Mechanical Test Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Test Engineer

Job Description

The Test Engineer designs, executes, and improves test processes to ensure products meet rigorous electrical and mechanical performance requirements. This role develops test plans and procedures, leads test execution, analyzes test data, and recommends improvements to products, equipment, and processes. The Test Engineer also supports quoting activities, trains team members on test equipment, and champions continuous improvement of the quality management system in alignment with ISO standards.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate test requirements by reviewing specifications, standard procedures, and internal and external requirements to ensure comprehensive test coverage.
• Develop detailed test plans and test procedures that align with product specifications and applicable standards.
• Execute electrical and mechanical tests on products and sub-assemblies, ensuring accurate and repeatable results.
• Document all tests performed, including test setups, parameters, observations, and outcomes, in a clear and organized manner.
• Prepare structured reports of testing data, analyze and evaluate results, and provide clear recommendations based on findings.
• Lead or actively contribute input to design, process, or test improvements based on test results and data analysis.
• Identify and recommend appropriate test equipment, production equipment, fixtures, and tooling required to meet product specifications and test requirements.
• Train team members on the proper and safe utilization of test equipment, fixtures, and related tools.
• Stay current on new developments in engineering design, testing methods, tools, and applications, and apply relevant advancements to testing practices.
• Assist with the request-for-quote process by defining testing requirements, estimating test effort, and identifying necessary equipment and resources.
• Demonstrate and model the organization’s guiding principles in daily work and interactions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, following established safety and ergonomic standards.
• Perform comparable duties of a similar or related nature as assigned and assist in other areas as needed to support team objectives.
• Learn, understand, and actively support the division’s quality management system, continuously improving and promoting compliance with ISO standards.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to evaluate test requirements based on product specifications, standard procedures, and internal and external requirements.
• Hands-on experience developing comprehensive test plans and detailed test procedures for electrical and mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated competence in executing and documenting electrical testing and mechanical testing activities.
• Strong skills in identifying and recommending appropriate test equipment, production equipment, fixturing, and tooling to meet product specifications.
• Experience preparing and interpreting test data, including summarizing results and providing clear, data-driven recommendations.
• Working knowledge of quality management systems and practical experience applying ISO standards in an engineering or test environment.
• Ability to train and mentor team members in the proper use of test equipment and test procedures.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field related to the position, such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Test Engineering.
• Experienced engineer with 5+ years of career experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 3+ years of experience with a master’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong commitment to safety, including adherence to established safety and ergonomic standards in a lab or production environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting tests, writing reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Test Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience working within a structured quality management system and contributing to ISO-compliant processes.
• Experience supporting complex engineering programs, such as defense or early warning systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to continued professional development through formal education, training, or mentorship.
• Ability to participate in or support the request-for-quote process by defining testing scope, estimating effort, and identifying resource needs.
• Experience leading or contributing to continuous improvement initiatives related to test methods, equipment, or processes.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, onsite role based in Columbia, MD. The work environment combines an engineering setting with a small production environment focused on sub-assembly work. The position follows a 9/80 schedule, providing a structured workweek with every other Friday off. You will work closely with engineering and production teams, using a variety of electrical and mechanical test equipment, production equipment, fixtures, and tooling. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adherence to ergonomic standards, with a strong focus on maintaining an ISO-compliant quality management system while supporting a major program related to early warning air and missile defense systems.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbia, MD.

The pay range for this position is $38.08 - $61.45/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 Columbia,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.