Engineering Technician

Job Title: Engineering Electronic Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on performing Engineering Electronic Technician tasks to assemble, rework, and test prototype and production printed circuit boards (PCBs) for space and defense applications. You will work closely with engineering teams to build, troubleshoot, and document complex electronic assemblies that meet stringent aerospace and defense standards.

Responsibilities

• Assemble prototype and production printed circuit boards for space flight hardware and defense-related programs.

• Perform high-reliability soldering, including through-hole and surface mount components, in accordance with J-STD and IPC standards.

• Interpret and follow assembly drawings, blueprints, engineering sketches, and electronic schematics to build and rework PCBs.

• Conduct repair and rework of electronic assemblies based on engineering changes, test results, and updated documentation.

• Build, troubleshoot, test, and reassemble electronic assemblies while maintaining heavy documentation to meet space and defense requirements.

• Work from NASA space addenda, specifications, and defense specifications to ensure compliance with all applicable standards.

• Support prototype, R&D, and new product development activities in collaboration with engineering teams.

• Operate within an R&D lab and cleanroom environment when required, following all applicable handling and cleanliness procedures for space flight hardware.

• Document work performed, including assembly steps, test results, and rework actions, in accordance with aerospace-grade quality requirements.

• Collaborate with engineers and other technicians to resolve technical issues and improve build processes and product reliability.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 3+ years of experience assembling products or components for space, defense, or aerospace applications in a prototype, R&D, or new product development environment.

• At least 5+ years of soldering experience, including through-hole and surface mount soldering, and printed circuit board assembly.

• Current J-STD certification (any current J-STD certification is required).

• Current IPC certifications such as IPC-610 and IPC-620, or equivalent, with the ability to apply these standards in daily work.

• Proficiency in soldering and rework of complex PCB assemblies to high-reliability aerospace and defense standards.

• Ability to interpret and work from assembly drawings, blueprints, engineering drawings, and electronic schematics.

• Experience working with NASA space addenda, spaceflight specifications, or defense specifications.

• Strong troubleshooting skills for electronic assemblies, including identifying faults, performing rework, and verifying corrections.

• Comfort working with heavy documentation and strict process controls to meet space and defense quality requirements.

• Experience working in R&D lab environments, including handling space flight hardware and electronics under controlled conditions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting high-end technology programs such as space exploration, rockets, spacecraft, aircraft, or other aerospace platforms.

• Background working with rugged aerospace-grade data acquisition and control systems or similar high-reliability electronics.

• Familiarity with cleanroom practices and handling procedures for sensitive electronic assemblies.

• Experience collaborating closely with engineering teams in a small, product-focused organization.

• Any additional IPC certifications beyond IPC-610 and IPC-620 are a plus.

• Experience with space flight hardware, including adherence to NASA-specific standards and documentation, is highly desirable.

Work Environment

You will work in a smaller, team-oriented shop where collaboration with engineers and technicians is central to daily activities. The organization focuses on product-oriented space-technology solutions serving commercial space and defense markets. The environment includes R&D lab and, when required, cleanroom settings, where you will handle space flight hardware and high-reliability electronics. The company develops rugged aerospace-grade data acquisition and control systems used onboard rockets, spacecraft, aircraft, and other remote platforms operating in extreme environments. Work involves following structured procedures, detailed documentation, and established standards such as J-STD, IPC, NASA space specifications, and defense specifications, within a supportive and technology-driven culture.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pasadena, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $43.00/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 Pasadena,CA.

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.