Engineering Technician

Actalent
San Diego, CA

NOTE: THIS IS AN OVERNIGHT POSITION (6am-6pm schedule).

Job Title: Electro-Mechanical Laser Sub‑System Technician (Cleanroom, Night Shift)

Job Description

This role focuses on assembling, installing, testing, and troubleshooting advanced laser sub‑system modules in a cleanroom manufacturing environment. You will work hands-on with electro‑mechanical assemblies, optical alignment, and specialized test equipment while supporting process validation and continuous improvement. The position operates on compressed workweek night shifts and requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow precise work instructions and engineering documentation.

Responsibilities

  • Assemble, install, remove, and test laser sub‑system modules using standardized tools and electronic equipment, including torque wrenches, electric and pneumatic screwdrivers, oscilloscopes, and lifting equipment.
  • Perform optical alignment, functional testing, equipment calibration, and station setup according to established procedures and specifications.
  • Conduct precise soldering of small wires under a microscope while maintaining high workmanship and cleanliness standards.
  • Support manufacturing process validation activities and contribute to continuous improvement efforts across products and components.
  • Execute and troubleshoot tests using specialized equipment such as leak testing systems, Hi‑Pot testers, alignment instruments, and Helium sniffers.
  • Pressurize gas and water systems with Helium, identify issues, and troubleshoot failures to ensure system integrity.
  • Interface closely with engineers to support special tests and experiments, following detailed work instructions and engineering guidance.
  • Train peers on testing processes, equipment operation, and troubleshooting procedures as needed to support team capability.
  • Read and interpret Bills of Materials (BOMs), routing sheets, inventory records, work instructions, schematics, and engineering drawings to perform assembly and test tasks accurately.
  • Apply labels to panels, modules, and doors in line with cleanliness and workmanship standards and documentation requirements.
  • Clean components and surfaces using acetone, methanol, and isopropyl alcohol prior to shipment to ensure product quality and cleanliness.
  • Install electrical connectors to modules and verify proper installation and function.
  • Maintain a clean, organized work area and sustain 5S standards throughout daily operations.
  • Document and report safety, quality, or security concerns that may affect product quality, equipment, or operations in a timely and clear manner.
  • Record and communicate test results clearly using written and basic graphical formats, following company documentation procedures.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support production goals, engineering activities, and operational needs.

Essential Skills

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Typically a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in electro‑mechanical assembly, test, or a closely related technical field; fewer years may be considered with a Bachelor’s degree.
  • Experience using electronic and pneumatic tools in a production or laboratory environment.
  • Strong mechanical and/or electronic background with hands‑on assembly and test experience.
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics, technical drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and work instructions.
  • Experience troubleshooting complex, software‑driven electronic systems at the system or sub‑system level (non circuit‑board level).
  • Proficiency with advanced manufacturing and test equipment, including oscilloscopes, Hi‑Pot testers, leak testing systems, Helium sniffers, and precision tools.
  • Proficiency using test tools such as oscilloscopes, multi‑meters, voltage probes, and current probes.
  • Demonstrated ability in electro‑mechanical assembly and test, including sub‑system assembly, optical alignment, calibration, and functional testing.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to interface with engineers and team members and to document work clearly.
  • Ability to document and report test results in clear written and basic graphical formats.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email systems.
  • Ability to apply technical knowledge and company procedures across multiple products and components.
  • Capability to work night shifts and 12‑hour compressed workweek schedules as described.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a technical or scientific field is highly preferred.
  • Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and practices is preferred.
  • Experience working from engineering drawings, routing sheets, and inventory records in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience supporting process validation and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Comfort working with chemicals such as acetone, methanol, and isopropyl alcohol for cleaning components.
  • Ability to train peers on testing processes and troubleshooting procedures.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and 5S standards.
  • Comfort working with lifting equipment and handling precision assemblies.

Work Environment

This position operates in a cleanroom manufacturing environment on compressed workweek (CWW) night shifts. You will work primarily on 12‑hour shifts with a shift premium and daily overtime structure. Two main night schedules are available: N1 and N2. N1 runs from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM with Week 1 on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, and Week 2 on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday. N2 runs from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM with Week 1 on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and Week 2 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday. Initial training will likely occur on 2nd or 3rd shift for approximately 4–6 weeks before transitioning fully to the CWW night schedule. The role involves extensive hands‑on work with advanced test and manufacturing equipment, including oscilloscopes, Hi‑Pot testers, leak testing systems, Helium sniffers, precision tools, and electronic and pneumatic tools. Work is performed at assembly and test stations within a controlled cleanroom environment, requiring adherence to cleanliness, chemical handling, and 5S standards. You will use standard office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email for documentation and communication, and collaborate closely with engineers and production team members in a structured, process‑driven setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/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 San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 16, 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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