Job Information
Actalent Engineering Technician in Palo Alto, California
Job Title: Engineering Technician
Job Description
This role offers an opportunity for an experienced Engineering Technician to support the production of molds, parts, and processes that enable the delivery of high-quality components to customers. The position combines hands-on engineering production with research and development activities, requiring strong mechanical aptitude, precision, and a keen attention to detail. You will work closely with engineering and production teams to fabricate, assemble, and test prototypes and fixtures in a lab-based environment.
Responsibilities
Fabricate molds, parts, prototypes, and test fixtures using a variety of machining and mechanical tools.
Operate and support work on CNC equipment, manual mills, and manual lathes to produce precision components.
Perform mechanical assembly and sub-assembly of parts and tooling according to specifications and drawings.
Assist in research and development projects by building and modifying prototypes, fixtures, and experimental setups.
Work with composites, epoxy, and related materials to support part and mold fabrication.
Troubleshoot mechanical and assembly issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
Follow established processes and procedures accurately and consistently once trained, ensuring repeatable and reliable results.
Maintain a strong understanding of the purpose and function of each task and process performed.
Handle and move materials, tools, and equipment safely, including lifting items of 40 pounds or more as needed.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe lab work area in accordance with company policies and best practices.
Collaborate with engineers and team members to support continuous improvement of parts, molds, and processes.
Document work performed, including part details, setup information, and any issues encountered during fabrication or testing.
Essential Skills
Strong mechanical skills with hands-on experience in fabrication and machining.
Proficiency with CNC equipment, including basic setup and operation for part production.
Experience operating manual mills and manual lathes to machine precision components.
Ability to perform mechanical assembly and sub-assembly using tools, fixtures, and mechanical drawings.
Experience working with composites and epoxy in a production or lab environment.
Ability to build and work with tooling and test fixtures to support engineering and R&D activities.
Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical and assembly-related issues.
High attention to detail with the ability to consistently repeat processes once trained.
Ability to understand and apply the underlying purpose of each task and process being performed.
Capability to lift 40 or more pounds safely as part of daily work activities.
Eligibility to work in the United States as a citizen or permanent resident.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Prior experience supporting research and development projects or prototype builds.
Experience in a lab or engineering test environment.
Interest in working on a variety of projects involving molds, parts, and process development.
Desire to grow into a long-term role through a contract-to-permanent opportunity.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting.
Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with engineers, technicians, and production staff.
Work Environment
This position is based in a lab environment with hands-on work involving machining, fabrication, and assembly activities. You will work onsite Monday through Friday in a stable and collaborative setting focused on both production and R&D projects. The role involves regular use of CNC machines, manual mills, manual lathes, tooling, and equipment for working with composites and epoxy. The environment emphasizes safety, precision, and organization, with an expectation of safe material handling and the physical ability to lift 40 or more pounds as part of daily tasks.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Palo Alto, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/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 Palo Alto,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.