Technician

About the role

This Technician role focuses on the fabrication, modification, assembly, installation, operation, repair, and maintenance of complex laboratory, experimental, and commercial equipment. The technician supports the design and setup of basic laboratory and test equipment, applies specialized technical knowledge to assigned projects or programs, and conducts complex experiments and tests while accurately recording, analyzing, and summarizing data. This position plays a key role in ensuring equipment reliability, experimental accuracy, and adherence to quality and safety standards in a controlled laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, modify, assemble, install, and document complex laboratory, experimental, and commercial equipment to meet project and program requirements.
• Interpret general instructions, technical drawings, and plans to determine assembly sequences and ensure accurate and efficient build processes.
• Maintain quality documentation and prepare sketches or schematics as needed to support equipment fabrication and modification activities.
• Auxiliary in the design and development of basic laboratory, experimental, or test equipment, contributing practical technical insights and recommendations.
• Operate specialized test equipment and laboratory tools, including optomechanical and optical test setups, in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform testing and measurements that require knowledge of relevant processes and procedures, ensuring accuracy and repeatability of results.
• Execute assigned laboratory experiments or support complex laboratory functions, including setup, calibration, and operation of equipment.
• Fabricate assemblies, fixtures, and optical assemblies to precise specifications, using micrometres and other precision tools while maintaining strict quality standards and documentation.
• Collect, record, reduce, and summarize experimental data in a clear and organized manner, using appropriate data recording tools and computer applications.
• Monitor equipment and test parameters during experiments and operations, recognizing and responding when measurements deviate from established limits.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, optical, and production-related issues with laboratory and test equipment, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and detailed specifications to ensure correct assembly, installation, and operation of equipment.
• Adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies related to laboratory operations, safety, and equipment use.
• Maintain a safe working environment by following established safety procedures, best practices, and contamination control guidelines, particularly in cleanroom or controlled environments.
• Perform routine laboratory support tasks, including housekeeping, cleanup, and basic maintenance of lab equipment and work areas.
• Collaborate with team members and other technical staff to support project goals, share technical information, and ensure smooth laboratory operations.
• Complete additional duties as assigned to support evolving project needs and laboratory requirements.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree or equivalent experience, typically with 5+ years of related technical experience in laboratory, experimental, or equipment-focused roles.
• Hands-on experience working in controlled environments, such as cleanrooms, with familiarity in handling practices and contamination control procedures.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications relevant to laboratory and technical work, including data entry, documentation, and basic analysis tools.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed technical instructions, blueprints, drawings, and specifications for mechanical, electrical, and optical assemblies.
• Experience working with laboratory equipment, production setups, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and optical systems.
• Experience with optical assemblies and optical test procedures, including alignment and inspection of optical components.
• Experience using specialized equipment or experimental techniques relevant to laboratory and test operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is preferred.
• Background in optomechanical technology or related technical disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize deviations in test parameters and take appropriate corrective actions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining quality documentation and records.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively within a technical team.

Work Environment

The work environment is primarily laboratory-based and may include controlled environments such as cleanrooms, where strict handling and contamination control practices apply. The technician works with a variety of laboratory and production equipment, including test equipment, optomechanical setups, optical test systems, and precision measurement tools such as micrometres. The role involves regular use of computers for documentation, data recording, and analysis. Work may require standing at benches, working with small components, and handling mechanical, electrical, and optical assemblies with precision. Safety procedures and organizational policies guide daily activities, and maintaining a clean, orderly workspace is an integral part of the role. The environment supports collaborative work with other technical staff while also requiring focused, independent execution of experiments, tests, and equipment fabrication tasks.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Acton, MA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $43.00/hr.

Requirements

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 Acton,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 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.

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.