Engineering Technician

Job Title: Engineering Technician (Junior Level)

Job Description

This junior-level Engineering Technician role focuses on hands-on prototype assembly and support for engineering technicians in a dynamic, cutting-edge environment. You will help build basic mechanical sub-assemblies, perform electrical and electronic assembly, and work directly with spaceflight and R&D hardware, gaining exposure to complex projects and programs across multiple missions.

Responsibilities

• Support engineering technicians with day-to-day assembly tasks and project needs.

• Build basic mechanical sub-assemblies, including mechanisms and structural components, using hand tools.

• Perform basic electrical assembly, including cable harnessing, wire routing, cable assembly, stripping, and cable routing.

• Conduct basic electronic assembly, including PCB assembly and soldering on electronic components.

• Assemble electro-mechanical prototype systems using schematic, engineering drawings, and blueprint documentation.

• Interpret and follow schematics, engineering drawings, and blueprints to complete accurate assemblies.

• Handle cables, wire routings, and wire harnesses with attention to detail and quality standards.

• Use soldering equipment, wire strippers, and other standard electrical assembly tools safely and effectively.

• Support multiple programs and projects as a utility player, stepping into different tasks and areas as needed.

• Learn and apply requirements for different components and projects while working on spaceflight hardware and R&D lab builds.

• Contribute to the manufacturing of electro-mechanical systems designed for extreme and hostile environments.

Essential Skills

• 12+ years of experience performing electrical and electronic assembly in a manufacturing environment.

• Hands-on experience with cable harnessing, wire routing, and cable assembly.

• Proficiency or strong aptitude in PCB assembly and electronic soldering.

• Ability to assemble components using schematic diagrams, engineering drawings, and blueprints.

• Experience using standard electrical assembly tools such as soldering guns and wire strippers.

• Foundational mechanical assembly skills using hand tools.

• Ability to work with spaceflight hardware or similar high-reliability hardware in an R&D or lab setting (experience preferred but not required).

• Strong attention to detail and quality in assembly work.

• Ability to follow technical instructions and documentation accurately.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the aerospace industry is preferred.

• Exposure to prototype assembly and electro-mechanical systems is beneficial.

• Interest in motion control systems and robotics for extreme environments.

• Willingness to learn and support a variety of complex projects and programs.

• Comfort working across different teams and programs as a flexible, utility player.

• Enthusiasm for contributing to missions involving low Earth orbit, lunar, Martian, and other space applications.

Work Environment

This role is based in a highly innovative engineering and manufacturing environment focused on motion control and robotic system solutions for extreme and hostile environments. You will work in an R&D lab and manufacturing setting with spaceflight hardware and electro-mechanical systems, using tools such as soldering guns, wire strippers, and standard mechanical hand tools. The team is passionate about tackling challenging projects and executing the full spectrum of engineering through manufacturing for electro-mechanical and robotic systems. Junior technicians without prior space experience receive meaningful exposure to the space industry, complex projects, and diverse programs, gaining insight into the components and requirements of different missions. The culture emphasizes collaboration, learning, and problem-solving on advanced motion control electronics for missions to low Earth orbit, the moon, Mars, and beyond.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Pasadena, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Pasadena,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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 [email protected] 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.