Manufacturing Test Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Test Engineer

Job Description

This Manufacturing Test Engineer role focuses on developing and deploying manufacturing test equipment, software, and data systems that support the production of advanced energy storage technology. You will collaborate closely with Product Development, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, MES, and Operations teams to create robust, scalable test solutions for new products, process changes, and factory expansion initiatives. The position suits an engineer who is equally comfortable writing software, integrating instrumentation, troubleshooting hardware, and working directly on the factory floor to implement new manufacturing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable manufacturing test software, including intuitive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and operator workflows for cell-, module-, and pack-level production.
• Develop, deploy, and validate production test equipment, fixtures, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and instrumentation architectures to support new product introductions.
• Integrate test software and hardware with manufacturing execution systems (MES), databases, factory automation platforms, and traceability systems to ensure seamless data flow and control.
• Collaborate with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) stakeholders to design safe test systems that incorporate interlocks, barriers, and lockout/tagout procedures for high-voltage environments.
• Work closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to define test requirements for new products, process changes, and factory expansion projects.
• Co-own and contribute to process failure mode and effects analyses (PFMEAs) and control plans related to manufacturing test systems.
• Implement automated data collection, validation, and reporting processes while maintaining strict revision control for software, test configurations, and deployment packages.
• Lead root-cause investigations and resolve complex hardware, software, and process failures during commissioning, production ramps, and ongoing manufacturing operations.
• Create clear technical documentation, including test procedures, work instructions, and troubleshooting guides, to support consistent test execution.
• Support and conduct operator and technician training on new and existing test systems to ensure safe and effective use on the factory floor.
• Support factory launches, production ramp activities, and capacity expansion initiatives by adapting and scaling test solutions to meet evolving production needs.
• Drive the evolution of test architectures, software frameworks, and standard processes that enable long-term growth and operational scalability across manufacturing lines.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience developing automated test systems in manufacturing, product development, or industrial environments.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language such as LabVIEW, Python, C#, C++, Go, or a similar language for test automation and data handling.
• Experience establishing test architectures, software frameworks, processes, and standards that support long-term scalability and maintainability.
• Hands-on experience integrating instrumentation, data acquisition hardware, and automated test equipment into production environments.
• Experience with industrial and embedded communication protocols such as CAN, Modbus, Ethernet-based protocols, UART, SPI, I2C, Protobuf, or similar technologies.
• Familiarity with electrical test methodologies and troubleshooting techniques for complex systems.
• Demonstrated ownership of complete test systems from concept and design through deployment and ongoing support.
• Experience leading technical projects and mentoring junior engineers in a manufacturing or industrial context.
• Experience integrating manufacturing test systems with MES, databases, or enterprise software systems for traceability and analytics.
• Bachelor's degree (BS) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Experience developing and scaling manufacturing test systems from prototype, pilot, or low-volume environments into high-volume production.
• Experience working with embedded systems, microcontrollers, embedded Linux platforms, or battery management systems.
• Familiarity with firmware validation, hardware-software integration, and communication protocol troubleshooting in embedded environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting new factory launches, production ramp activities, or capacity expansion initiatives in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience working in high-volume manufacturing environments, particularly in energy storage, batteries, or related industries.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, MES, Operations, and EHS.
• Strong documentation skills for creating test procedures, work instructions, and troubleshooting guides that are clear and easy to follow.
• Comfort working directly on the factory floor to deploy, validate, and troubleshoot test systems and equipment.
• Interest in contributing to innovative energy storage technologies and modern manufacturing practices.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large-scale, approximately 550,000-square-foot manufacturing facility dedicated to high-volume battery production and modern energy manufacturing. You will work in a factory environment that combines advanced production lines with sophisticated test equipment, automation platforms, and integrated MES and database systems. The position involves regular interaction with the factory floor, including proximity to high-voltage systems and automated machinery, where safety systems such as interlocks, barriers, and lockout/tagout procedures are integral to daily operations. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering and operations teams in a setting that emphasizes innovation, operational excellence, and the expansion of next-generation energy storage manufacturing.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Weirton, WV.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $62.50 - $76.92/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 Weirton,WV.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 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.