R&D Test Engineer Jobs
R&D Test Engineer jobs are open across aerospace, medical devices, semiconductor, automotive, and consumer electronics, covering specializations in hardware validation, software test automation, and reliability engineering, from entry-level to principal and staff engineer. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
- These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer (job title: R&D S&E, Mechanical Engineering) to join our team. This role will lead the National Solar Thermal Test Facility's testing operations, maintenance, and continuous improvement program. The work performed will help our team to improve our process for scheduling and performing testing, maintaining the facility, and improving our ability to deliver for both our DOE, ND, and DOD partners.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Lead the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) site programmatic maintenance program & DOE reporting.
- Lead or support solar thermal test campaigns as PI/POC.
- Work with Facilities to improve our capabilities.
- Assist in the planning and coordinating of testing programs and schedules.
- Oversee site inventory (e.g., propane, programmatic equipment, etc.).
- Maintain a calibration program (e.g., gauges, IR cameras, and measurement tools).
- Support a controls and data automation suite across the site.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. This position is located in Albuquerque, NM.
Salary Range
$117,500 - $235,700
- Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Qualifications We Require
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance.
Qualifications We Desire
The ideal R&D S&E, Mechanical Engineering candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:
- Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
- Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the NNSA complex.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:
- Experience with large scale test programs or supporting environmental test campaigns.
- Active DOE Q-level security clearance.
- Experience with FMEA or Risk Analysis Methods for large scale test programs.
- Familiarity with equipment or systems verification, validation, and qualification.
- Introduction to the calibration of tools, thermocouples, or measurement devices for ND applications.
- Experience in 3D CAD design and the development of mechanical components.
- Experience working in an industrial facility or operational environment.
- Knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, or material mechanics
- Commitment to a culture of safety and security.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a team environment that includes engineering staff, and technologists.
- Experience with Maximo or other maintenance software.
About Our Team
The Solar Thermal Test & Demonstration department operates Sandia's National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF), a globally unique, multi-mission R&D capability that enables pioneering research and technology development for energy and aerospace applications. Using concentrated sunlight, our team creates extreme thermal and combined harsh environments for tests ranging from small-scale coupons to full-scale, multi-story components and systems. We develop and test advanced thermal protection materials, optical metrology systems, innovative solar thermal energy technologies, and heat transfer technologies, including heat exchangers and heat pumps.
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
Essential Functions
If offered the position, you may be required to demonstrate your fitness to perform certain physical aspects of the position, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
- These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer (job title: R&D S&E, Mechanical Engineering) to join our team. This role will lead the National Solar Thermal Test Facility's testing operations, maintenance, and continuous improvement program. The work performed will help our team to improve our process for scheduling and performing testing, maintaining the facility, and improving our ability to deliver for both our DOE, ND, and DOD partners.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Lead the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) site programmatic maintenance program & DOE reporting.
- Lead or support solar thermal test campaigns as PI/POC.
- Work with Facilities to improve our capabilities.
- Assist in the planning and coordinating of testing programs and schedules.
- Oversee site inventory (e.g., propane, programmatic equipment, etc.).
- Maintain a calibration program (e.g., gauges, IR cameras, and measurement tools).
- Support a controls and data automation suite across the site.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. This position is located in Albuquerque, NM.
Salary Range
$117,500 - $235,700
- Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Qualifications We Require
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance.
Qualifications We Desire
The ideal R&D S&E, Mechanical Engineering candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:
- Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
- Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the NNSA complex.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:
- Experience with large scale test programs or supporting environmental test campaigns.
- Active DOE Q-level security clearance.
- Experience with FMEA or Risk Analysis Methods for large scale test programs.
- Familiarity with equipment or systems verification, validation, and qualification.
- Introduction to the calibration of tools, thermocouples, or measurement devices for ND applications.
- Experience in 3D CAD design and the development of mechanical components.
- Experience working in an industrial facility or operational environment.
- Knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, or material mechanics
- Commitment to a culture of safety and security.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a team environment that includes engineering staff, and technologists.
- Experience with Maximo or other maintenance software.
About Our Team
The Solar Thermal Test & Demonstration department operates Sandia's National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF), a globally unique, multi-mission R&D capability that enables pioneering research and technology development for energy and aerospace applications. Using concentrated sunlight, our team creates extreme thermal and combined harsh environments for tests ranging from small-scale coupons to full-scale, multi-story components and systems. We develop and test advanced thermal protection materials, optical metrology systems, innovative solar thermal energy technologies, and heat transfer technologies, including heat exchangers and heat pumps.
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
Essential Functions
If offered the position, you may be required to demonstrate your fitness to perform certain physical aspects of the position, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
R&D Test Engineer Jobs by Experience Level
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Find R&D Test Engineer JobsR&D Test Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Airlines
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Science & Research
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in R&D test engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with test equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and data acquisition systems
- Proficiency in test automation using Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB
- Experience writing and executing test plans, test cases, and validation protocols
- Familiarity with industry standards such as IEC, ISO, MIL-STD, or relevant vertical-specific requirements
- Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and document failure investigation results
Tips for Your R&D Test Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to test methodologies
Hiring managers scan for specific test frameworks you've used, such as HALT, DVT, or automated bench testing. Name the exact equipment, software tools, and test environments from each role rather than describing responsibilities in general terms.
Highlight failure analysis in your bullets
R&D test engineer listings almost always mention root cause analysis. Show concretely how you identified a failure mode, what diagnostic steps you ran, and what design change or process improvement came out of your investigation.
Align certifications to your target industry
A LabVIEW certification carries weight in aerospace and defense, while IEC 60601 experience matters more in medical devices. Match the credentials and standards you feature on your resume to the vertical the posting sits in before you apply.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists r&d test engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a bench test walkthrough for interviews
Many r&d test engineer interviews include a practical or whiteboard exercise where you design a test plan on the spot. Practice narrating your setup logic, instrumentation choices, pass/fail criteria, and how you'd document results for a cross-functional team.
Negotiate scope alongside compensation
R&D roles often differ on how much prototype access and design influence the test engineer gets. Before accepting an offer, ask directly whether the role participates in design reviews and whether you own the test plan or execute someone else's.
R&D Test Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most r&d test engineers?
Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratories are hiring the most r&d test engineers right now, with openings concentrated in California, New Mexico, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially active in aerospace, semiconductor, and medical device companies scaling new product lines.
How many r&d test engineer jobs are remote?
About 15% of r&d test engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most roles require hands-on access to lab equipment and prototypes. Software-focused test automation and data analysis positions within r&d teams tend to offer the most flexibility for remote or hybrid arrangements.
How do you become a r&d test engineer?
Start with a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering, then build hands-on lab experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level roles in manufacturing test or quality assurance. Develop proficiency in test automation tools and at least one scripting language, learn to write structured test plans, and gain exposure to the standards relevant to your target industry, such as ISO, IEC, or MIL-STD.
Can you get a r&d test engineer job with little experience?
Yes, entry-level r&d test engineer roles exist, particularly at companies with structured new-grad programs in aerospace, semiconductor, or consumer electronics. Employers with limited experience care most about lab fundamentals: can you operate test equipment, interpret data, and document results clearly. Internship projects, senior capstone work, or personal electronics builds that demonstrate hands-on testing judgment all strengthen an entry-level application.
What does the r&d test engineer interview process look like?
Expect a recruiter screen followed by a technical phone interview focused on test fundamentals, instrumentation knowledge, and how you approach a failure analysis problem. A second round typically includes a design or test plan exercise, either as a take-home or a live whiteboard session, plus behavioral questions about cross-functional collaboration with hardware and firmware teams. Final rounds often include a panel with the engineering leads you would work alongside directly.
Where can I find and apply to r&d test engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to r&d test engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 52 R&D Test Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find R&D Test Engineer Jobs