Validation Technician @ Actalent

Job Title: Validation TechnicianJob DescriptionThe Validation Technician supports the testing, validation, certification, and continuous improvement of advanced power conversion and industrial control products. In this hands-on role, you execute engineering validation plans, regulatory compliance testing, environmental and reliability testing on medium- and high-power electrical equipment, while also building and maintaining the test fixtures used in these programs. You work closely with design engineering to evaluate product performance, troubleshoot issues, collect and analyze test data, and document results for certification agencies and product development teams.

This position is ideal for someone highly skilled in electrical testing, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and power electronics, who enjoys working safely around high-voltage AC and DC systems and helping engineers focus more on design and less on hands-on lab work.

Responsibilities

• Execute engineering validation and qualification test plans on power electronic products, motor drives, control systems, protection devices, and renewable energy products.
• Perform regulatory compliance testing and support product certification efforts for advanced power conversion and industrial control products.
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot test setups for electrical, thermal, environmental, reliability, and safety testing.
• Prepare, build, and improve test stands, fixtures, instrumentation setups, and automated test procedures, ensuring all fixtures meet safety requirements to prevent electrical shock.
• Analyze test data and prepare detailed technical reports that document results, observations, and conclusions for internal stakeholders and certification agencies.
• Support root cause investigations and failure analysis activities to resolve product issues and improve design robustness.
• Maintain calibration status, accuracy, and proper operation of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Perform testing and documentation to support compliance with applicable standards, including UL 508A, UL 1741, UL 1699B, UL 1077, UL 489, UL 1449, and related UL and IEC standards, as well as applicable ISO product and process requirements.
• Conduct environmental and reliability testing such as thermal characterization and temperature rise testing, reliability and life-cycle testing, environmental qualification testing, Ingress Protection (IP) testing, accelerated stress and endurance testing, and vibration and shock testing where applicable.
• Work with purchasing and vendors to procure materials and components for test fixture design, redesign, and upgrades, including wiring, terminal blocks, and hardware.
• Coordinate with the in-house panel shop to support fixture and panel builds and ensure they meet design and safety requirements.
• Participate in design reviews for new test fixture development and material specification, providing practical input from a testing and safety perspective.
• Support production and service test stands by performing maintenance, updates, and improvements as needed.
• Support laboratory compliance with UL Data Acceptance Program (DAP), ISO/IEC laboratory requirements, and ISO 9001:2015 by maintaining documentation, procedures, records, and test reports.
• Participate in audits and certification assessments related to laboratory operations and compliance programs.
• Run testing for design engineering R&D work and take on hands-on lab activities so engineers can focus more on design and development tasks.
• Follow test procedures accurately and consistently, especially when working with RF equipment, high-powered supplies, and low-voltage systems.
• Build and assemble cables and small test fixtures to support a wide range of test setups and validation activities.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree (2-year) in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 25 years of relevant laboratory, test, validation, or power electronics experience.
• Experience working safely with three-phase AC systems up to 690 Vac and DC bus systems up to 2000 Vdc.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills and the ability to diagnose issues in complex test setups and power electronic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and detailed test procedures.
• Understanding of UL wiring standards and their application in test fixtures and panels.
• Hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, high-voltage differential probes, current probes and transducers, and digital multimeters (DMMs).
• Experience with programmable AC/DC power supplies, electronic loads, and regenerative 4-quadrant systems.
• Proficiency using power analyzers, data acquisition systems, thermocouples, RTDs, and automated switching systems for measurement and control.
• Experience with logic analyzers and communication/protocol analyzers for monitoring and troubleshooting digital and communication signals.
• Hands-on experience with spectrum analyzers, dynamic signal analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNAs), and arbitrary waveform generators.
• Ability to follow procedures accurately and consistently in a laboratory environment.
• Experience working with RF equipment and high-powered supplies in a test setting.
• Skill in building cables and small test fixtures to support validation and test activities.
• Comfort working with low-voltage power systems in a laboratory environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with power electronics, motor drives, renewable energy systems, battery systems, EV powertrain testing, or industrial automation.
• Experience with UL certification programs and UL Data Acceptance Program (DAP).
• Experience working in ISO/IEC-compliant laboratories.
• Familiarity with EMC/EMI testing and related standards.
• Familiarity with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar platforms for fixture or panel design.
• Experience with LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or other tools used to develop automated test systems.
• Experience with vibration and shock testing for product reliability and qualification.
• Strong written communication skills for preparing clear, detailed technical reports and documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with design engineers, panel shop personnel, and purchasing teams.
• Attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset for enhancing test methods, fixtures, and processes.

Work EnvironmentThe role is based in Franksville, WI, with a planned primary job location in Milwaukee in the future. The position operates on a first-shift schedule, typically from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. You work in an engineering laboratory environment focused on validation, compliance, and R&D testing of low-voltage and high-power electrical equipment. The lab includes advanced test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, high-voltage probes, programmable AC/DC power supplies, electronic loads, regenerative 4-quadrant systems, power analyzers, data acquisition systems, logic and protocol analyzers, spectrum analyzers, dynamic signal analyzers, vector network analyzers, and arbitrary waveform generators.

You regularly work around three-phase AC and high-voltage DC systems, following strict safety procedures and using appropriate protective practices. The environment emphasizes structured test procedures, documentation, and compliance with UL Data Acceptance Program (DAP), ISO/IEC laboratory standards, and ISO 9001:2015 quality requirements. Collaboration with design engineering, panel shop personnel, and purchasing is routine, and the culture encourages hands-on problem solving, careful adherence to procedures, and continuous improvement in test methods and fixtures.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Wauwatosa, WI.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $65000.00 - $80000.00/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 benefits- health, dental, vision, 401k

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Wauwatosa,WI.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.