Sensor Lab Test Engineer

Job Title: Sensor Lab Test Engineer

Job Description

The Sensor Lab Test Engineer supports the development, characterization, and validation of advanced sensing technologies used in robotic and automation systems. In this hands-on role, you maintain a well-organized and efficient sensor testing laboratory while executing rigorous testing and analysis of 2D and 3D sensor systems. You ensure test infrastructure is maintained, processes are clearly documented, and testing is performed to the highest quality standards, using data-driven analysis to solve complex technical challenges.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including sensors, fixtures, optical targets, cables, and supporting equipment.
• Track and maintain calibration schedules for laboratory instruments and reference standards.
• Coordinate lab space utilization, storage systems, and equipment layouts to maximize efficiency.
• Develop and maintain laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and best-practice documentation.
• Manage incoming and outgoing sensor samples, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and traceability.
• Execute image quality characterization tests, including resolution, noise, dynamic range, color accuracy, distortion, and uniformity measurements for 2D sensors.
• Perform electro-optical testing using industry-standard analysis tools and custom test setups.
• Evaluate 2D sensor performance against specifications under varying environmental conditions such as temperature, lighting, and vibration.
• Set up, align, and maintain optical test benches, illumination sources, and calibration targets to ensure repeatable measurements.
• Conduct depth accuracy, precision, and repeatability testing of 3D sensing systems, including Time-of-Flight (ToF), stereo vision, structured light, and LiDAR technologies.
• Analyze point cloud quality, including noise levels, fill rates, range accuracy, and field-of-view validation.
• Perform volumetric and multi-plane accuracy testing using calibrated reference targets.
• Evaluate 3D sensor performance under varying environmental conditions and interference scenarios.
• Develop, execute, and continuously improve test plans, methodologies, and procedures for sensor qualification and characterization.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data using statistical and engineering principles.
• Generate detailed technical reports summarizing test findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to define acceptance criteria, investigate failures, and identify root causes.
• Support the development of automated test solutions and scripting tools to improve throughput, consistency, and repeatability.
• Contribute to the design and enhancement of test fixtures, laboratory tools, and overall testing capabilities.
• Apply software testing practices and work with cloud environments, including AWS, as part of sensor test infrastructure and data workflows.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 2 years of experience in sensor testing, electro-optical testing, hardware validation, or a related engineering role.
• Hands-on experience with image quality characterization, including resolution, noise, color, and distortion analysis.
• Experience working with 3D sensing technologies such as Time-of-Flight (ToF), stereo vision, structured light, or LiDAR.
• Proficiency with laboratory test equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, optical measurement devices, light sources, and related instrumentation.
• Experience using data analysis and scripting tools such as Python, MATLAB, or equivalent.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing laboratory operations and documentation.
• Ability to produce clear and thorough technical documentation and test reports.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research, development, or product engineering environment.
• Experience with software testing and working in cloud environments, including AWS.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience in sensor characterization, electro-optical testing, or hardware validation engineering.
• Experience with image quality analysis tools such as Imatest or comparable platforms.
• Knowledge of camera calibration techniques, optical alignment, and imaging system performance evaluation.
• Experience developing automated test frameworks and Python-based test solutions.
• Familiarity with sensor interface protocols such as MIPI CSI-2, USB3 Vision, and GigE Vision.
• Experience managing laboratory operations, inventory systems, and continuous improvement initiatives such as 5S.
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and quality improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting advanced technology development programs involving robotics, automation, computer vision, or sensing systems.
• Background in cloud technologies and AWS as part of test data management or analysis workflows.

Work Environment

This role is primarily onsite in a laboratory and engineering development environment, with frequent hands-on interaction with sensors, optical systems, robotics hardware, and test equipment. You work closely with hardware, software, systems, and product development teams in a collaborative, cross-functional setting. The environment emphasizes rigorous testing practices, safety, and continuous improvement, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative sensing technologies and next-generation automation solutions.

This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in North Reading,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

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 [email protected] 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.