Engineering Technician
Contract to Hire position based in Wilton, CT.
About the role
The Engineering Technician builds and tests complex mechanical and electrical systems in a cleanroom environment, supporting process improvements, engineering testing, lean initiatives, and quality enhancements. This role plays a key part in manufacturing advanced semiconductor-related systems, contributing to product development, pilot production, and the transition to volume manufacturing while serving as a technical reference for the production team.
Responsibilities
- Build, assemble, and test complex mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical systems in accordance with established specifications and procedures.
- Manufacture and deliver high-level, complex systems while ensuring quality standards are met throughout assembly and test.
- Observe, identify, and report recurring or ongoing product construction and operational issues, and actively support the resolution of these problems.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of products and processes, including quality improvements, lean initiatives, and engineering-driven changes.
- Troubleshoot technical issues that arise during assembly and test, using test equipment, schematics, and hands-on diagnostic techniques.
- Serve as a reference source for problem solving in your area of expertise and set a positive example for other team members.
- Oversee the full process from assembly through testing, ensuring all steps are completed accurately and efficiently.
- Actively participate in pilot production activities and support the smooth transition from prototype and pilot builds to volume production.
- Develop, review, and improve technical product documentation (TPD), processes, records, and other relevant production documentation.
- Evaluate the impact of new procedures and process changes on the production environment before implementation, and propose constructive ideas for product and process improvement.
- Acquire and maintain in-depth knowledge of new and established products, processes, sub-modules, and complete systems, including how modules interact within the entire system and with other subsystems.
- Share relevant technical expertise with colleagues and contribute to knowledge transfer within the team.
- Support strong teamwork by actively seeking solutions and ideas, participating in departmental tasks, and collaborating effectively with others.
- Coordinate activities based on the production plan and monitor actual progress on the floor to ensure schedules and targets are met.
- Closely control the use of tools, materials, and equipment to maintain efficiency, safety, and cleanliness in the cleanroom environment.
- Perform inspections, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and electronic components and assemblies.
- Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to guide assembly, wiring, and testing activities.
- Use hand tools, test equipment, and computer systems to perform assembly, repair, inspection, and documentation tasks.
- Support process improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing projects such as 5S, Kaizen, and value stream mapping when applicable.
Requirements
- Mechanical assembly and testing skills with strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to work on complex systems.
- Electrical and electro-mechanical skills, including wiring, electronics, and basic electrical troubleshooting.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings for mechanical and electrical assemblies.
- Experience using hand tools and test equipment for assembly, inspection, repair, and troubleshooting.
- Proficiency in testing and troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems in a production or laboratory environment.
- Computer skills sufficient to operate production-related software, record test data, and update documentation.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose technical issues and implement effective solutions.
- Ability to work effectively in a cleanroom environment, following strict procedures and cleanliness standards.
- Demonstrated mechanical inclination and comfort working with tools, assemblies, and precision components.
- Manufacturing internship or co-op experience in an engineering, manufacturing, or technical environment.
- Education such as a diploma, certification, associate or bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Chemical, or a related technical field, or equivalent manufacturing/technical experience (degree preferred but not required).
Qualifications
- Lean manufacturing training, such as Introduction to Lean, 5S, Kaizen, or Value Stream Mapping (VSM), is preferred.
- Experience supporting process improvements, engineering testing, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Familiarity with prototype builds and pilot production processes in a high-tech or semiconductor-related environment.
- Ability to understand the correlation between individual modules and complete systems, including interactions with other subsystems.
- Experience in cleanroom operations, including adherence to contamination control and safety protocols.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to share expertise and collaborate across departments.
- Organizational and planning skills to coordinate activities according to production plans and monitor progress.
- Attention to detail in following established specifications, procedures, and documentation requirements.
- Interest in growing into engineering-focused roles over time within a high-tech manufacturing environment.
Work Environment
This position operates in a high-tech cleanroom environment within the semiconductor industry, working on complex mechanical and electrical systems. The role follows a compressed workweek (CWW) schedule with 12-hour shifts. Day shifts (D1 and D2) run from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and night shifts (N1 and N2) run from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., with specific rotations that include every other Wednesday for days and every other Saturday for nights. New hires complete approximately two weeks of training and orientation on a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. before transitioning to the CWW schedule.
Day shifts offer a base pay rate with daily overtime for the 12-hour shift, while night shifts include a 15% shift premium plus daily overtime. The environment emphasizes cleanliness, safety, and precision, with controlled use of tools, materials, and equipment. Team members typically wear cleanroom-appropriate attire and follow strict procedural and documentation standards.
Schedule
- Compressed workweek (CWW) with 12-hour shifts.
- Day shifts (D1 and D2): 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including every other Wednesday.
- Night shifts (N1 and N2): 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., including every other Saturday.
- New hires train Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for approximately two weeks before transitioning to CWW.
Pay
The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $26.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Day shifts: base pay rate with daily overtime for the 12-hour shift.
Night shifts: 15% shift premium plus daily overtime.
Benefits
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on 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:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance.
- 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).
- Paid holidays and accrued sick time.