Entry Level Tunnel Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Thermal Test Engineer

30-35/hourly

Entry level mechanical/electrical/comp sci grads please apply!

Job Description

The Thermal Test Engineer will perform testing and validation of electro-mechanical and telecom products in a laboratory environment. This role focuses on thermal and acoustics testing, prototype setup, and adherence to telecom industry test standards while supporting the development and optimization of power management, cooling solutions, and mechanical performance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive test setups, including detailed test flows and test coverage plans for new products.
• Work as a thermal validation engineer on electro-mechanical products, ensuring robust thermal performance and reliability.
• Conduct telecom equipment product testing, including power management evaluation, heat sink development, and fan speed testing.
• Apply telecom test standards such as GR and NEBS to validate product compliance and performance.
• Set up prototypes in the lab for thermal and acoustics tests, including thermocouple installation and wind tunnel operation.
• Measure and analyze air flow and acoustics characteristics to optimize cooling and noise performance.
• Develop and execute test plans for thermal engineering and mechanical testing activities.
• Document test procedures, results, and findings clearly to support design improvements and product validation.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to interpret test data and recommend design changes or optimizations.
• Use thermal analysis software such as Flotherm to model, simulate, and analyze thermal behavior of products.
• Support continuous improvement of test methods, lab processes, and validation practices.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on laboratory test experience, particularly in thermal and acoustics testing of electro-mechanical and telecom products.
• Experience working as a thermal validation engineer for electromechanical products.
• Knowledge of telecom test standards, including GR and NEBS, and their application in product validation.
• Ability to set up and instrument prototypes for thermal testing, including thermocouple installation and wind tunnel operation.
• Strong understanding of air flow, heat transfer, and acoustics principles as they relate to product design and testing.
• Experience developing and executing structured test plans for thermal engineering and mechanical testing.
• Proficiency with thermal analysis tools such as Flotherm or similar thermal analysis software.
• Ability to analyze test data, identify trends, and communicate technical findings clearly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or mechatronics is highly desirable.
• At least one internship or practical experience with a focus on testing is preferred.
• Experience with Flotherm is a strong plus.
• Experience with CREO for mechanical design and modeling is a strong plus.
• Basic proficiency in Python for data analysis or test automation is beneficial.
• Familiarity with telecom equipment, power management systems, and cooling solutions is an advantage.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in a laboratory environment Monday through Friday. The position involves hands-on work with prototypes, test equipment, and thermal/acoustics measurement tools such as thermocouples and wind tunnels. You will collaborate closely with engineering teams in a technical setting focused on product validation and continuous improvement. The opportunity offers a long-term contract and the chance to join a team with a strong track record of converting consultants to full-time employees.

This is a Contract position based out of San Jose, CA.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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.

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 San Jose,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.