Robotics Test Engineer

Job Title: Test Engineer - Robotics and Electromechanical Systems

Job Description

This role focuses on the testing, validation, and performance characterization of robotic systems and electromechanical components. The test engineer designs and executes structured test plans, analyzes performance metrics, and supports integration efforts for advanced motion systems. This position directly contributes to the development and validation of high-performance robotics systems in a fast-paced engineering environment, with significant influence on system reliability and overall product quality.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute performance tests on robotic manipulators, actuators, and multi-axis motion systems.
• Operate control systems across multiple modes, including position, velocity, torque, and impedance control.
• Instrument and validate test setups using advanced sensors, data acquisition equipment, and measurement systems.
• Collect, analyze, and visualize performance data such as trajectory accuracy, bandwidth, and response time.
• Identify anomalies and performance deviations, conduct root-cause analysis, and collaborate with engineering teams to resolve issues.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, test rigs, and related instrumentation.
• Support hardware bring-up, system integration, and prototype validation for robotics and electromechanical systems.
• Develop and refine repeatable test procedures and test plans to ensure consistent and reliable validation results.
• Create automation scripts in tools such as Python or MATLAB to streamline testing and data analysis workflows.
• Document test setups, methodologies, results, and findings in clear technical reports and presentations.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineers to align testing activities with project milestones.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of testing methodologies, tools, and infrastructure in a fast-paced development environment.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in robotics testing, motion control, or electromechanical systems validation.
• Hands-on experience with robotics testing and motion control systems, including robotic manipulators and actuators.
• Proficiency in operating multi-mode control systems (position, velocity, torque, and impedance).
• Strong skills in test instrumentation and data acquisition, including sensor integration and measurement systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis and automation using Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting languages.
• Experience with control systems and actuator testing in a laboratory or engineering environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware, test rigs, and integration issues across robotics and electromechanical systems.
• Working knowledge of Linux or Unix environments for test, control, or data processing workflows.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities applied to complex, data-driven test scenarios.
• Clear technical communication and reporting skills for documenting results and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently as well as effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Experience with motors, actuators, and multi-axis motion control systems.
• Familiarity with robotics testing and motion control concepts, including trajectory tracking and performance characterization.
• Experience integrating sensors and data acquisition systems into test setups.
• Optional certifications in robotics, automation, or controls are preferred.
• Experience creating repeatable test procedures, automation scripts, and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced development setting.
• Track record of delivering high-quality test results and documentation with minimal supervision.

Work Environment

The role is fully onsite in a lab-based engineering environment with extensive direct interaction with robotics hardware, test rigs, and instrumentation. The position follows a standard Monday-Friday day shift schedule, with occasional overtime to support project milestones and critical testing activities. The test engineer works closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineers in a collaborative, cross-functional setting. The environment is fast-paced and focused on prototyping, testing, and performance validation of advanced robotics systems. Workflows are structured yet flexible, aligned with engineering milestones and iterative development cycles, providing hands-on exposure to the full lifecycle from prototype integration through performance validation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $42.13 - $78.00/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 Seattle,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 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.