Automotive Test Technician

Actalent is seeking an Automotive Test Technician to play a key role in an engineering team by testing and validating automotive diagnostic products against defined specifications in preparation for product release.

About the role

In this position, you perform pre-defined tests on designated vehicles for a new product currently in development. You strictly follow documented test procedures, record and track test results, create issue tickets for failures, and support engineers by providing clear data and status updates. This role offers hands-on experience with new automotive diagnostic technology without requiring an engineering degree, but demands strong attention to detail and solid mechanical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-defined tests of new automotive diagnostic products on designated vehicles, following established test procedures and work instructions.
• Track and report test progress clearly and consistently, including recording pass/fail results in spreadsheets and other tracking tools.
• Create detailed issue reports in an issue database whenever tests fail, documenting symptoms, conditions, and relevant data.
• Gather and organize data from failed tests and assist engineers in problem analysis by providing accurate observations and test artifacts.
• Plan, conduct, and deliver test results on time to support product development schedules and release milestones.
• Write test summaries and reports that clearly communicate test activities, outcomes, and observations.
• Write failure reports in an issues database, ensuring clarity, completeness, and traceability to specific test cases.
• Use spreadsheets to gather, record, and maintain vehicle test information, ensuring data accuracy and consistency.
• Conduct test and light repair activities on vehicles as needed to support testing and diagnostic evaluation.
• Follow work orders and test procedures related to shop tools and equipment, maintaining a structured and process-driven approach.
• Use automotive diagnostic tools to execute tests, read codes, and capture diagnostic information from vehicle systems.
• Communicate test case results effectively to engineers and team members, both in writing and verbally.
• Collaborate within a small team structure while working independently on assigned test cases and tasks.
• Perform repetitive testing as required, running the same tests multiple times and collecting redundant data sets for validation purposes.
• Handle and connect AC machines, carts, gauges, and basic tools safely and correctly during test setup and execution.
• Adhere to all lab, shop, and safety procedures while working with vehicles and testing equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including assignments that may extend into related areas requiring similar testing and mechanical skill sets.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a 2-year technical degree preferred in a relevant field.
• At least 2 years of related product test experience, ideally in automotive or diagnostic testing environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort with hands-on work on vehicles and test equipment.
• Experience conducting tests and repairs on vehicles in a lab, garage, or shop setting.
• Familiarity with automotive design or manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of OBD and OBD II vehicle diagnostic interfaces.
• Working knowledge of CAN vehicle communication protocols is preferred.
• Experience using automotive diagnostic tools to perform tests and collect data.
• Ability to follow detailed test procedures, work instructions, and work orders with high attention to detail.
• Experience with diagnostic testing, test validation, and executing structured test procedures.
• Proficiency with data collection and recording test results accurately.
• Solid written communication skills, including proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to write clear test summaries and reports that describe test activities and outcomes.
• Ability to write concise and accurate failure reports in an issues database.
• Experience using spreadsheets to gather, organize, and record vehicle test information.
• Ability to communicate effectively to share test case results and collaborate with engineers and team members.
• Comfort with GUI testing and interacting with software-based diagnostic interfaces.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a highly structured, process-driven environment.

Additional Skills

• Technical diploma or associate degree in automotive technology, electronics, or a related technical discipline is preferred.
• Experience in an engineering lab, test lab, or validation environment.
• Exposure to automotive diagnostic product development or validation processes.
• Familiarity with testing validation methodologies and quality-focused test practices.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a small, collaborative team.
• Comfort performing repetitive testing and collecting redundant data sets to ensure product reliability.
• General mechanical skills, including use of basic shop tools, gauges, carts, and related equipment.
• Ability to adapt to evolving test plans and take on assignments in related technical areas as needed.
• Strong organizational skills for managing multiple test cases, data sets, and reports concurrently.

Work Environment

This role operates in an engineering lab and garage/shop hybrid environment, providing a mix of office-based test documentation work and hands-on testing on vehicles and equipment. You work directly on vehicles and testing equipment, connecting AC machines, using carts, gauges, and basic tools, and interacting with automotive diagnostic tools and software interfaces. The environment is highly structured and process-driven, with predefined test steps and limited deviation, requiring strict adherence to test procedures and work instructions. Testing is often repetitive, involving running the same tests multiple times and collecting redundant data sets to validate product performance and reliability.

Work is team-based but individually focused: you work independently on assigned test cases while collaborating within a small engineering and test team, sharing results and supporting analysis. Dress is appropriate for a lab and shop setting, with attention to safety and practicality while working around vehicles, tools, and test equipment.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $34.00/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.

Benefits

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)

Schedule

This is a fully onsite, contract position based in Owatonna, MN.