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Test Bed Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... integrity, operator safety, cycle time, quality, and cost. The engineer works across R&D, ... Knowledge of PCBA structural and functional test, bed-of-nails fixturing, coverage analysis ...

Produce CAD models and drawings for test bed structures, panels, racks, enclosures, and mounting ... Support integration and checkout of flight avionics, hardware, operator consoles, and test ...

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Test Bed Operator information

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How much do test bed operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for test bed operator in the United States is $20.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a test bed operator?

Test Bed Operators are skilled technicians responsible for setting up, monitoring, and controlling test environments—known as test beds—in which products, systems, or equipment are evaluated for performance and safety. They ensure the test equipment is properly configured, run tests according to specified protocols, and record data for analysis. Test Bed Operators often work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, or manufacturing, where thorough testing of components is essential before they go into production or are released to the market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test bed operator?

To thrive as a Test Bed Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, technical troubleshooting skills, and often a relevant technical diploma or certification. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, data acquisition systems, and test automation software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for effectively documenting results and collaborating with engineering teams. These competencies ensure accurate testing, reliable data collection, and smooth operation of test environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a test bed operator, and how can they be addressed?

Test Bed Operators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected equipment failures, maintaining precise data accuracy, and adapting to rapidly changing testing protocols. To address these, it's important to develop strong problem-solving skills, stay updated with the latest testing procedures, and communicate effectively with engineers and technicians. Regular training and hands-on experience can also help you quickly identify issues and implement solutions, ensuring smooth and efficient test operations.

What is the difference between Test Bed Operator vs Test Technician?

AspectTest Bed OperatorTest Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTesting facilities, labs, or manufacturing plantsTesting labs, manufacturing sites, or field environments
Job FocusOperating test beds, monitoring equipment, recording dataPerforming tests, troubleshooting, maintaining testing equipment
Industry UsageCommon in aerospace, automotive, electronics manufacturingCommon in electronics, aerospace, and industrial sectors

While both roles involve testing and working with equipment, a Test Bed Operator primarily focuses on operating test beds and recording data, whereas a Test Technician performs hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and equipment maintenance. The roles often overlap in industries like aerospace and electronics, but the Test Bed Operator typically has a more specialized focus on operating testing machinery.

What are popular job titles related to Test Bed Operator jobs?

For Test Bed Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Test Bed Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,045 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Early Career Test Operations Engineer - Propulsion

Arnold Air Force Base, TN • On-site

$80K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 hours ago


Job description

Overview
Job Title: Early Career Test Operations Engineer
Location: Arnold AFB, TN
Job Family Code: O-Engineering
Function/Branch: Engineering / Propulsion
Directorate: Test Operations
Position Type: Regular, Full-Time
Pay Type: Exempt
Sponsorship: Position Not Sponsored.
Grade: L06 (OA0614) - L07 (OA0713)
Salary Range: Grade 06: $80,000 - $97,000; Grade 07: $83,000 - $105,000 / year
Overview
Beyond New Horizons, LLC (BNH) has an exciting opportunity for a Test Operations Engineer in our Propulsion Test Group, supporting the Test Operations and Sustainment contract at Arnold Engineering Development Complex at Arnold Air Force Base, TN. The Test Operations Engineer will be working as a member of an integrated team in Propulsion responsible for operating and maintaining ground test facilities used for development and evaluation testing of propulsion systems such as turbojet and turbofan air breathing engines and ramjets in support of the United States Air Force Test Operations and Sustainment efforts.
Open to internal or external candidates. The selected candidate for this requisition must be available to work any shift to support test needs as mission requires.
Job Summary
We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer or Aerospace Engineer who wants to work in a multi-disciplinary team that plays a key role in supporting national defense. The engineer hired into this role acts as the "quarterback" in one of the control rooms responsible for planning and execution of test plans for testing. This position does require shift work to support testing as test load demands.
Our Test Operations Engineers provide technical direction for safe and reliable operation of test equipment and integration of a customer's test article to an Arnold Engineering Development Complex test bed. This work involves practical application of engineering principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, hydraulics, pneumatics, and materials of construction. These principles are applied through the use of engineering tools including generating risk assessments, test plans, work instructions, and other engineering documentation in support of testing.
As part of a multi-disciplinary team, test operations engineers interface with other engineering teams across the complex including plant operations and systems, controls, instrumentation, design, facility data analysis, and modeling and simulation engineers as well as a cadre of skilled labor to ensure reliable operation and ability to meet future test needs.
Test Operations Engineers also provide system engineer capabilities as part of a team of mechanical and electrical engineers whose job it is to oversee installation, operation, sustainment, and troubleshooting of their assigned test cell equipment and systems. Some examples of test systems in various facilities include thrust determination and force measurement systems, fuel systems, icing systems, combustors, nozzles, water systems, gaseous nitrogen systems, hydraulic systems, lubrication oil systems, high pressure air systems, service air systems, liquid nitrogen systems, various sensors, etc. that are needed to reliably provide test data to our customers.
Job Duties:
Under the leadership of a more experienced engineer:
  • Learn and understand test systems; requires the ability to respond and make decisions quickly to alarms/alerts in fast paced, high pressure situations, ensuring the safety of the test crew, the facility, and the test article
  • Respond when systems malfunction during a test, troubleshooting and directing corrective maintenance activities (or calling in the appropriate systems engineer for additional support)
  • Coordinate work with the appropriate area superintendent, craft supervisor, and / or work planner and provide technical leadership to the craft workforce in execution of work orders and operational / maintenance procedures (work instructions, WIs), Lock-Out / Tag-Out (LOTO), critical lifts, etc
  • Ensure proper test / operations reporting (Ops Center, test resumes, Operating Test Logs, Test Unit Status Logs, Test Article Activity Logs, unplanned event reporting, etc.)
  • Perform facility characterization/ calibrations, monitor facility performance, and maintain system capability / performance maps and envelopes
  • Test operations engineers also operate as system engineers for equipment within or directly providing support to the test cell facility and may engage in some small design and analysis tasks as needed
  • Operate assigned test cell systems effectively
  • Work to develop the test operational requirements (test period directives, detailed run programs, etc.) ensuring test article mounts are structurally sound to withstand expected test
  • Direct test system checkouts and testing as required
  • Work with multidiscipline engineers, physicists, and skilled craft technicians in the test control room in operating the facility systems
  • Work extra hours and/or support off shift testing as required
  • Communicate clearly and utilize various methods of communication
  • It is a condition of employment to wear company issued PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy
  • Perform other related duties as required

