Engineering Technician

Job Title: Engineering Technician

Job Description

This Engineering Technician role supports both prototype development and production activities for advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) electronic systems. The position focuses on hands-on electronic testing, assembly, and troubleshooting at both the circuit board and system levels, particularly within aerospace, defense, or military electronics environments. The technician contributes directly to the design, validation, and quality assurance of cutting-edge UAV electronics by working closely with engineering teams in both development and manufacturing settings.

Responsibilities

• Test, troubleshoot, and validate electronic assemblies and embedded systems used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Build and assemble prototype electronics, including circuit boards, wire harnesses, and system-level assemblies.
• Perform quality inspections and functional testing of electronic components and assemblies to ensure they meet engineering specifications and standards.
• Support engineering development activities by assembling, configuring, and testing prototype hardware.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to identify, diagnose, and resolve issues discovered during testing and production.
• Utilize standard electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, and soldering equipment to perform measurements and diagnostics.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, blueprints, and work instructions to perform accurate assembly and testing.
• Document test results, assembly procedures, and technical findings in a clear and traceable manner.
• Support both engineering prototype builds and production manufacturing efforts, adapting to changing project priorities and timelines.
• Follow IPC standards and internal procedures to ensure high-quality workmanship and compliance with industry requirements.
• Use hand tools and test equipment to perform wiring, calibration, inspection, and electro-mechanical assembly tasks.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance test procedures, assembly processes, and product reliability.

Essential Skills

• 2-7 years of experience in electronics testing, assembly, and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience working with circuit boards and system-level electronics.
• Prior experience in aerospace, defense industry, or military electronics, including technical military occupational specialties.
• Working knowledge and understanding of IPC standards, including J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, and IPC-A-620.
• Proficiency with standard electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, and soldering equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, blueprints, and work instructions.
• Experience with wiring, calibration, inspection, and electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality workmanship.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to work effectively in both engineering development and production manufacturing environments.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR regulations and able to access ITAR and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• IPC J-STD-001 (Soldering) certification.
• IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) certification.
• IPC-A-620 (Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies) certification.
• Experience with UAV or embedded systems electronics.
• Experience with avionics or flight control systems.
• Familiarity with military specifications and standards.
• Experience working with test procedures, work instructions, and inspection processes.
• Comfort using hand tools and test equipment in an electro-mechanical environment.

Work Environment

This position is fully onsite in Madison, Alabama, within a hands-on engineering and manufacturing environment focused on UAV electronics. The role involves working in both development labs and production areas, handling circuit boards, wire harnesses, and system-level assemblies using standard electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, and soldering tools. The environment emphasizes adherence to IPC standards, formal work instructions, and structured test procedures to ensure high reliability and quality. Team members collaborate closely with engineers and production staff, balancing individual tasks with cross-functional project work in a fast-paced, technology-driven setting.2

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/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 Madison,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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 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.