Mechanical Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Technician

Job Description

This full-time Mechanical Technician role focuses on assembling and testing spacecraft hardware in a cleanroom environment. You will contribute to the build and integration of advanced propulsion systems and satellite components, including harness fabrication, PCB assembly, and environmental testing support. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about space systems, enjoys hands-on mechanical and electrical work, and is eager to learn and grow within a close-knit, collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Assemble spacecraft hardware and mechanical assemblies according to detailed drawings, blueprints, and written work instructions.
• Follow step-by-step guidelines to build electrical and mechanical assemblies and accurately document each stage of the build process.
• Assemble and solder components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) in accordance with applicable standards.
• Perform soldering, crimping, and harness builds, including fabrication of wire harnesses and connectors for spacecraft systems.
• Install project-specific sensors such as thermistors and accelerometers on spacecraft hardware and test setups.
• Operate torque wrenches and other precision hand tools to achieve product specifications and maintain quality standards.
• Support propulsion module and spacecraft testing, including setup, execution, and teardown of test configurations.
• Assist in following spacecraft through environmental testing campaigns, including vibration, thermal, and vacuum testing activities.
• Work with engineers to troubleshoot hardware problems and support diagnostic activities on mechanical and electrical systems.
• Perform electronics testing and board repair as needed to ensure hardware meets performance and reliability requirements.
• Support non-conformance resolution by identifying issues, documenting findings, and assisting in implementing corrective actions.
• Use CAD drawing software, Visio, and Excel to review, interpret, and update documentation related to assemblies and tests.
• Apply troubleshooting and diagnostic processes to identify root causes of issues in assemblies and test setups.
• Handle and operate equipment in and around vacuum chambers as part of test and qualification activities.
• Communicate clearly with team members, providing written and verbal updates on build status, issues, and test outcomes.
• Manage time effectively to meet build schedules, test timelines, and project milestones in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience in mechanical assembly and precision work.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, blueprints, and written instructions accurately.
• Experience with soldering, crimping, and harness builds for electrical and electronic assemblies.
• Proficiency in assembling and soldering components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs).
• Experience with electronics testing and board repair in a laboratory or production environment.
• Ability to operate torque wrenches and similar hand tools to precise product specifications.
• Familiarity with harness fabrication, including building harnesses and wire connectors.
• Experience working with fabrication and test processes for hardware systems.
• Knowledge of troubleshooting and diagnostic processes for mechanical and electrical hardware.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for documenting work and collaborating with engineers and technicians.
• Good time-management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Comfort working with CAD drawing software, Visio, and Excel to support documentation and planning.
• Ability to work safely in a cleanroom environment, including handling delicate flight hardware.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and climb a 13-foot ladder as required by the role.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with flight hardware in aerospace or related industries.
• Experience supporting propulsion modules and spacecraft testing activities.
• Experience with vacuum chambers and associated test setups.
• Experience with non-conformance resolution, including documentation and corrective actions.
• NASA certifications for soldering, crimping, and harnesses or the ability to obtain equivalent certifications.
• Ability to obtain IPC certifications for wire harnessing and soldering assemblies.
• Experience with board-level repair and rework in a production or R&D environment.
• Experience with electronics test equipment and diagnostic tools.
• Familiarity with CAD software for reviewing and interpreting mechanical and electrical designs.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work closely with engineers to resolve hardware issues.
• Demonstrated ability to follow verbal and written instructions precisely and consistently.
• Interest in and passion for space systems, satellites, and advanced propulsion technologies.
• Desire to continuously learn, improve, and expand skills in both mechanical and electrical domains.

Work Environment

You will work primarily in a cleanroom environment handling delicate spacecraft and propulsion hardware. The role involves regular use of precision hand tools, torque wrenches, soldering equipment, and test instruments in support of assembly and test activities. You will interact closely with engineers and technicians in a collaborative, close-knit team focused on innovative satellite propulsion systems, including electromagnetic thrusters and CubeSat hardware. The position requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and to climb a 13-foot ladder as needed for assembly and test operations.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Littleton, CO.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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 Littleton,CO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.