Basic Qualifications:
NOTE: This posting is specifically for mechanical or aerospace engineers with less than 5 years' post degree engineering experience
  • BS degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering from an accredited college or university
  • Grade L07: A minimum of 2 years' relevant engineering experience
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance and the AEDC local area network
  • Due to Air Force Security requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required for employment at AEDC

Preferred Qualifications
  • Practical application of technical knowledge of mechanical engineering systems, applications of engineering methods and construction methods and materials, and application of computer aided engineering (CAE)/computer aided design (CAD) tools to engineering problems
  • Multi-disciplinary knowledge or experience (electrical engineering, mechatronics, control systems, etc.) is a plus.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment with flexibility to accomplish mission objectives
  • Strong communication skills (including verbal and written) and demonstrated ability to make decisions in a high pressure, time sensitive environment
  • Demonstrated experience successfully building relationships with team across engineering and craft workforce
  • Strong organizational skills to track and facilitate progress on projects
  • Demonstrated proactiveness and initiate to drive to results
  • Exhibits strong level of technical curiosity and desire to seek understanding
  • Participates in and fosters a work environment that is based upon openness, trust, communication, teamwork, empowerment, innovation, and satisfaction.
  • Active Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance

What We Offer
  • Competitive salaries
  • Continuing education assistance
  • Multiple healthcare benefits packages
  • 401K with employer matching
  • Paid time off (PTO) along with a federally recognized holiday schedule

Who We Are
Beyond New Horizons (BNH) is a fully populated joint venture of Astrion and Fluor Federal Services, Inc. formed to provide unmatched Test Operations and Sustainment services for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex.
We chose our name to serve as an enduring reminder of our commitment to AEDC's rich aerospace research and development legacy anchored in AEDC's Toward New Horizons founding study and the unprecedented opportunities to greatly expand AEDC's capabilities and capacity Beyond those existing today. Leveraging the capabilities of our parent companies, BNH specializes in testing and evaluation for military and space systems combined with proven capability in large-scale Government program management, integration, engineering, and construction services for specialized and technically advanced high-hazard facilities.
Join our Team!
U.S. Citizenship is required. At this time BNH will not sponsor any applicants for employment authorization or offer any immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1b, F1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, E-2, E-3, L-1, or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).
The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations and refers to the amount BNH is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time jobs will be adjusted based upon the number of hours agreed to work.
Grade 06: $80,000 - $97,000; Grade 07: $83,000 - $105,000 / year at Arnold AFB, TN.
BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, and any other grounds for discrimination prohibited by applicable law.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training