EMC Test Technician

EMC Test Technician

Job Description

The EMC Test Technician performs hands-on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and wireless testing in a laboratory environment, with a clear development path toward engineering-level responsibilities. The technician works closely with engineers and supervisors, manages test projects independently once trained, and contributes to high-quality, standards-compliant test results.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on EMC testing, including radiated emissions, conducted emissions, and immunity testing on a variety of products.

• Execute wireless EMC evaluations using EMI receivers and call boxes in accordance with established procedures and standards.

• Operate EMI receivers confidently and apply a working understanding of call box usage during wireless and radio-related testing.

• Conduct surge testing, electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing, harmonics, flicker, and other EMC-related evaluations as needed.

• Perform conducted testing on Ethernet, AC power, HDMI, and other relevant interfaces to assess EMC performance.

• Apply knowledge of the four main EMC categories to plan and execute test activities accurately and efficiently.

• Document all test activities thoroughly, ensuring accurate, complete, and traceable records that align with testing standards and lab requirements.

• Follow testing standards and internal procedures to ensure compliance, repeatability, and high-quality test outcomes.

• Collaborate closely with engineers, lab technicians, and supervisors to interpret test requirements, clarify test setups, and resolve technical issues.

• Manage assigned test projects independently once trained, including organizing daily tasks, prioritizing work, and meeting project timelines.

• Move efficiently between assigned products and test activities, maintaining high productivity and billable utilization.

• Demonstrate initiative by proactively seeking new work or next steps as testing is completed, without waiting for step-by-step direction.

• Maintain test equipment and workstations in a safe, organized, and calibration-compliant condition.

• Contribute to a collaborative team environment by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and participating in continuous improvement of lab processes.

• Build toward engineering-level responsibilities over time by deepening technical expertise in EMC and wireless testing and supporting more complex test projects.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 1 year of EMC testing experience in a laboratory or equivalent technical environment.

• Prior exposure to radio emissions testing and familiarity with radio frequency concepts.

• Working understanding of the four main EMC categories and how they apply to product testing.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline, to support growth into an engineer promotion path.

• Comfort operating EMI receivers and interpreting measurement results during EMC testing.

• Understanding of call box usage in wireless and radio-related EMC evaluations.

• Hands-on experience with radiated emissions and conducted emissions testing.

• Experience with immunity testing, including evaluating product performance under EMC stress conditions.

• Ability to read, follow, and apply testing standards and internal laboratory procedures.

• Strong troubleshooting skills in electronics and test setups to identify and resolve issues during testing.

• Experience using test equipment commonly found in EMC and electronics labs.

• Ability to work independently after training, managing test projects and daily tasks without constant supervision.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in both testing and documentation.

• Motivated, proactive work style with the initiative to stay productive and transition to new tasks as work is completed.

• Mechanical-only backgrounds are not suitable; candidates must have an electronics or electrical-focused.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering is strongly preferred for the engineer promotion track; other closely related technical degrees are considered.

• Experience with surge testing and electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing in an EMC context.

• Experience with harmonics and flicker testing for power quality and EMC assessments.

• Hands-on experience conducting EMC tests on Ethernet, AC power, and HDMI interfaces.

• Knowledge in wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and other wireless communication standards.

• Familiarity with Ethernet, HDMI, and other digital communication interfaces from an EMC testing perspective.

• Experience in a third-party product testing or certification environment is beneficial.

• Ability to work effectively within a team of EMC professionals, including engineers, technicians, and supervisors.

• Interest in and aptitude for growing into an engineering role with increased technical and project responsibilities.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple test activities and maintain detailed documentation.

Work Environment

The position is structured as a 6–9 month contract-to-hire opportunity, providing a clear path to long-term employment and promotion into an engineering role for qualified individuals. The technician works within a team of roughly 18 EMC professionals, including lab technicians, engineers, and supervisors, in a collaborative and technically focused environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Northbrook, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $33.00/hr.

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 Type

This is a fully onsite position in Northbrook,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.