Internship Instrumentation Control Jobs in California

Job Title: Test Engineer

Job Description

The Test Engineer will lead hands-on component and system-level research and development activities focused on characterization, reliability, and durability testing. In this role, you will collaborate closely with reliability, design, CAE, and test teams to plan, execute, and automate tests, analyze results, and clearly communicate findings that drive product improvements. You will design and build test fixtures, instrument and monitor tests using a variety of sensors and data acquisition systems, and investigate failures with a strong engineering and problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on component and system-level R&D activities, including characterization, reliability, and durability testing.
• Work directly with reliability and design engineers to support the development of Design Validation Plans (DVP).
• Own test planning activities, including test scheduling, prioritization, and development of test specifications.
• Develop test fixtures using CAD tools and coordinate with in-house or external laboratories for fixture fabrication.
• Conduct detailed inspections, including torque checks, crack checks, and CAN signal review, to identify and root-cause failures.
• Write scripts to automate testing processes and improve test efficiency and repeatability.
• Perform data acquisition and instrumentation of sensors such as load cells, strain gages, and LVDTs.
• Investigate test failures, perform post-processing of test data, and prepare detailed test reports to clearly communicate results and recommendations.
• Collaborate closely with test technicians, instrumentation teams, CAE, reliability, and design teams to ensure effective and accurate test execution.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace in a highly dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with physical testing and experimental setups, ideally at the component or system level.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and reasoning skills applied to testing, analysis, and problem solving.
• Experience with CAD tools for designing test fixtures.
• Ability to conduct detailed inspections such as torque checks, crack checks, and CAN signal reviews.
• Familiarity with writing scripts and basic coding for test automation, with exposure to Python preferred.
• Experience working with sensors such as load cells, strain gages, and LVDTs.
• Experience with data acquisition systems such as National Instruments or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated experience debugging and troubleshooting technical problems in a lab or test environment.
• Ability to post-process test data and create clear, detailed test reports.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering and technician teams.
• Resourceful, proactive, and "get-it-done" approach to resolving technical challenges.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Test experience gained through school projects, internships, or other relevant hands-on work.
• Genuine curiosity and a hands-on mindset, with a strong desire to understand why something does or does not work.
• Experience with CAD and fixture design, with CATIA experience considered a plus.
• Programming experience, with Python experience considered a plus.
• Experience with LabVIEW for test control and automation.
• Familiarity with CAN communication for test automation and data review.
• Experience working with or around data acquisition systems such as National Instruments or comparable tools.

Work Environment

This role operates in a highly dynamic, fast-paced test and development environment that emphasizes hands-on work with physical components and systems. You will regularly use CAD tools for fixture design, instrumentation equipment for sensors such as load cells, strain gages, and LVDTs, and data acquisition systems such as those from National Instruments. The position involves close collaboration with test technicians, instrumentation specialists, CAE engineers, reliability engineers, and design engineers. The workspace is lab- and shop-oriented, where maintaining a clean, organized, and safe area is essential to support efficient testing and high-quality results.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fremont, CA.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/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 Fremont,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 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.