R&d Technician

R&D Technician

The R&D Technician supports product development by assembling and configuring prototype equipment and systems, building custom test fixtures, and maintaining a specialized R&D test facility for HVAC and industrial equipment. This role combines hands-on mechanical and electrical work with troubleshooting, calibration, and general facility upkeep to ensure accurate testing, reliable equipment performance, and a safe, well-organized lab environment.

Responsibilities:

• Assemble and configure prototype equipment and systems to support product development initiatives.
• Build and install custom test fixtures, rigs, and setups to enable validation and performance testing of products.
• Maintain, calibrate, and upgrade test labs and equipment to ensure accuracy, reliability, and compliance with relevant standards.
• Diagnose and resolve issues with equipment, products, and testing facilities, including mechanical, electrical, and control-related problems.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and testing equipment to minimize downtime and extend asset life.
• Carry out general building maintenance tasks as needed, including minor repairs and upkeep of workspaces and equipment areas.
• Use precision measuring tools and test equipment to verify performance and ensure proper operation of prototypes and test rigs.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, electrical schematics, and technical manuals to guide assembly and troubleshooting.
• Apply safe and effective practices when working with mains voltage, low voltage systems, and high voltage circuits.
• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems and test equipment as needed to support R&D testing and automation.
• Manage multiple concurrent tasks and projects efficiently while maintaining strong attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Document work performed, including maintenance activities, test setups, and configuration changes, in a clear and organized manner.
• Collaborate effectively with engineers and other team members, providing feedback and suggestions to improve products, processes, and test setups.

Essential Skills:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Hands-on experience assembling equipment, industrial products, and machinery in a development or R&D setting, with at least 3+ years of experience in assembly of equipment or industrial products.
• Proficiency in mechanical assembly, including alignment, fastening, and integration of components.
• Skilled in electrical assembly, wiring, and cable routing for industrial and prototype systems.
• Solid understanding of basic electrical principles, including mains voltage, low voltage, and high voltage systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals.
• Competence in the safe and effective use of hand tools, power tools, precision instruments, and electrical testing equipment.
• Experience with troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and industrial machinery issues in an R&D or test environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong working relationships across teams.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs occasionally.

Work Environment:

The role is based in an R&D test facility.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orange, CA.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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)

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in Orange, CA.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 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.