Lab Test Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Test Technician

Job Description

This Test Technician role focuses on planning, building, conducting, and monitoring both standard and complex tests for advanced autonomous cleaning equipment and related systems. You will support the development and validation of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, battery, and autonomous machine systems by setting up automated endurance tests, applying instrumentation, and accurately documenting results. This position offers a hands-on opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology, automation, and prototype testing in a highly collaborative test environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, build, conduct, and monitor standard and complex tests on systems and components, including automated accelerated endurance tests.
• Assist in the design and assembly of new automated test fixtures, and repair or improve existing fixtures to enhance test capability and reliability.
• Set up, configure, and support the execution of approximately 50 active tests, ensuring proper test conditions and adherence to test plans.
• Monitor active tests for signs of failure, performance issues, or anomalies and take appropriate action to address problems.
• Apply and install instrumentation such as strain gauges, pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow sensors, load cells, and other measurement devices on test articles.
• Maintain accurate and detailed test records to support continuous improvement of test processes and overall test quality.
• Document and communicate all test results clearly to Test Engineers and test requestors, using basic statistical and graphical methods to summarize findings.
• Support testing and validation activities across electrical, mechanical, systems, hydraulics, battery, engines, autonomous machines, and simulation systems.
• Contribute to test development activities, including mechatronics and industrial equipment testing, as well as systems and software-related tests.
• Participate in prototype builds and assembly testing, ensuring test setups align with engineering requirements and safety practices.
• Assist with the use and operation of highly accelerated life test (HALT) chambers when applicable.
• Collaborate closely with the test team to identify opportunities for increased automation and improved test efficiency.
• Demonstrate strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and a proactive attitude in supporting test operations and team goals.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of experience working in test or related work in automotive, engineering, or manufacturing environments.
• Mechanical aptitude demonstrated through prior work experience or hands-on hobbies involving mechanical or technical activities.
• Experience installing and monitoring strain gauges, pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow sensors, load cells, and other instrumentation.
• Ability to plan, build, conduct, and monitor standard and complex tests, including automated endurance tests.
• Capability to maintain accurate test records and documentation to support process and quality improvements.
• Skill in documenting test results and communicating findings to Test Engineers and test requestors.
• Familiarity with basic statistical and graphical methods to summarize test results.
• Strong attitude, willingness to learn, and solid work ethic.
• Associate of Science degree in a technical or related engineering field is preferred but not required.
• Any prior test experience in a product development environment is preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with mechatronics and industrial equipment in a test or development setting.
• Knowledge in test development for complex systems, including electrical, mechanical, and software components.
• Experience with HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Test) chambers is highly desired.
• Exposure to testing and validating electrical, mechanical, systems, hydraulics, battery, engines, autonomous machines, and simulation systems.
• Experience in systems and software testing, mechanical testing, assembly testing, and prototype builds.
• AAS or technical diploma with relevant working experience in testing or engineering-related fields.
• Interest in automation and technology, with a desire to work in a highly automated test environment.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily on 1st shift with flexibility in scheduling. The regular test team works from early to late in the day, so you will have colleagues on-site for most of your working hours. You will support the setup and execution of approximately 50 active tests at any given time, working in a test lab and shop environment that focuses on autonomous cleaning equipment and scrubbers. The facility emphasizes advanced automation and cutting-edge technology, offering a 'playground' for those who enjoy working with automated systems, prototype builds, and complex test setups. The assignment is initially structured as a 6-month opportunity with potential for extension based on performance and business needs, and it is part of a cost-driven initiative that impacts several areas of the organization. The environment encourages long-term opportunities within testing departments, collaboration with engineers and technicians, and hands-on interaction with test fixtures, instrumentation, and highly automated systems.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $38.00/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 Minneapolis,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.