Senior Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in Westminster, MD

The Senior Test Technician plays a critical role in the development and validation of advanced power and electronic control systems that support cutting-edge technologies such as directed energy weapons, electromagnetic sensors, and next-generation radar systems. This position focuses on applying electronics principles to fabricate, test, troubleshoot, and validate complex components, assemblies, devices, circuits, and systems. You will perform acceptance test procedures to verify equipment functionality, support engineers in developing designs and processes, and help ensure that mission-critical systems operate reliably and meet stringent performance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Apply electronics principles in the fabrication, testing, and troubleshooting of complete components, assemblies, devices, circuits, and systems.
• Perform acceptance test procedures to verify equipment function and ensure systems meet defined performance and reliability requirements.
• Determine effective methods and techniques for monitoring tests and measuring electrical performance on complex systems.
• Select, set up, calibrate, and operate complex and specialized test equipment and facilities across a broad spectrum of technologies.
• Verify and validate product configurations, paperwork, test processes, and test equipment setups, including ensuring proper calibration and configuration control.
• Measure, collect, and record electrical performance data, analyze and evaluate results, and prepare accurate and complete test reports that document findings and conclusions.
• Program and verify devices, ensuring proper functionality and alignment with test specifications and design requirements.
• Troubleshoot systems, devices, processes, and test setups to locate, diagnose, and repair defective areas, restoring proper operation.
• Assist engineers in creating designs and developing circuits, processes, and operations that ensure proper product and test equipment function, working from block diagrams, schematics, rough outlines, and oral instructions.
• Perform necessary calculations to obtain, compare, and interpret data required for testing, validation, and design support.
• Develop, construct, and test highly complex components, assemblies, devices, circuits, and systems, including experimental and prototype devices, models, and systems based on general or evolving information.
• Perform repairs and calibrations on equipment and systems as needed to maintain accuracy, reliability, and compliance with specifications.
• Conduct initial procedural tests on new or modified equipment, make adjustments and calibrations, and refine procedures to achieve desired results.
• Adapt to changing assignments, priorities, and requirements in a dynamic engineering and production environment.
• Participate in the development of processes, test specifications, and revision notices to improve test coverage, efficiency, and product quality.
• Integrate software and hardware by debugging systems, writing code, and modifying configurations to ensure seamless operation.
• Perform maintenance and integration of peripherals and networks associated with test systems and equipment.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in test methods, manufacturing processes, and automation to enhance efficiency and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in manufacturing, engineering, and R&D to support production, qualification, and delivery of complex aerospace and defense systems.

• Current active DoD Secret Security Clearance (minimum) with an investigation date within the last 5 years.
• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience in the fabrication and testing of complex components, assemblies, devices, circuits, and systems.
• Strong understanding and practical experience with electronics principles.
• Hands-on experience with troubleshooting electrical and electronic systems, devices, and test setups.
• Ability to select, set up, calibrate, and operate complex test equipment, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other electrical and RF instruments.
• Experience working with test equipment used in production and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to measure, collect, and analyze electrical performance data and prepare clear, accurate test documentation and reports.
• Experience programming and verifying electronic devices used in test and production environments.
• Capability to read and interpret schematics, block diagrams, and technical documentation, and to work from general outlines and oral instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, construct, and test complex electronic assemblies and prototype systems.
• Proficiency in performing calibrations and adjustments to maintain test equipment accuracy and system performance.
• Ability to perform integration of software and hardware, including debugging and modifying systems.
• Experience with maintenance and integration of peripherals and networks associated with test systems.
• Ability to adapt to changing assignments, priorities, and technical requirements in a fast-paced environment.

• RF test experience, including working with radio frequency systems and components.
• Experience with antenna testing and operation in antenna ranges.
• Test development experience in a nearfield antenna range environment.
• Hands-on experience with electrical and RF test equipment beyond standard bench instruments.
• Background in power systems, aerospace, defense, radar, and electronics.
• Experience working in manufacturing, production, or R&D environments involving complex electronic systems.
• Familiarity with automation and continuous improvement methodologies in test and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of mechanical aspects related to test setups, fixtures, and equipment integration.
• Experience working with printed circuit boards (PCBs) and related test and troubleshooting activities.
• Ability to contribute to the development of test specifications, procedures, and process revisions.
• Comfort working with experimental models, prototype devices, and new technologies in a mission-focused environment.

This role is based in a large, approximately 200,000-square-foot facility in Sykesville, Maryland that includes office space, manufacturing and production floors, R&D laboratories, test cells, and other specialized areas. You will work alongside roughly 200 or more colleagues in a highly collaborative environment focused on advanced power and electronic control systems for aerospace and defense applications. The facility supports work on technologies such as directed energy weapons, electromagnetic sensors, and next-generation radar systems, providing access to a broad spectrum of complex electrical and RF test equipment and infrastructure. Work may take place in both office and lab settings, as well as on the production floor and within dedicated test cells, requiring adherence to appropriate safety practices and procedures. The environment emphasizes innovation, precision, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to engage in hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and integration of sophisticated hardware and software systems.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $52.00/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 Sykesville,MD.

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.