Engineering Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Engineering Technician

Job Description

The Engineering Technician supports prototype builds and testing by assembling, reworking, and verifying complex instrumentation and control (I&C) systems in a dynamic lab environment. This role focuses on hands-on work such as soldering, cable and harness fabrication, panel wiring, and system integration, while collaborating closely with engineers to identify and resolve design and test issues. The position is ideal for someone who enjoys precision craftsmanship, can adapt quickly to shifting priorities, and is eager to deepen their experience with instrumentation, controls, and system-level testing.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and build instrumentation and control (I&C) system components, panels, and assemblies in accordance with engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and detailed work instructions.
• Perform bench-level testing of sensors, transmitters, controllers, and signal conditioning equipment to verify proper operation and performance.
• Support system integration by wiring, configuring, and verifying I&C connections and test setups for prototype and development systems.
• Assist with prototype builds, including hardware troubleshooting, rework, and calibration activities when issues arise during testing.
• Execute calibration and verification procedures using standard lab equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and signal generators.
• Document build and test results thoroughly, including assembly records, test data, and nonconformance reports, to ensure traceability and quality control.
• Maintain lab organization, tool control, and a safe working environment by following established lab practices and keeping work areas orderly.
• Support functional and environmental testing such as continuity checks, insulation resistance measurements, and signal verification for system-level builds.
• Follow all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards and lab protocols while performing daily tasks and handling equipment.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and fellow technicians to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve design or test issues discovered during lab work.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by providing feedback and updating procedures, work instructions, and documentation as needed.
• Prepare instrumentation and test setups for system-level or field testing, ensuring all connections, sensors, and components are correctly installed and verified.
• Perform rework on prototype cards, including soldering, rewiring, and adding or modifying components such as resistors when test results indicate issues.
• Support chassis, cabinet, and full system builds from basic assemblies through complete shakeout and verification of performance.
• Fabricate cables and harnesses, perform panel wiring, and complete general wiring and assembly tasks for manufacturing and product development projects.
• Use test equipment such as multimeters and oscilloscopes to verify system performance and troubleshoot electrical and instrumentation issues.
• Maintain high standards for lab organization, quality, and safety while working on multiple projects in a fast-paced development environment.
• Adapt to shifting priorities on a day-to-day and hour-to-hour basis, moving between different projects and tasks as lab needs change.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience if no associate degree, with flexibility to consider both junior-level and more senior candidates.
• Basic understanding of electrical and instrumentation principles, including voltage, current, and analog/digital signals.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and engineering drawings for assemblies and panels.
• Proficiency in hand soldering for through-hole and surface mount components, with surface mount soldering required.
• Experience in cable fabrication and harness assembly, including crimping, labeling, and connector installation.
• Experience in panel wiring with strong attention to routing, strain relief, grounding, and overall workmanship.
• Familiarity with test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and signal generators.
• Basic mechanical assembly skills, including drilling, mounting, and installing hardware in panels, chassis, and cabinets.
• Understanding of electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions and safe handling of sensitive electronic components.
• Hands-on experience with soldering, cable making, general wiring, and assembly in a manufacturing or product development environment.
• Electronics familiarity, including working with prototype hardware and test setups.
• Ability to handle shifting priorities and change tasks quickly in a fast-paced lab environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Electronics, Instrumentation, Electrical Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working in an electronics development or prototype lab environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with hardware and engineering teams to support controls system development.
• Experience supporting multiple projects simultaneously and organizing work to meet changing timelines.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in precision craftsmanship for assemblies, wiring, and rework.
• Comfort using hand tools for basic to full assemblies, cable making, and harness fabrication.
• Interest in learning more about instrumentation, controls, and system-level testing in a development lab setting.
• Ability to contribute to procedure and work instruction improvements based on hands-on experience.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in an electronics lab environment. The typical schedule follows an 8-hour day starting around 7:00 a.m., with some flexibility as needed but not to an extreme degree. Occasional travel may be possible but is expected to be limited. The work takes place in a hands-on lab setting with frequent use of test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and signal generators, as well as standard hand tools for assembly and wiring. The environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with shifting priorities and multiple ongoing development projects. Lab organization, tool control, and adherence to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards are emphasized, and appropriate lab attire and safety practices are expected while working with electronics, prototypes, and test setups.

This is a Contract position based out of Wilmington, NC.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $37.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Wilmington,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.