Systems Test Engineer

Job Title:

Systems Test Engineer Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Systems Test Engineer to engage in system-level validation and reliability testing of geothermal heat pump products. This role bridges the gap between Design Engineering and the Test Lab, focusing on the development and execution of test plans that ensure product performance, reliability, and control behavior under various operating conditions. The position is rooted in an R&D lab setting, emphasizing the validation of product design over production testing.

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

• 5+ years of experience writing and executing test plans and test procedures.
• Proven experience in 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.

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

This role offers a flexible work arrangement with the ability to work three days in the office and two days remotely, depending on the project phase. The environment is hands‑on and cross‑disciplinary, focusing on system‑level validation and product impact in a research and development setting.

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 Mar 9, 2026.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccom (actalentaccom) for other accommodation options.