Principal Electronic Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Test Engineer III

Job Description

The Test Engineer III designs, develops, and programs automated test equipment to support electronics manufacturing and product testing. This role creates and refines test methods, fixtures, and procedures for both production and new product development, while providing Design for Test guidance to engineering teams. The Test Engineer III collaborates closely with manufacturing engineering, supports tester implementation and continuous improvement, and offers hands-on technical support to technicians and production teams in a high-visibility, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and program Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for manufacturing and product testing environments.
• Create, document, and improve test methods, test fixtures, and test procedures to support production and new product introduction.
• Evaluate product designs and provide Design for Test (DFT) recommendations to improve testability and coverage.
• Partner with manufacturing engineering to develop robust testing processes and manufacturing specifications.
• Support implementation of new testers on the production floor, including setup, verification, and validation.
• Troubleshoot hardware, test systems, and manufacturing test issues to minimize downtime and improve yield.
• Drive continuous improvement activities for test systems, methods, and processes.
• Generate cost and time estimates for tester development projects and test-related initiatives.
• Train technicians on tester operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Provide ongoing technical support for production testing and manufacturing operations.
• Assist in the design and development of both manual and automated test fixtures.
• Develop and maintain test automation software and scripts for electronic products.
• Support design validation activities by developing and executing appropriate test plans.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and technician teams to ensure effective test strategies.
• Use electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies to perform measurements and diagnostics.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of test engineering experience in an electronics manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of electronics, circuit design, and electrical systems.
• Experience designing, building, and programming automated test equipment for manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in developing test methods, test procedures, and validation processes.
• Ability to evaluate product designs for Design for Test (DFT) and provide actionable recommendations.
• Strong understanding of electronic circuits, components, and test equipment.
• Experience operating oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and other electronic test instruments.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware and manufacturing test issues.
• Programming experience related to automated testing, including tools such as LabVIEW and Python.
• Ability to support technicians and production teams with test-related issues.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams with engineering, manufacturing, and technician groups.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred.
• Experience with PCB manufacturing, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with design validation and verification activities.
• Manufacturing engineering collaboration for test and process development.
• Exposure to communication and audio technology products is beneficial.
• Experience developing both manual and automated test fixtures.
• Strong communication skills for training and supporting technicians and production staff.
• Ability to manage multiple test projects, including estimating cost and development timelines.

Work Environment

This role operates in an electronics manufacturing and engineering environment focused on communication and audio technology products used worldwide. The position is hands-on, with significant ownership of automated test systems and manufacturing test strategy, and offers high visibility within both engineering and manufacturing teams. You will work closely with a collaborative engineering group in a production and new product development setting, using electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and automated test platforms, along with software tools including LabVIEW and Python. The environment provides exposure to both lab and factory-floor activities, where you will support test systems, troubleshoot issues, and interact daily with technicians, engineers, and production personnel. The culture emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement in a longstanding technology organization.

This is a Contract position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

The pay range for this position is $45.58 - $60.77/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 Carlsbad,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 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.