Breadboard Technician

Job Title: Breadboard Technician

Job Description

The Breadboard Technician builds, maintains, and troubleshoots complex test benches used to validate next-generation software-defined vehicle architecture. This role focuses on integrating physical hardware such as ECUs, wiring, gateways, displays, and sensors to support software validation and ensure reliable operation of automotive electrical systems in a fast-paced lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Build and assemble automotive test benches using engineering schematics, including the installation and integration of ECUs, displays, sensors, and related components.
• Populate and configure bench setups to support validation of software-defined vehicle functions and features.
• Fabricate, route, and modify automotive wiring harnesses, including crimping, soldering, depinning, and pin-swapping as required.
• Verify proper power distribution and signal integrity across 12V electrical systems on the bench.
• Troubleshoot hardware issues on test benches using diagnostic equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and breakout boxes.
• Identify and resolve communication and connectivity issues between ECUs, gateways, and other electronic modules.
• Monitor, analyze, and debug in-vehicle network traffic, including CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet protocols.
• Support engineers by implementing wiring changes, hardware updates, and configuration adjustments based on evolving test requirements.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams to ensure accurate bench assembly and modifications.
• Document bench configurations, wiring changes, and troubleshooting steps to maintain clear records of test bench status.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience working with automotive electrical systems or in prototype lab environments.
• Hands-on experience with bench assembly and breadboard-style setups involving ECUs, displays, and sensors.
• Proficiency in fabricating and modifying automotive wiring harnesses, including crimping, soldering, and pin-swapping.
• Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and 12V power distribution diagrams.
• Experience using diagnostic tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and breakout boxes for hardware troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of automotive communication protocols including CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet.
• Familiarity with automotive diagnostic software tools, with Vector CANoe or CANalyzer preferred.
• Solid understanding of electrical troubleshooting methods and best practices in an automotive context.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Degree in Electronics, Automotive Technology, or an equivalent technical discipline, or comparable technical experience.
• Experience working in prototype, R&D, or lab environments supporting hardware and software validation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and technicians to implement test bench changes and resolve issues.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to wiring, assembly, and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.

Work Environment

This role operates in a fast-paced lab environment focused on building and supporting test benches for software-defined vehicle development. You will work hands-on with automotive ECUs, wiring harnesses, sensors, displays, and gateways, using tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, breakout boxes, and automotive network diagnostic software (including Vector CANoe and CANalyzer). The position involves regular bench work, equipment handling, and physical activity, including the ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed. The environment emphasizes safety, precision, and collaboration while working with 12V power distribution and in-vehicle network technologies such as CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Allen Park, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/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 Allen Park,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 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 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 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.