Test Mechanic
Job Description
This full-time Test Technician role focuses on supporting heavy-duty truck and vehicle testing activities by installing and maintaining test instrumentation, performing mechanical work on prototype vehicles, and collaborating closely with engineers to execute development and validation test plans. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, hands-on troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced test and shop floor environment.
Responsibilities
- Install, configure, and maintain instrumentation and data acquisition equipment for vehicle and component testing.
- Set up heavy-duty trucks and test rigs for planned tests, including mechanical preparation, sensor installation, cable routing, and calibration.
- Assist with complete test setup, execution, monitoring, and teardown according to prescribed test plans, modules, and routes.
- Collaborate closely with test engineers to understand test objectives and execute test plans accurately and efficiently.
- Provide clear feedback on test procedures, test conditions, and outcomes, documenting observations and issues in a structured manner.
- Perform technician and mechanic tasks such as part swapping, mechanical repairs, adjustments, and general truck maintenance during testing.
- Use strong diagnostic skills and critical thinking to identify issues, perform root cause analysis, and resolve problems in real time during tests.
- Carry out temporary repairs and corrective actions to minimize downtime and keep test programs running safely and effectively.
- Develop familiarity with all relevant vehicle systems and operations, including powertrain, chassis, electrical, and control systems.
- Install, route, and secure sensors, cables, and test equipment to ensure accurate measurements and reliable data collection.
- Support vehicle development and validation activities across areas such as NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), vehicle dynamics, and ADAS/active safety systems.
- Adhere strictly to safety guidelines, demonstrate situational awareness, and exercise sound judgment in all shop floor and test activities.
- Use computer, tablet, and mobile phone devices for test documentation, communication, and data entry.
- Compose professional emails and written reports to communicate test results, observed conditions, and technical issues to engineering and test teams.
- Manage multiple test assignments and projects simultaneously while maintaining high attention to detail and organization.
- Travel and support offsite testing as needed, adapting to different test locations and conditions.
Essential Skills
- Strong mechanical with hands-on experience using hand and power tools for vehicle maintenance and repair.
- Experience with vehicle testing activities, particularly for heavy-duty trucks or similar automotive/transportation applications.
- Practical experience with instrumentation installation, sensor mounting, cable routing, and test equipment setup.
- Working knowledge of data acquisition systems, calibration processes, and automated testing tools and instrumentation.
- Understanding in NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), vehicle dynamics, and ADAS or active safety systems.
- Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills, including the ability to perform root cause analysis under time constraints.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to make sound technical decisions during testing.
- Effective communication skills, including the ability to compose clear emails and document observed conditions and test results.
- Good organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment with engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds and perform physical activities such as twisting, kneeling, bending, and climbing stairs.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Technical degree or formal technical training in automotive, mechanical, or related fields is preferred.
- Prior experience in a similar test technician or automotive/transportation industry role is advantageous.
- Experience working with heavy-duty trucks, prototypes, or specialized test vehicles.
- Knowledge of test rigs, test equipment, and truck maintenance procedures.
- Familiarity with vehicle systems, including powertrain, chassis, electrical, and control systems.
- Ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor in a fast-paced and dynamic test environment.
- Flexibility to support offsite testing and travel when required.
Work Environment
The role is based on a shop floor and test floor environment working directly with prototype heavy-duty trucks and test vehicles. You will spend most of your time in a hands-on setting, installing instrumentation, performing mechanical work, and supporting live tests on vehicles and test rigs. The work involves physical activity, including lifting up to approximately 50 pounds, twisting, kneeling, bending, and going up and down stairs. You will regularly use computers, tablets, mobile devices, and modern test equipment for data acquisition, calibration, and documentation. The environment is fast-paced and safety-focused, with close collaboration between technicians and engineers on development and validation programs. Occasional travel and work at offsite test locations may be required, and attire should be appropriate for a shop and test floor setting.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Greensboro, NC.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/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)
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Greensboro,NC.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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.
