Test Engineer III

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services, connecting specialized experts with visionary companies to advance engineering and science initiatives.

About the role

This role designs, develops, and programs automated test equipment to support electronics manufacturing and product testing. The Test Engineer III creates and refines test methods, fixtures, and procedures for both production and new product development, while providing Design for Test guidance to engineering teams. The position operates in a high-visibility, collaborative environment, partnering closely with manufacturing engineering, supporting tester implementation and continuous improvement, and offering hands-on technical support to technicians and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and program Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for manufacturing and product testing environments.
• Create, document, and improve test methods, test fixtures, and test procedures to support production and new product introduction.
• Evaluate product designs and provide Design for Test (DFT) recommendations to improve testability and coverage.
• Partner with manufacturing engineering to develop robust testing processes and manufacturing specifications.
• Support implementation of new testers on the production floor, including setup, verification, and validation.
• Troubleshoot hardware, test systems, and manufacturing test issues to minimize downtime and improve yield.
• Drive continuous improvement activities for test systems, methods, and processes.
• Generate cost and time estimates for tester development projects and test-related initiatives.
• Train technicians on tester operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Provide ongoing technical support for production testing and manufacturing operations.
• Assist in the design and development of both manual and automated test fixtures.
• Develop and maintain test automation software and scripts for electronic products.
• Support design validation activities by developing and executing appropriate test plans.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and technician teams to ensure effective test strategies.
• Use electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies to perform measurements and diagnostics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of test engineering experience in an electronics manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of electronics, circuit design, and electrical systems.
• Experience designing, building, and programming automated test equipment for manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in developing test methods, test procedures, and validation processes.
• Ability to evaluate product designs for Design for Test (DFT) and provide actionable recommendations.
• Strong understanding of electronic circuits, components, and test equipment.
• Experience operating oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and other electronic test instruments.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware and manufacturing test issues.
• Programming experience related to automated testing, including tools such as LabVIEW and Python.
• Ability to support technicians and production teams with test-related issues.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams with engineering, manufacturing, and technician groups.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred.
• Experience with PCB manufacturing, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with design validation and verification activities.
• Background in manufacturing engineering collaboration for test and process development.
• Exposure to communication and audio technology products is beneficial.
• Experience developing both manual and automated test fixtures.
• Strong communication skills for training and supporting technicians and production staff.
• Ability to manage multiple test projects, including estimating cost and development timelines.

Work Environment

This role operates in an electronics manufacturing and engineering environment focused on communication and audio technology products used worldwide. The position is hands-on, with significant ownership of automated test systems and manufacturing test strategy, and offers high visibility within both engineering and manufacturing teams. You will work closely with a collaborative engineering group in a production and new product development setting, using electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and automated test platforms, along with software tools including LabVIEW and Python. The environment provides exposure to both lab and factory-floor activities, where you will support test systems, troubleshoot issues, and interact daily with technicians, engineers, and production personnel. The culture emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement in a longstanding technology organization.

Schedule

This is a contract position based in Carlsbad, CA, with a fully onsite work requirement.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $45.58 - $60.77 per hour.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and 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)