Mechanical Technician

Job Title: Mechanical TechnicianJob Description This Mechanical Technician role focuses on the assembly, integration, startup, and troubleshooting of custom robotic automation equipment. Instead of repetitive production line work, you will build one-off prototype and R&D machines, working closely with engineers to develop robotic palletizing, packaging, conveyor, and material handling systems. You will thrive in a dynamic environment where machines may not work perfectly the first time and where your problem-solving skills, mechanical expertise, and direct collaboration with engineering are critical to project success. Responsibilities + Assemble custom industrial machinery, automation equipment, conveyors, packaging systems, robotics cells, and other custom machines using mechanical drawings and assembly prints. + Support the full build process for one-off prototype and R&D machines, from initial assembly through integration and startup. + Read and interpret mechanical drawings and assembly prints to plan and execute accurate machine builds. + Use hand tools, power tools, measuring equipment, and fabrication tools to perform precise mechanical assembly work. + Build and assemble structures using aluminum extrusion framing systems, ensuring proper fit, alignment, and rigidity. + Perform drilling, tapping, fastening, shimming, and alignment tasks as part of machine build activities. + Troubleshoot mechanical issues that arise during machine startup and integration, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions. + Adapt to changing project requirements and design updates while maintaining build quality and timelines. + Collaborate directly with engineers, providing feedback on build issues, design improvements, and practical assembly considerations. + Support machine alignment, startup, commissioning, and, when needed, customer site installation of automation equipment. + Contribute to the development of robotic palletizing, packaging, conveyor, and material handling systems by applying hands-on mechanical skills in a custom automation environment. + Maintain a high level of detail orientation and craftsmanship in all build activities to ensure reliable and safe operation of custom machines. Essential Skills + Minimum 3+ years of hands-on mechanical assembly experience. + Proven experience building industrial machinery, automation equipment, conveyors, packaging equipment, robotics cells, or other custom machines. + Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and assembly prints accurately. + Proficiency using hand tools, power tools, measuring equipment, and fabrication tools for mechanical assembly. + Experience working with aluminum extrusion framing systems in machine building applications. + Ability to perform drilling, tapping, fastening, shimming, alignment, and related machine build activities. + Comfortable troubleshooting mechanical issues during machine startup and integration. + Experience working in a custom machine build, automation integration, prototype, or R&D environment. + Comfort operating in projects with changing requirements and evolving designs. + Ability to communicate clearly and directly with engineers and provide constructive build feedback. + Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take initiative. + Detail-oriented approach to assembly and documentation. + Adaptable mindset, comfortable working in a dynamic and iterative environment. + Strong problem-solving mindset, particularly in troubleshooting and resolving mechanical issues. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Pneumatics experience, including assembly and troubleshooting of pneumatic systems. + Experience with conveyors and material handling systems in an industrial or automation context. + Robotics integration experience, particularly with robotic cells and robotic automation equipment. + Startup and commissioning experience for custom machines or automation systems. + Machine alignment experience to ensure proper operation and performance. + Customer site installation experience for manufacturing or automation equipment. + Background or exposure in manufacturing automation environments. Work Environment This role is based in a hands-on custom automation and R&D environment focused on building one-off machines rather than repetitive production assemblies. You will work closely with engineers on the shop floor, using a variety of hand tools, power tools, measuring instruments, fabrication tools, and aluminum extrusion framing systems. Projects often evolve as they progress, so you can expect changing requirements, iterative design updates, and frequent troubleshooting during machine startup and integration. The environment emphasizes collaboration, direct communication, and practical feedback between technicians and engineers. You will be involved in the full lifecycle of custom machines, from initial assembly through alignment, startup, and potentially customer site installation, contributing to advanced robotic palletizing, packaging, conveyor, and material handling systems. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Exton, PA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $36.00/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 Exton,PA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.