Job Title: R&D Electromechanical Technician
Job Description
The R&D Electromechanical Technician works in a brand-new research and development laboratory alongside engineers and fellow technicians to support the design, development, assembly, and testing of large prototype electromechanical systems. In this role, you assemble complex electrical and mechanical hardware, perform RF-related testing and troubleshooting using advanced lab equipment, and provide clear feedback to design teams to improve system performance, reliability, and manufacturability. You follow detailed documentation, interpret mechanical drawings and electrical schematics, and actively contribute to the refinement of designs and processes.
Responsibilities
- Assemble complex electrical and electromechanical components and systems for operational environments, including electronic chassis and racks, mechanical assemblies, coaxial cables, and wire harnesses.
- Apply advanced fabrication skills such as wire harness assembly using soldering and crimp tools, coaxial cable and harness fabrication, installation, routing, and restraining, connector installation with strain relief, isolation, and potting, and precise fastener torquing, staking, and general hardware assembly.
- Support test activities under guidance from engineering teams and independently conduct test routines to verify hardware performance and functionality.
- Read and interpret technical design and drawing packages, then implement them into hardware using industry best practices and established standards.
- Create, revise, and recommend changes to technical documentation, identifying improvements that enhance performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
- Accurately and thoroughly document work activities to maintain a complete design and manufacturing history for prototype and production systems.
- Collaborate closely with engineering staff to understand design intent, communicate issues, and offer practical recommendations for design and process improvements.
- Support day-to-day laboratory operations by helping keep lab spaces clean, organized, safe, and fully equipped, including preparing benches, storage, power, network connections, and ESD mitigation for program use.
- Handle laboratory closeout at program completion by packing and returning equipment, cleaning the space, and restoring lab readiness for future work.
- Demonstrate and enforce proper equipment use, verifying functionality and directing users to appropriate training resources when needed.
- Manage inventory of materials, supplies, parts, and equipment such as chemicals, gloves, system parts, and electrical supplies by ordering, receiving, stocking, tracking status, and coordinating maintenance, calibration, and repair.
- Schedule use of shared lab equipment and resources to support multiple programs efficiently and safely.
- Follow and help refine standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance with safety and security protocols and monitoring adherence across the lab.
- Coordinate with environmental health and safety staff on proper storage and disposal of chemicals and waste in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Work with leadership to implement recommendations that maintain and improve laboratory operations, workflows, and overall lab effectiveness.
- Perform RF hardware testing and troubleshooting on systems related to RF, radar, antenna, acoustic, and undersea products using appropriate lab instruments.
- Support hardware verification activities by following test plans and using lab test equipment such as oscilloscopes, impedance analyzers, network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and function generators.
Essential Skills
- Minimum of 4 years of demonstrated experience assembling, maintaining, testing, and repairing prototype or production electromechanical systems.
- Proven experience building, testing, and delivering electromechanical hardware related to RF, radar, antenna, acoustic, and undersea products.
- Ability to read, interpret, and refine work instructions, assembly drawings, mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and technical documentation.
- Strong independent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex electromechanical and RF-related issues.
- Hands-on familiarity with tools and parts used in electromechanical assembly, including solder and soldering irons, crimp tools, drill presses, saws, and related power tools.
- Experience working with mechanical hardware such as bolts, nuts, washers, and related fasteners, and with connectors, wire preparation, and epoxies.
- Demonstrated proficiency with electromechanical assembly and integration, cable harness fabrication, and wire harness assembly.
- Experience with RF hardware testing and troubleshooting in environments involving RF, radar, and antenna systems.
- Ability to use lab test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and related RF measurement instruments.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 tools, including Word, Excel, and Teams, for documentation, reporting, and collaboration.
- Ability to stand, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds as part of routine lab and assembly work.
- Ability to work from a boom lift or elevated work platform up to 20 feet high when required for hardware installation or testing.
- Willingness and ability to travel occasionally, up to approximately 10% per year, to support program needs.
- Eligibility to obtain a security clearance.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with data management systems such as Arena and SolidWorks PDM for configuration control and documentation management.
- Familiarity with SolidWorks and related tools for reviewing mechanical designs and supporting hardware integration.
- Fine-pitch soldering experience for assembly or repair of circuit card assemblies, demonstrating attention to detail and high-quality workmanship.
- Existing IPC certifications such as IPC J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, or IPC-7711/7721 are preferred, or the ability to obtain required certifications.
- Expired IPC certifications are acceptable if the associated skills have been actively applied within the last 2 years.
- Experience with high-power RF assembly, testing, and safety practices in laboratory or operational environments.
- Experience with hardware verification, including following detailed test plans and using lab test equipment such as oscilloscopes, impedance analyzers, network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and function generators.
- Knowledge of industry standards related to electronic assembly and quality, including IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001.
- Familiarity with RF, radar, and antenna systems, as well as acoustic and undersea hardware, from a design, assembly, or test perspective.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative R&D setting, communicating clearly with engineers, technicians, and leadership.
- An active Secret or Top Secret security clearance is a plus.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Woburn, MA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $35.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Woburn, MA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Woburn,MA.
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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.
