Freelance Lab Test Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Test Engineer – Electrical Components and Systems

Job Description

This Test Engineer role focuses on hands-on laboratory testing and validation of electrical components, motors, generators, fuel cells, and batteries. You collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to design and execute test plans, coordinate instrumentation and lab modifications, and ensure that performance and durability testing is completed accurately and on schedule. The position combines technical analysis, mechanical troubleshooting, and clear documentation, with a strong emphasis on working in a dynamic lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed test plans for electrical components, motors, generators, fuel cells, and battery systems in collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Coordinate test activities with internal groups, including instrumentation teams, technicians, and skilled trades, to ensure proper setup and execution of tests.
• Oversee performance and durability testing, including test planning, test execution, and validation of systems against defined protocols.
• Run tests in the lab, monitor test progress, and adjust parameters or setups as needed to achieve reliable and repeatable results.
• Perform data analysis on test results, identify trends or anomalies, and draw clear, evidence-based conclusions.
• Create comprehensive test reports that summarize methods, findings, and recommendations, and distribute documentation to relevant stakeholders on a daily basis.
• Communicate effectively through emails, written reports, and verbal updates to keep project teams informed of test status and outcomes.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and system-level issues with test setups, cooling units, instrumentation, and related equipment to minimize downtime and maintain test continuity.
• Engage mentors or engineers when complex issues arise, collaborating to resolve problems and keep testing on schedule.
• Support inspections and durability-focused activities as required, ensuring that test procedures align with performance and reliability objectives.
• Maintain organized records of test plans, protocols, results, and documentation to support traceability and future reference.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, validation protocols, and lab processes based on lessons learned and engineering best practices.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on validation and test engineering experience with electrical components, motors, generators, fuel cells, or battery systems.
• Previous laboratory testing experience, including setting up, running, and monitoring tests in a lab environment.
• Experience with product development, particularly in environments where testing and validation are integral to the development cycle.
• Demonstrated mechanical troubleshooting skills, especially when interfacing with mechanical systems, cooling units, and instrumentation.
• Ability to work with and understand test equipment and instrumentation used in mechanical and electrical testing.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple test plans, documentation, and daily reporting requirements.
• Excellent documentation skills, including the ability to create clear, concise, and technically accurate test reports.
• Effective written communication skills for professional email correspondence and report writing.
• Strong verbal communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams, technicians, and engineers.
• Ability to follow and contribute to validation protocols and structured test plans.
• Comfort working with vehicle-related systems or components when required by test projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical engineering, test engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience working in a test lab environment, such as academic labs, industrial labs, or motorsport projects.
• Practical experience interfacing with mechanical systems, cooling units, and complex instrumentation setups.
• Experience working on projects such as a formula car or similar hands-on engineering activities that demonstrate mechanical and troubleshooting skills.
• Familiarity with structured validation protocols and test planning methodologies.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to testing and documentation.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based in a laboratory environment, with approximately 70% of your time spent in the lab and about 30% at your desk performing analysis and documentation. You work closely with instrumentation teams, technicians, and skilled trades, using a variety of test equipment and mechanical systems, including cooling units and complex instrumentation. The work is dynamic and varies from day to day, involving performance and durability testing, inspections, and system validation activities. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and clear communication, and you can expect a mix of hands-on technical work and analytical reporting within a collaborative engineering setting.

This is a Contract position based out of Chillicothe, IL.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $34.00/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 Chillicothe,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 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.