfaces such as fiber and Ethernet.Soldering experience for rework or modifications on PCBs and boards.Experience using digital analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and similar test instruments.Background in electronics lab management, including organizing equipment and supporting lab operations.Exposure to automation testing frameworks and tools used in electrical and hardware test environments.Experience working with verification and validation (V&V) processes in a product development setting.Interest in collaborating with cross-functional teams, including electrical, firmware, software, mechanical, and OEM partners. Work Environment This role is primarily on-site in an electronics lab environment with some flexibility. Team members may work from home on certain days, such as when they have appointments, and some engineers in the department occasionally work from home on Fridays, although this is not guaranteed each week. You must be available during core hours from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and outside of those core hours you can choose your start and end times as long as you complete an eight-hour workday. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team that typically includes 3–5 electrical engineers, 3–5 firmware and software engineers, 3 test engineers, and 2 mechanical engineers on-site, as well as an OEM team of about 15 people based in Taiwan. The work involves regular use of electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, analyzers, and other lab tools, and requires maintaining a clean, organized, and safe lab environment while handling electronic hardware and test fixtures. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Torrance, CA. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $68.00/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Torrance,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 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.