Job Title: Test and Validation EngineerJob Description
The Test and Validation Engineer provides hands-on engineering support for equipment used in automotive HVAC and engine cooling component testing. This role focuses on troubleshooting test equipment, supporting test technicians, reviewing and interpreting test data, and ensuring that all testing meets required specifications. The engineer works extensively with instrumentation, data acquisition systems, process controls, and mechanical test equipment to resolve operational and data-quality issues in a validation lab environment.
Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation issues on test equipment used for automotive HVAC and engine cooling component validation.
- Provide hands-on support to test technicians during setup, execution, and completion of tests to ensure procedures are followed correctly.
- Review, interpret, and enter test data accurately, verifying that results meet required specifications and performance criteria.
- Diagnose issues related to mechanical systems, instrumentation, and test equipment, and implement corrective actions to restore proper operation.
- Work with data acquisition systems to configure, monitor, and validate measurements during testing activities.
- Apply process control principles to maintain consistent and reliable test conditions within the validation lab.
- Support validation lab operations by ensuring instrumentation and data acquisition systems function correctly and reliably.
- Use an understanding of thermodynamics, HVAC and refrigeration systems, and control valves to evaluate test setups and results when applicable.
- Assist in identifying and resolving data-quality issues, including measurement inconsistencies and instrumentation errors.
- Follow OSHA and safety guidelines while working with industrial electrical equipment, mechanical systems, and lab tools.
- Collaborate with team members to continuously improve test methods, processes, and equipment reliability.
- Utilize basic PLC knowledge gained through coursework or experience to understand and support control systems used in test equipment.
- Apply knowledge of Measurement System Analysis (MSA) to help evaluate and improve the reliability and accuracy of test measurements.
- Maintain clear documentation of test procedures, equipment issues, and corrective actions taken in the validation lab.
Essential Skills
- Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical degree.
- Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills with test equipment and mechanical systems.
- Ability to support test equipment and test technicians in a validation lab environment.
- Experience with process controls in test or industrial settings.
- Proficiency in data acquisition, including collecting, interpreting, and entering test data.
- Working knowledge of instrumentation used in testing and measurement applications.
- Basic understanding of PLCs, preferably gained through college coursework.
- Comfort working with automotive HVAC or engine cooling component testing.
- Ability to diagnose issues involving mechanical systems, instrumentation, and test equipment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Exposure to thermodynamics and its application in HVAC and refrigeration systems.
- Experience or familiarity with automotive HVAC and refrigeration systems.
- Knowledge of industrial electrical equipment and its safe operation.
- Understanding of control valves and their role in process control systems.
- Familiarity with test environments or process-control environments.
- Knowledge of Measurement System Analysis (MSA) to support data reliability.
- Understanding of OSHA requirements and safety practices in a lab or industrial setting.
- Additional experience with instrumentation and data acquisition systems in validation or test labs.
- Interest in career growth within a collaborative, hands-on engineering team.
Work Environment
The role is approximately 25% desk work and 75% lab bench, hands-on work in a validation lab setting. The position is not suited for individuals seeking primarily design or office-based work, and is best for someone who enjoys practical troubleshooting, supporting test and validation activities, and working directly with data to ensure specifications are met. The engineer works with mechanical test equipment, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, process controls, and industrial electrical equipment while adhering to safety and OSHA guidelines. The environment emphasizes collaboration, room for growth, and a supportive team atmosphere focused on high-quality testing and continuous improvement.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Lockport, NY.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/yr.
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.
Full company provided benefits.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Lockport, NY.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Lockport,NY.
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.
