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Automation Test Engineer Contract Jobs in Manchester, NH

Reverse engineering legacy test systems to create adequate technical documentation package for the outsource of the assembly operations at a contract manufacturer. * Producing highly reliable, user ...

Senior Test Engineer

Methuen, MA · On-site

$90K - $147K/yr

Reverse engineering legacy test systems to create adequate technical documentation package for the outsource of the assembly operations at a contract manufacturer. * Producing highly reliable, user ...

Senior Test Engineer

Methuen, MA · On-site

$90 - $147/hr

Reverse engineering legacy test systems to create adequate technical documentation package for the outsource of the assembly operations at a contract manufacturer.Producing highly reliable, user ...

Job #214977 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Systems Test Engineer for a contract opportunity in Chelmsford, MA. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering ...

The Senior Test Engineer at TransMedics designs, develops, troubleshoots and debugs test equipment ... Support development of PCBA hardware and software solutions and support transition to contract ...

Eng II - Test

Nashua, NH · On-site

$79K - $134K/yr

Are you an experienced Electrical, Software or Test Design Engineer looking for the next step to ... Proficient in developing and integrating automation test measurement software for a production ...

The engineer develops and optimizes test methods to ensure CriticaltoQuality (CTQ) standards are ... Support development of PCBA hardware and software solutions and support transition to contract ...

Showing results 21-40

Automation Test Engineer Contract information

See Manchester, NH salary details

$10

$51

$75

How much do automation test engineer contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for automation test engineer contract in Manchester, NH is $51.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.04 and $58.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Automation Test Engineer Contract vs QA Tester Contract?

AspectAutomation Test Engineer ContractQA Tester Contract
Required CredentialsCertifications in automation tools (e.g., Selenium, QTP), programming skillsBasic testing certifications (e.g., ISTQB), testing methodologies
Work EnvironmentFocus on automation frameworks, scripting, and tool developmentManual testing, test case execution, defect reporting
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in software development, IT, and tech companies for automated testingCommon across various industries for manual quality assurance

Automation Test Engineer Contract roles typically require automation tool expertise and scripting skills, focusing on developing automated tests. QA Tester Contract roles mainly involve manual testing and test case execution. Both roles are essential in quality assurance but differ in technical focus and responsibilities.

What is an automation test engineer contract?

Automation Test Engineer contracts are temporary work agreements where professionals are hired to design, develop, and execute automated tests for software applications. These contracts typically span a set period and focus on improving software quality, efficiency, and reliability by automating repetitive testing tasks. Contractors may work with various tools and frameworks, collaborate with development teams, and create detailed test reports. Such roles are ideal for companies seeking specialized testing expertise without committing to permanent hires.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation test engineer on contract, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Test Engineer on contract, you typically need strong programming skills (such as in Java, Python, or JavaScript), experience with testing frameworks, and a background in software quality assurance. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, JUnit, and CI/CD systems, as well as relevant certifications (e.g., ISTQB), is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication help contractors quickly integrate into teams and address changing project needs. These skills ensure efficient, high-quality test automation solutions that meet fast-paced project requirements.

What are some common challenges automation test engineers face when working on contract assignments?

As a contract Automation Test Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new teams, tools, and project requirements. Contract roles often require you to become productive in a short time frame, so strong communication and self-management skills are important. Additionally, you might need to work with varied automation frameworks and integrate your work with existing systems, which can present technical and organizational hurdles. Building rapport with permanent staff and demonstrating your expertise early on can help you overcome these challenges and succeed in the role.
Infographic showing various Automation Test Engineer Contract job openings in Manchester, NH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,194 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

$90K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

As a Senior Mechanical Test Engineer at MKS, you will partner with the Technical Operations Test Engineering Team to design, develop, document, qualify, deploy & sustain flexible, modular, maintainable, and scalable production automated test equipment (ATE) for MKS designed products, deployed globally at our production & service sites OR at our supplier partner facilities, you will report to me, Bob Melloni, Sr. Director of Technical Operations Test Engineering.
You Will Make an Impact By:

  • Designing, developing, documenting, qualifying and deploying flexible, modular and scalable test systems and associated fixturing for in-house use and/or at suppliers.

  • Designing, developing, documenting, and deploying the mechanical framework, tooling, fixturing, vacuum & pressure piping (including gas panel designs) using SolidWorks 3D CAD software, for test platforms deployed throughout the MKS MA facilities.

  • Working with a Lead Test Engineer and Product Design Engineers, you will both create and oversee the development of mechanical concepts & solutions for new system designs and continuous improvement projects.

  • Communicating effectively, in both oral and written form, critical technical information regarding system design and performance, including test software status.

  • Preparing for and conducting periodic design reviews with all stakeholders.

  • Managing multiple projects simultaneously, with the ability to shift priorities based on company needs.

  • Creating and maintaining test stand/process documentation, including plumbing & interface diagrams, bill of materials, mechanical layout, mechanical 3D modeling, facility requirements, assembly & sub-assembly drawings.

  • Reverse engineering legacy test systems to create adequate technical documentation package for the outsource of the assembly operations at a contract manufacturer.

  • Producing highly reliable, user-friendly ergonomically focused test system & fixture designs to be used in a high-volume manufacturing environment

  • Travel Requirements: Up to 20% of Travel is required.


Skills You Bring:

  • B.S. or higher Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

  • 8+ years of design experience, preferably in ATE (automated test equipment) design.

  • CAD / Documentation - 3D cad skills and industry standard documentation

  • Mechanical Design & CAD Modeling - create detailed 2D & 3D models and technical drawings of test systems, sub-assemblies, manifolds, control boxes using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, mainly SolidWorks.

  • Product Analysis- ability to assess company products for design for manufacturability (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), poke yoke, and ensure that products entering production are reproduceable, repeatable, able to be assembled by manufacturing personnel.

  • Fabrication Knowledge - understanding the processes, materials, and techniques used to fabricate mechanical components and systems, including knowledge of assembly, machining, welding, casting, and additive manufacturing and best practices.

  • Communication & Collaboration - ability to effectively share information, ideas, and feedback with cross-functional teams, and suppliers by demonstrating clear and concise verbal and written communication, active listening, and the ability to work well in diverse teams.

  • Engineering Change Management - understanding of the change management process, revision control, for drawings, documents, and software, Knowledge of the workflows and tools used for managing BOMs, ECOs, and temporary deviations.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Pay Range: $90,000 to $147,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

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.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at:accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com.

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role