Acceptance Testing, Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Budget Management, Candidate Screening, Communication Skills, Communication System Design, Communications Protocols, Computer Science, Computer Software, Consulting, Continuous Improvement, Contract Requirements, Control Systems, Cross-Functional, Customer/Client Research, Debugging Tools, Design Services, Detail Oriented, Document Management, Documentation, Documentation Standards, Electrical Engineering, Functional Testing, GDB (Gnu Debugger), Genetics, Hospital, Identify Issues, Industry Standards, Information Technology & Information Systems, Integration Testing, Laboratory, Laboratory Testing, Leadership, Linux Operating System, Microsoft Windows Operating System, Multitasking, Operational Audit, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Product Testing, Project Lifecycle, Project Planning, Quality Assurance Methodology, Requirements Management, Root Cause Analysis, Safety Systems, Schematics, Software Design, Software Development, Software Engineering, Software Testing, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), System Architecture, System Integration (SI), System Lifecycle, System Operations, System Test, System Validation, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Engineering, TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), Team Player, Technical Support, Technical Writing, Technical/Engineering Design, Test Automation, Test Equipment, Test Plan/Schedule, Testing, Train Transportation, Validation Testing, Wireshark (Ethereal), Writing Skills
Test Engineer
The Test Engineer supports the technical deployment of Control Center System solutions by coordinating across engineering disciplines and external stakeholders to achieve successful customer acceptance. This role focuses on performing product testing and Verification & Validation (V&V) activities, developing application engineering designs, and supporting system integration in both lab and project environments. The position is ideal for early-career engineers who want to work on complex, safety-critical systems and contribute across the full system lifecycle from requirements analysis through testing and final demonstration.
Responsibilities
- Support the technical deployment of Control Center System solutions by coordinating with multiple engineering disciplines and external stakeholders to achieve customer acceptance.
- Perform product testing and execute Verification & Validation (V&V) activities in both lab and project environments.
- Analyze customer requirements, specifications, and contracts to define technical solutions that align with the project scope.
- Develop application engineering designs, including schematics, system configurations, and interface definitions.
- Work in a lab setting to validate system functionality, troubleshoot issues, and support integration efforts.
- Assist in defining, producing, and validating Control Center System application data and parameters to tailor systems and subsystems to specific project requirements.
- Help ensure all technical and contractual requirements are addressed throughout the project lifecycle, from initial analysis through testing and final demonstration.
- Support the preparation of test plans, test procedures, and integration documentation, and participate in the execution of system and subsystem tests.
- Seek opportunities to improve testing efficiency through process optimization, test automation, and reuse of test assets where applicable.
- Participate in defect analysis by identifying root causes and collaborating with engineering teams to resolve issues.
- Troubleshoot application-level issues and support their resolution during testing and deployment phases.
- Collaborate with engineering leadership to support workload planning and resource alignment for project activities.
- Maintain and update technical documentation, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment across all project teams in accordance with project standards.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of systems integration and V&V processes across the system lifecycle.
Essential Skills
- Experience or academic exposure to test engineering, systems engineering, application engineering, or systems integration in an engineering or technical environment (0-5 years of experience in engineering, information systems, software development, or system test/validation).
- Understanding of Verification & Validation (V&V) processes and activities across the system lifecycle.
- Knowledge of integration testing and acceptance testing concepts and methods.
- Familiarity with SCADA control systems and system configuration concepts.
- Ability to work with system integration software and support systems integration engineering activities.
- Experience or exposure to software testing, including test plan development, test procedures, and test execution.
- Ability to develop, follow, and maintain technical documentation in line with project standards.
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills for identifying, diagnosing, and resolving technical issues.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for working within cross-functional engineering teams.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Software, or Systems Engineering), Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
- Ability to interpret technical documentation, schematics, and system architecture diagrams.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic project environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in signaling systems engineering, applications engineering, or system test and validation within rail or other safety-critical industries.
- Relevant experience in rail signaling, transportation systems, or similar safety-critical domains.
- Working knowledge of control systems and communication systems design, operation, and evaluation.
- Familiarity with systems engineering principles, including requirements management and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
- Experience or exposure to system integration, application engineering, and V&V processes across the system lifecycle.
- Experience with Windows and Linux operating systems, including basic system administration, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
- Understanding of SCADA systems and industry-standard communication protocols such as Modbus, TCP/IP, and serial communication.
- Exposure to debugging and diagnostic tools such as GDB, Wireshark, or similar utilities.
- Understanding of project planning concepts, including schedule and budget tracking for engineering scopes.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders to support technical solutions and issue resolution.
- Interest in process optimization, test automation, and reuse of test assets to improve testing efficiency.
Work Environment
The role operates primarily in a lab and project-based environment, where you will work hands-on with Control Center Systems, SCADA control systems, and related integration and test equipment. You will interact regularly with cross-functional engineering teams and external stakeholders to support system deployment and acceptance. The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, with an onsite presence required during the initial ramp-up period to support training, lab work, and close collaboration with the team. Once fully trained, a hybrid work arrangement is available, offering a mix of onsite and remote work, depending on project needs. The environment emphasizes structured engineering processes, technical documentation standards, and collaboration across disciplines to deliver complex, safety-critical systems
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochester, NY.
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 Rochester,NY.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 22, 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.