Job Title: Environmental Qualification & Test Engineer (Mechanical Focus)Job DescriptionThis role focuses on planning, executing, and analyzing comprehensive environmental qualification and mechanical tests for advanced hardware systems in a laboratory setting. The Environmental Qualification & Test Engineer leads vibration, shock, thermal, humidity, and related environmental testing to military standards, ensuring products meet stringent reliability and performance requirements. The position is highly hands-on, working closely with small design and program teams to drive test strategy, resolve technical issues, and recommend design improvements.
Responsibilities
- Plan, develop, and execute comprehensive environmental qualification testing programs, including vibration (random and sinusoidal), shock (impact and drop), thermal cycling, humidity, and other mechanical environmental tests in accordance with MIL-STD-810 and other relevant military standards.
- Oversee the setup, calibration, and safe operation of environmental test equipment such as vibration tables, thermal chambers, shock testers, and environmental chambers.
- Utilize data acquisition systems and related instrumentation to accurately capture, monitor, and record test data throughout all test phases.
- Thoroughly analyze test data to identify failure modes, characterize performance, and determine root causes of issues observed during qualification testing.
- Prepare clear, detailed, and comprehensive test reports that summarize methods, results, conclusions, and recommendations for design modifications or corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate and complete design documentation, test procedures, qualification reports, and material certifications to support program and regulatory requirements.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve testing processes, enhance product reliability, and reduce overall program costs while maintaining compliance with standards.
- Collaborate closely with small design and program teams, effectively communicating test plans, findings, and technical recommendations.
- Work as a self-starter within broader program teams and with suppliers, communicating across functional boundaries to solve problems and achieve common program goals.
- Apply strong written and verbal communication skills to present technical information clearly to peers, leadership, and customers.
- Maintain a safe work environment by following and promoting safety objectives, policies, and best practices in the test lab.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with peers, cross-functional partners, and customers to resolve technical problems and implement robust solutions.
Essential Skills
- Hands-on test engineering experience with environmental qualification testing programs, including vibration (random and sinusoidal), shock (impact and drop), thermal cycling, humidity, and other mechanical environmental tests.
- Demonstrated experience executing tests to military standards, specifically MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461.
- Proficiency with test procedures and operation of environmental test equipment such as vibration test systems, thermal test chambers, shock test equipment, and mechanical test setups.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for interpreting complex test data, identifying failure modes, and performing root cause analysis.
- Ability to plan and document test procedures, qualification plans, and reports with a high level of accuracy and clarity.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced engineering environment.
- Eligibility for and ability to hold a SECRET-level security clearance.
- Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
- Strong understanding of materials science, particularly related to electronic packaging materials such as aluminum and composite materials.
- Experience with data acquisition systems and instrumentation used in environmental and mechanical testing.
- Background in mechanical test engineering and familiarity with a range of environmental and mechanical test methods.
- Experience working with small design and program teams and communicating across functional boundaries, including suppliers and cross-functional engineering groups.
- Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements that enhance product reliability and reduce program costs.
- SECRET security clearance is required for this role.
- United States citizenship is required to meet clearance and program requirements.
Work EnvironmentThis position is based 100% onsite in New Hampshire in a dedicated test laboratory environment, where the engineer performs hands-on testing using vibration tables, thermal chambers, shock testers, environmental chambers, and data acquisition systems. The organization operates a 9/80 work schedule, providing every other Friday off, which supports work-life balance while maintaining full-time hours. The work setting is highly technical, safety-focused, and collaborative, with close interaction among design engineers, program teams, and test personnel. The role requires working in a lab environment around mechanical and environmental test equipment, adhering to established safety protocols and procedures at all times. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Nashua, NH. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $47.12 - $100.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Nashua, NH. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Nashua,NH.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.
