Engineering Technician

Job Description The Engineering Technician supports both prototype development and production efforts for advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) electronic systems. This role focuses on electronic testing, assembly, troubleshooting, and validation at both circuit board and system levels, working closely with engineering teams to ensure high-quality, reliable electronics for real-world defense applications. Responsibilities Test, troubleshoot, and validate electronic assemblies and embedded systems used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).Build and assemble prototype electronics including circuit boards, PCB/PCBA, wire and cable harnesses, and system-level electro-mechanical assemblies.Perform functional testing, verification, validation, and quality inspections of electronic components and assemblies to ensure they meet engineering specifications and work instructions.Support engineering development activities by assembling, wiring, and testing prototype hardware and system integration setups.Collaborate with electrical engineers and other technical staff to identify, diagnose, and resolve issues discovered during testing and production, including root cause analysis.Utilize standard electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, power supplies, soldering tools, and diagnostic equipment for bench testing and calibration.Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, schematics, and work instructions to perform accurate assembly, wiring, and testing tasks.Follow IPC standards and quality guidelines to ensure consistent, high-quality soldering, assembly, and inspection of electronic assemblies.Document test results, test procedures, assembly steps, and technical findings in a clear and organized manner for engineering and production records.Support both engineering prototype builds and production manufacturing efforts, transitioning designs from development into repeatable production processes.Use hand tools and electronic test equipment safely and effectively while maintaining a clean and organized work area.Contribute to continuous improvement of test procedures, assembly processes, and inspection methods to enhance product reliability and manufacturability. Essential Skills Hands-on experience in electronics testing, assembly, and troubleshooting at circuit board and system levels.Experience working with circuit boards, PCB/PCBA, electronic assemblies, and system-level electronics.Experience working in aerospace, defense industry, or military electronics (technical military occupational specialty).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, power supplies, and soldering equipment.Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, schematics, and detailed work instructions.Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to quality workmanship and thorough inspection.Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.Ability to work in both engineering development labs and production manufacturing environments.Experience with electronic test procedures, bench testing, calibration, and use of diagnostic equipment.Skills in troubleshooting, electronics repair, and root cause analysis for electronic and electro-mechanical systems.Competence with wiring, cable harness and wire harness assembly, and harness inspection. 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 for electronic systems.Experience with functional testing, verification, and validation of embedded systems and avionics.Experience working in system integration for electronic and electro-mechanical assemblies.Ability to document test procedures and technical findings clearly for engineering and production teams. 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 $22.00 - $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 Aug 7, 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.