Job Information
Actalent Controls Automation Test Engineer in Washington, Utah
Controls Automation Test Engineer
Job Description
The Controls Automation Test Engineer is tasked with designing, developing, and executing automated test solutions for systems and controls within an onsite laboratory environment. This role supports the modeling, analysis, and testing of aerospace vapor cycle (air conditioning) systems, focusing on building robust, repeatable, and scalable automated test frameworks from scratch. Collaboration with remote controls and software engineering teams is essential to troubleshoot issues, refine control models, and support software updates and new build releases tested in the lab. This position requires onsite presence due to direct access to test benches, hardware, and high voltage systems. Success is defined by the ability to independently create automated tests, interpret complex test data, and drive improvements to controls and system functionality.
Responsibilities
Design and build automated lab test controls to replace manual testing processes.
Develop tests from scratch, including test logic, sequencing, and validation criteria.
Execute integration and system level lab testing.
Initiate tests, monitor system behavior, and diagnose control or system issues.
Analyze and interpret test data to identify defects, trends, or optimization opportunities.
Collaborate with remote controls and software engineers to update control models.
Support software releases by validating new builds and configurations in the lab.
Essential Skills
Minimum of 2–3 years of hands-on controls or automation test experience.
Experience working in lab or test bench environments.
Strong background in controls testing and automation.
Experience developing automated tests from scratch.
Familiarity with National Instruments (NI) tools, test systems, or data acquisition.
Ability to work with software and controls teams to troubleshoot and refine systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Automation, or related discipline) or equivalent practical experience.
Ability to explain how they have created automated tests from scratch.
Understanding of test architecture, sequencing, and validation logic.
Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink.
Ability to describe troubleshooting of controls or system level issues observed during testing.
Ability to interpret NI or similar test data outputs.
Experience analyzing test results to identify root causes or performance trends.
Proven experience working directly with test benches.
Ability to safely initiate, monitor, and adjust tests in a live lab environment.
Examples of working with remote software or controls teams.
Work Environment
This role requires the ability and willingness to work onsite due to lab and hardware access requirements. The work involves strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex test data in a dynamic and collaborative lab environment.
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.