R&D Technician

Hiring for an R&D Technician in East Hartford!

Job Description

The R&D Technician will provide hands-on support to the Materials Process Engineering team, working closely with engineers in a large development group to test, analyze, and document material performance for advanced engine components. This role combines approximately 60% laboratory-based testing and sample analysis with 40% data organization and technical documentation in Excel. The technician will perform metallography, operate microscopes and scanning electron microscopes, run a variety of mechanical and thermal tests, and contribute to the evaluation of materials used in commercial and military engines. The position offers a strong career path, exposure to cutting-edge aerospace technology, and the opportunity to directly impact flight safety, durability, and engine design.

Responsibilities

• Support the Materials Process Engineering team by executing test requests and experimental work as directed by engineers.

• Locate and prepare material samples, including cutting sections and mounting and polishing approximately 1" pieces for analysis.

• Perform metallography and microstructural evaluations using optical microscopes and scanning electron microscopes.

• Measure features and analyze images using image analysis software to support material characterization.

• Conduct mechanical and materials tests such as tensile testing, heat treating, and other analytical tests as required.

• Fabricate polymer composite and adhesively bonded test samples according to established procedures and specifications.

• Perform laboratory tests on polymer composites, adhesives, and elastomers, and accurately record test conditions and results.

• Organize, manage, and house large volumes of test and experimental data in Excel, ensuring accuracy and traceability.

• Prepare clear, concise technical documentation and reports using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint to communicate test methods, data, and conclusions.

• Apply engineering statistics and data analysis techniques to interpret test results and support material selection decisions.

• Utilize CAD skills to assist in evaluating materials for engine part designs and to support test fixture or sample design as needed.

• Maintain laboratory equipment and work areas in a clean, safe, and organized condition, following established procedures.

• Collaborate effectively with engineers and other team members, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritizing work requests and meeting deadlines.

• Follow structured processes and documentation standards to ensure consistency and quality in testing and reporting.

Essential Skills

• Associate Degree in a science or technical field such as Engineering, Physics, Machining, or Materials (candidates with a bachelor's degree in engineering will not be considered for this role).

• Internship experience or at least 6 months of experience in a manufacturing or laboratory environment, either through work or school.

• Strong familiarity with polymer composites, adhesives, and elastomers, including testing and characterization techniques (preferred).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to manage, analyze, and organize large datasets (Excel expert level preferred).

• Ability to prepare and format technical documentation and reports using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

• Basic CAD skills to support materials evaluation and design-related tasks.

• Experience with materials testing, including tensile testing, heat treating, and other analytical tests.

• Knowledge of materials engineering, metallurgy, metrology, and microstructures.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting work and presenting results.

• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple assignments and maintain detailed records.

• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in production and overhaul environments.

• Ability to follow structured processes, work requests, and laboratory procedures accurately and consistently.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as an engineering assistant or in a similar technical support role.

• Familiarity with SAP or similar database and enterprise systems.

• Experience with new product development and materials engineering projects.

• Background in analytical testing and technical documentation.

• Understanding of NDE (non-destructive evaluation), measurement, and instrumentation techniques.

• Experience in design and report writing for technical or engineering projects.

• Comfort working with microstructures and learning new materials characterization skills.

• Strong organizational and time-management abilities to support a high-volume test environment.

• Ability to thrive in a structured, process-driven organization.

• Interest in aerospace, flight safety, and advanced engine technology.

• Motivation to pursue long-term career growth, including defined paths for individuals with two-year and four-year degrees.

Work Environment

This role is based fully onsite in a laboratory and engineering environment, working five days per week. Start times are flexible, with options to begin as early as 5 or 6 a.m. for an earlier finish or to start later and stay later, provided a 40-hour workweek is maintained. The position is located in a dedicated engineering building near the badging area. The lab environment involves frequent hands-on work with materials, test equipment, microscopes, and other instrumentation, as well as significant time spent working on computers to analyze data and prepare documentation. Dress code is business casual, and safety shoes are required; safety footwear can be expensed. The organization is highly structured and process-driven, with a strong focus on flight safety and cutting-edge advances in the aerospace industry. The assignment is long-term, with an expected duration of approximately 36 months, and offers the potential to transition to permanent employment. During the contract period, there are paid holidays, accrued paid time off, opportunities for overtime at enhanced pay rates, and flexible start and stop times to support work-life balance. Long-term employees enjoy robust retirement benefits, generous paid time off, and tuition reimbursement, and there are defined career paths for individuals with both two-year and four-year degrees. The team environment is rewarding, mission-focused, and centered on solving complex flight safety challenges and influencing the design and manufacture of commercial and military engines.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of East Hartford, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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 East Hartford,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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.