R&D Technician III

Actalent is hiring for an R&D Technician in the San Diego area!!

Job Description

The R&D Technician III performs a wide range of laboratory and engineering activities across electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, chemical, and optical disciplines. This role focuses on building and modifying prototypes, operating and maintaining research equipment, conducting testing and experimentation, and supporting the development and transfer of new technologies and products. The technician plays a key role in ensuring that products and processes meet established quality and safety standards while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform diverse laboratory and engineering tasks within electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, chemical, and optical disciplines to support research and development projects.
• Build, assemble, and modify prototype materials, components, subassemblies, and finished assemblies according to project requirements.
• Operate, troubleshoot, calibrate, maintain, and test equipment, systems, and products used in research and development activities.
• Work from engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, and verbal or written instructions to complete assigned projects accurately and on time.
• Conduct testing and experimentation on products and processes, analyze results, and prepare clear technical reports and documentation.
• Assist in developing, reviewing, and improving manufacturing and processing procedures and work instructions to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Maintain detailed records and documentation throughout product development, testing, evaluation, and analysis phases to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Support technology transfer activities from development to manufacturing, ensuring that processes and product information are accurately communicated.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on product design, performance evaluations, and quality investigations to identify issues and propose solutions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable quality standards, company policies, procedures, and safety requirements during all laboratory and engineering activities.
• Use buffers and run instruments as part of routine testing, cleaning, and maintenance procedures.
• Disassemble instruments and equipment for troubleshooting, repair, or modification and reassemble them to proper working condition.
• Contribute to a team-oriented environment by communicating effectively, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues in meeting project goals.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree with 46 years of relevant experience in a technical, engineering, or scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to perform laboratory and engineering tasks across electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, chemical, or optical areas.
• Proficiency in building, assembling, and modifying prototype materials, components, subassemblies, and finished assemblies.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude, including the ability to take apart instruments and equipment and reassemble them correctly.
• Experience operating, troubleshooting, calibrating, maintaining, and testing research and development equipment and systems.
• Ability to work from engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, and both verbal and written instructions.
• Strong skills in conducting experiments, analyzing test results, and preparing clear and accurate technical reports and documentation.
• Experience maintaining detailed records throughout product development, testing, evaluation, and analysis phases.
• Ability to use buffers and run instruments as part of laboratory workflows and equipment maintenance.
• Commitment to following and promoting quality standards, company policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Proven teamwork skills, including effective communication, collaboration, and willingness to support cross-functional projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience assisting in the development, review, and improvement of manufacturing and processing procedures and work instructions.
• Experience supporting technology transfer activities between research and development and manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with product design, performance evaluation, and quality investigation processes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain thorough documentation.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving ability when troubleshooting instruments, equipment, and processes.
• Comfort working in multidisciplinary teams that may include engineering, quality, and operations personnel.

Work Environment

The role operates primarily in a laboratory and engineering environment that supports research and development activities. The R&D Technician III works with a variety of instruments, equipment, and systems spanning electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, chemical, and optical technologies. The position involves hands-on work with prototypes, use of buffers, and frequent operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of instruments. Work typically follows established procedures, engineering drawings, and technical specifications, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality standards, and accurate documentation. The environment encourages collaboration with cross-functional teams and requires adherence to all relevant company policies and laboratory safety practices.

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $37.00 - $38.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 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.