Sensor Lab Test Engineer

Actalent is seeking a Sensor Lab Test Engineer to support the development, characterization, and validation of advanced sensing technologies used in robotic and automation systems. This hands-on role involves maintaining a well-organized sensor testing laboratory while executing rigorous testing and analysis of 2D and 3D sensor systems.

About the role

You will ensure test infrastructure is maintained, processes are clearly documented, and testing is performed to the highest quality standards. The role emphasizes data-driven analysis to solve complex technical challenges in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including sensors, fixtures, optical targets, cables, and supporting equipment.
• Track and maintain calibration schedules for laboratory instruments and reference standards.
• Coordinate lab space utilization, storage systems, and equipment layouts to maximize efficiency.
• Develop and maintain laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and best-practice documentation.
• Manage incoming and outgoing sensor samples, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and traceability.
• Execute image quality characterization tests, including resolution, noise, dynamic range, color accuracy, distortion, and uniformity measurements for 2D sensors.
• Perform electro-optical testing using industry-standard analysis tools and custom test setups.
• Evaluate 2D sensor performance against specifications under varying environmental conditions such as temperature, lighting, and vibration.
• Set up, align, and maintain optical test benches, illumination sources, and calibration targets to ensure repeatable measurements.
• Conduct depth accuracy, precision, and repeatability testing of 3D sensing systems, including Time-of-Flight (ToF), stereo vision, structured light, and LiDAR technologies.
• Analyze point cloud quality, including noise levels, fill rates, range accuracy, and field-of-view validation.
• Perform volumetric and multi-plane accuracy testing using calibrated reference targets.
• Evaluate 3D sensor performance under varying environmental conditions and interference scenarios.
• Develop, execute, and continuously improve test plans, methodologies, and procedures for sensor qualification and characterization.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data using statistical and engineering principles.
• Generate detailed technical reports summarizing test findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to define acceptance criteria, investigate failures, and identify root causes.
• Support the development of automated test solutions and scripting tools to improve throughput, consistency, and repeatability.
• Contribute to the design and enhancement of test fixtures, laboratory tools, and overall testing capabilities.
• Apply software testing practices and work with cloud environments, including AWS, as part of sensor test infrastructure and data workflows.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 2 years of experience in sensor testing, electro-optical testing, hardware validation, or a related engineering role.
• Hands-on experience with image quality characterization, including resolution, noise, color, and distortion analysis.
• Experience working with 3D sensing technologies such as Time-of-Flight (ToF), stereo vision, structured light, or LiDAR.
• Proficiency with laboratory test equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, optical measurement devices, light sources, and related instrumentation.
• Experience using data analysis and scripting tools such as Python, MATLAB, or equivalent.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing laboratory operations and documentation.
• Ability to produce clear and thorough technical documentation and test reports.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research, development, or product engineering environment.
• Experience with software testing and working in cloud environments, including AWS.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience in sensor characterization, electro-optical testing, or hardware validation engineering.
• Experience with image quality analysis tools such as Imatest or comparable platforms.
• Knowledge of camera calibration techniques, optical alignment, and imaging system performance evaluation.
• Experience developing automated test frameworks and Python-based test solutions.
• Familiarity with sensor interface protocols such as MIPI CSI-2, USB3 Vision, and GigE Vision.
• Experience managing laboratory operations, inventory systems, and continuous improvement initiatives such as 5S.
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and quality improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting advanced technology development programs involving robotics, automation, computer vision, or sensing systems.
• Background in cloud technologies and AWS as part of test data management or analysis workflows.

Work Environment

This role is primarily onsite in a laboratory and engineering development environment, with frequent hands-on interaction with sensors, optical systems, robotics hardware, and test equipment. You will work closely with hardware, software, systems, and product development teams in a collaborative, cross-functional setting. The environment emphasizes rigorous testing practices, safety, and continuous improvement, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative sensing technologies and next-generation automation solutions.

Schedule

This is a contract position based in North Reading, MA. The role is fully onsite.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on 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 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:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 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)