Engineering Technician

Actalent
Irvine, CA

Engineering Technician

Position Overview

The Engineering Technician supports mechanical testing, verification, and laboratory activities for ventilator hardware and related systems at a medical device research and development site. This is a hands‑on, mid‑level technician role, ideal for someone who enjoys working in labs and machine shops, has a strong understanding of pneumatics, and thrives in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative engineering environment.

This position is not an engineering role and not entry‑level. The technician works closely with engineers to build and modify test fixtures, execute detailed test plans, troubleshoot mechanical and pneumatic systems, and support verification activities through machining, fabrication, and test execution.

Key Responsibilities

  • Build, integrate, and modify mechanical and pneumatic test fixtures to support engineering verification and validation test plans.
  • Execute a wide range of mechanical and environmental tests, including:
    • Pool and water tests
    • Shock and vibration testing
    • Environmental and temperature testing
    • Mechanical verification testing
  • Perform extensive hands‑on pneumatic work, including:
    • Building integrated pneumatic test fixtures
    • Assembling and routing complete pneumatic circuits
    • Troubleshooting pneumatic systems used in testing
  • Support test setup and troubleshooting for complex mechanical assemblies and high‑reliability hardware.
  • Operate CNC machines for light machining and fabrication tasks; CNC programming experience is a plus but not required.
  • Perform manual machining using standard shop equipment, including work with sheet metal, small parts, manifolds, fittings, and related hardware.
  • Wire and integrate test fixtures, including basic electronics assembly and connections to test equipment.
  • Run tests and perform basic calibration of test equipment and fixtures following established procedures.
  • Build and verify test setups using engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and written instructions.
  • Execute engineer‑provided test plans accurately and consistently, with clear documentation of results.
  • Support lab activities related to design changes, verification testing, and development of custom test fixtures.
  • Set up, execute, and document shock and vibration tests, supporting analysis activities as needed.
  • Use ERP systems and documentation tools (including Visio where applicable) to track fixtures, configurations, and test activities.
  • Collaborate with engineers and fellow technicians to resolve test issues and suggest practical improvements to fixtures and setups.
  • Work 100% onsite and support a multi‑year contract environment, maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety, and reliability.

Required Skills & Experience

  • Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated, hands‑on experience in a lab or shop environment.
  • Minimum 2+ years of relevant technician experience; 3+ years strongly preferred.
  • Hands‑on experience wiring and integrating mechanical and pneumatic test fixtures.
  • Proven ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical assemblies and test setups.
  • Experience working with sheet metal and small hardware components such as manifolds, chambers, fittings, and related parts.
  • Ability to execute tests and perform basic calibration of test equipment.
  • Experience building complete pneumatic circuits from drawings and integrating them into test fixtures.
  • Required experience operating CNC machines; programming experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
  • Manual machining experience using standard shop tools and equipment.
  • Ability to read and work from engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and written procedures.
  • Familiarity with pneumatics, test equipment, electronics assembly, and basic wiring practices.
  • Willingness and ability to work 100% onsite.
  • Commitment to a 2‑year contract role.
  • This position is not open to recent graduates and requires prior practical, hands‑on experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with environmental chamber testing (training can be provided if needed).
  • Background in aerospace, industrial, or other high‑reliability hardware environments.
  • Exposure to ventilators or other complex mechanical and electro‑mechanical systems.
  • Experience using SolidWorks or similar CAD tools to understand fixtures and assemblies.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems for tracking work orders, parts, and test activities.
  • Experience using Visio or similar tools for diagrams and process flows.
  • Experience setting up and executing pool and water tests in controlled environments.
  • Knowledge of shock and vibration testing methods and analysis.
  • Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and technicians in a fast‑moving R&D setting.

Work Environment

This role is based at a medical device research and development facility focused on ventilator hardware and related life‑support systems. Work is performed entirely onsite in a lab and shop environment that combines mechanical, pneumatic, and basic electronic testing.

The facility includes test laboratories, environmental chambers, shock and vibration equipment, pool and water test setups, and dedicated areas for mechanical verification. Daily work involves CNC machines, manual machining equipment, sheet‑metal tools, and standard hand and power tools. Test equipment includes pneumatic test systems, calibration tools, environmental rigs, and electronic instrumentation.

The environment is fast‑paced and collaborative, with close interaction between technicians and engineers. Safety, precision, quality, and documentation are core expectations, supported by structured test plans, engineering drawings, ERP systems, and formal procedures.

About the Company

This organization is a global leader in medical technology, dedicated to improving outcomes for patients facing critical and life‑threatening conditions. With decades of experience developing high‑reliability medical devices, the company is known for its focus on innovation, quality, and rapid response to clinical needs.

Its portfolio includes advanced technologies supporting critical care, emergency response, and life‑sustaining therapies, used by healthcare providers worldwide. The organization combines deep technical expertise with a mission‑driven culture, investing heavily in research and development to deliver dependable solutions where performance and reliability are paramount.

Employees work in a collaborative, engineering‑driven environment that values hands‑on problem solving, accountability, and continuous improvement—playing a direct role in creating technologies that help save lives.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Irvine, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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 Irvine,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

  • Hiring diverse talent
  • Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
  • Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
  • Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

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