Field Test Engineer

Job Title: Field Test Engineer

Job Description

The Field Test Engineer plans, executes, and analyzes real-world field tests of autonomous robotic systems. This role bridges engineering and deployment by working hands-on with robots in outdoor and rugged environments while collaborating closely with software, electrical, mechanical, and autonomy teams to validate performance, uncover failure modes, and drive continuous system improvements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute field test campaigns for autonomous vehicles, robotic platforms, and sensing systems in off-road, industrial, and outdoor environments.
• Deploy, configure, and operate autonomous and semi-autonomous systems during live testing in varied and sometimes rugged conditions.
• Debug system-level issues that span software, sensors, networking, power, and mechanical subsystems to restore and improve performance.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret field data to evaluate autonomy performance, system reliability, and robustness in real-world conditions.
• Develop and maintain detailed test plans, test procedures, and post-test reports to support engineering iteration and documentation requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with autonomy, perception, hardware, and manufacturing teams to resolve issues identified during testing.
• Provide structured feedback into system design by identifying edge cases, environmental constraints, and operational risks observed in the field.
• Support local and occasional domestic field deployments, including system setup, demonstrations, and validation activities at customer or partner sites.
• Document test results, issues, and corrective actions clearly and concisely to ensure traceability and knowledge sharing across teams.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in robotics, autonomous systems, field test engineering, or system integration roles.
• Hands-on experience working with real hardware outside of controlled lab environments, including setup, operation, and basic maintenance.
• Strong system-level troubleshooting skills across software and hardware boundaries, including sensors, compute, networking, and power systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear technical reports and test documentation.
• Experience with field testing of autonomous or mobile robotic systems in real-world environments.
• Experience with Linux-based systems and familiarity with logging tools or robotics middleware such as ROS or ROS2.
• Familiarity with perception and navigation sensors, including cameras, GNSS/INS, LiDAR, and IMUs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting prototype or early-stage systems through aggressive test-to-failure cycles to identify and resolve edge cases.
• Exposure to autonomy applications in defense, mining, agriculture, construction, or marine environments.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams that include autonomy, perception, hardware, and manufacturing engineers.
• Strong documentation skills for test plans, procedures, and post-test reports.
• Motivation to work on autonomous systems deployed in high-impact, mission-critical environments.

Work Environment

This role operates in a combination of engineering lab, manufacturing floor, and outdoor field environments, including off-road and industrial sites. The position involves frequent local travel within the Pittsburgh region and occasional domestic travel to support field deployments, demonstrations, and validation activities. Work includes hands-on interaction with autonomous and semi-autonomous robotic systems, sensors, and related test equipment in both controlled and rugged outdoor conditions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pittsburgh, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Pittsburgh,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 4, 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.