Systems Test Engineer

SYSTEMS TEST & VALIDATION ENGINEER | JOIN AN R&D-FOCUSED TEAM IN FORT WAYNE, IN

Job Description

We are seeking a Systems Test Engineer to support system-level validation and reliability testing of geothermal heat pump products. This role bridges Design Engineering and the Test Lab, focusing on the creation and execution of test plans that validate product performance, reliability, and control behavior across a wide range of operating conditions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, and execute system-level test plans and test procedures based on operational requirements and quality risks.
• Perform functional, performance, reliability, and stress testing on geothermal heat pump systems operating across multiple modes and environments such as heating, cooling, and ambient transitions.
• Validate system performance against specifications, standards, and customer use cases.
• Test both mechanical operation and control behavior, ensuring control logic performs as expected under varying conditions.
• Execute 'test-to-break' validation, intentionally pushing systems beyond nominal conditions to uncover failure modes.
• Conduct and contribute to FMEA activities, using results to inform test coverage and validation strategy.
• Identify quality issues and translate them into structured, repeatable test plans.
• Serve as a technical bridge between Design Engineers and Test Lab teams, ensuring intent, risks, and expectations are clearly validated.
• Perform hands-on testing at the bench using largely non-automated test stands, with future involvement in test automation efforts.
• Document test results, failures, and recommendations clearly for engineering and leadership teams.
• Support customer-facing validation by proving system performance across a wide range of real-world scenarios.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience writing and executing test plans and test procedures.
• Proven experience performing system-level testing and validating test plans against requirements and quality expectations.
• Hands-on experience in an R&D lab environment focused on testing design intent.
• Ability to identify quality risks and independently define test strategies to address them.
• Experience testing integrated systems involving mechanical, controls, and software elements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the HVAC or heat pump industry.
• Reliability or durability testing experience.
• Exposure to test automation or defining future automation strategies.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled systems and functional software testing.

Work Environment

The role offers a flexible work environment with the ability to work three days in the office and two days remotely, depending on the project phase. This is a hands-on, cross-disciplinary R&D role, where you have the opportunity to influence design and build the validation process forward, impacting real-world product performance.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Wayne, IN.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/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)

This is a hybrid position in Fort Wayne,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 6, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.