Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Wichita, KS

The Test Engineer designs, develops, and supports automated production test systems that ensure high product quality, manufacturability, and operational efficiency. This role provides Design for Testability guidance throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept through production release, and partners closely with cross-functional teams to implement robust test strategies, systems, and processes in manufacturing environments.

• Provide Design for Testability guidance throughout all phases of product development, from concept through production release.
• Define and implement overall test and configuration strategies for new products in close collaboration with research and development teams.
• Develop comprehensive test plans that support product quality, manufacturability, and production efficiency.
• Drive project planning and execution to ensure all test solutions are developed, validated, documented, and ready before pilot and production launches.
• Partner with research and development and manufacturing engineering teams to create production-ready test systems, fixtures, and tooling for internal and contract manufacturing operations.
• Design, develop, and deploy automated production test systems, including both hardware and software components.
• Implement test automation solutions capable of executing functional, performance, and configuration testing.
• Integrate industry-standard measurement equipment into automated test environments.
• Validate and troubleshoot test systems to ensure reliable, repeatable operation and robust performance in production.
• Apply Measurement Uncertainty Analysis and Gauge R&R methodologies to verify test system accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility.
• Ensure production test systems remain traceable to applicable calibration standards.
• Use Statistical Process Control tools to monitor equipment performance and product test data, identifying opportunities for process improvement and defect reduction.
• Optimize test coverage, cycle time, throughput, and equipment utilization to support efficient manufacturing operations.
• Install, validate, and support production test systems at manufacturing facilities and contract manufacturer locations.
• Maintain and improve existing production test processes throughout the product lifecycle.
• Investigate production test issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality enhancement, cost reduction, and operational excellence.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including test specifications, procedures, work instructions, wiring diagrams, installation guides, and preventive maintenance documentation.
• Communicate project status, technical risks, and milestones to stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management.
• Represent Test Engineering within cross-functional product development teams and actively contribute to design and process decisions.
• Demonstrate leadership, ownership, and initiative in driving projects to successful completion while collaborating effectively with diverse technical teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience designing and developing automated functional test systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience developing automated test hardware and software solutions for production applications.
• Proficiency with National Instruments TestStand or similar test automation platforms.
• Strong understanding of RF and microwave communication principles, technologies, and test methodologies.
• Hands-on experience using RF and electronic test equipment such as network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, measurement receivers, oscilloscopes, and digital multimeters.
• Experience performing Measurement Uncertainty Analysis and conducting Gauge R&R studies.
• Programming experience in ANSI C for test system development and automation.
• Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control and manufacturing quality tools.
• Demonstrated project planning, scheduling, and execution capabilities in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience producing clear, detailed technical documentation.
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Experience with general programming and test engineering practices, including test planning and test equipment integration.

• Experience with Python, C++, PowerShell, or Linux scripting for test automation and tooling.
• Advanced experience with National Instruments TestStand development and architecture.
• Experience with SQL databases for test data storage, retrieval, and analysis.
• Expertise in Measurement Uncertainty Analysis and Gauge R&R implementation beyond basic application.
• Experience leveraging AI-assisted tools for software development, test automation, or data analysis.
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or related continuous improvement certification.
• Experience developing and implementing JTAG-based test solutions.
• Familiarity with contract manufacturing environments and production system deployment.
• Experience with RF testing, test engineering, and configuration testing in production environments.

The role is based in an engineering test office environment, operating on a Monday through Friday schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The work setting centers on automated production test systems and RF and electronic test equipment, including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, measurement receivers, oscilloscopes, and digital multimeters. The environment supports close collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams, and involves occasional work at manufacturing facilities and contract manufacturer locations to install, validate, and support production test systems.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $62.50/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 fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.