Job Information
Actalent Engineering Technician in Palo Alto, California
Job Title: Engineering Technician
Job Description
The Engineering Technician will join the Engineering Test Team, supporting component-level testing from concept to program release. This includes characterization, reliability, and durability testing. The primary objective is to set up, maintain, and conduct component, system, and vehicle-level tests in accordance with established procedures. The ideal candidate should have experience in fabrication, system-level maintenance, troubleshooting, and testing.
Responsibilities
Design, fabricate, and assemble test fixtures.
Run tests including setup, detailed inspections, maintenance, and retrofits.
Identify root causes and document issues during tests or inspections. Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve mechanical and electrical issues.
Provide detailed written and verbal test status updates to stakeholders.
Support engineering teams with instrumentation and data acquisition setup and logging.
Perform general test equipment maintenance.
Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Mentor and support other technicians to help develop the team.
Essential Skills
Proven experience in building, modifying, and maintaining test setups in an R&D or validation lab.
Comfortable working on multiple test setups in parallel, performing inspections, and keeping work unblocked.
Ability to attend Design and Test meetings, report progress clearly, and raise risks early.
Strong discipline around documentation and execution tracking in Jira.
Drafting concepts and fixtures in CAD for design reviews.
Rapid prototyping using 3D printing and metal fabrication.
Comfortable sourcing mechanical components from suppliers.
Solid understanding of GD&T and drawing comprehension.
Experience in building custom wiring harnesses.
Ability to debug scripts and test setups, with bonus points for Python skills.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with CAD design and reliability testing.
Ability to work in environmental chambers and perform prototype testing.
Experience in fabricating fixtures and electrical troubleshooting.
Work Environment
The position is based in a lab environment that is warm, with some office space available for technicians and engineers to collaborate.
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 $35.00 - $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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Palo Alto,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Mar 17, 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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.