Engineering Technician

Job Title: Engineering Technician Job Description
This Engineering Technician role supports both prototype development and production efforts for cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) electronic systems. You will work hands-on with electronic testing, prototyping at both the circuit board and system levels, and contribute directly to products that support real-world defense missions. The position is ideal for someone with experience in aerospace, defense, or military electronics who enjoys working with advanced drone technology and collaborating closely with engineering teams.
Responsibilities
- Test, troubleshoot, and validate electronic assemblies and embedded systems used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- Build and assemble prototype electronics, including circuit boards, wire harnesses, cable harnesses, and system-level assemblies.
- Perform quality inspections and functional testing of electronic components and assemblies to ensure they meet specifications and applicable standards.
- Support engineering development activities by assembling and testing prototype hardware for new and existing UAV electronics systems.
- Collaborate with electrical engineers and other technical staff to identify, diagnose, and resolve issues discovered during testing and production.
- Utilize standard electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, power supplies, and soldering equipment, to perform bench testing and diagnostics.
- Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, schematics, and work instructions to execute assembly, wiring, and test procedures accurately.
- Perform electronic assembly and rework on printed circuit boards (PCBs and PCBAs), harness assemblies, and electro-mechanical systems using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Conduct system integration, functional testing, validation, and verification of electronic and electro-mechanical assemblies.
- Support root cause analysis activities by documenting test results, failures, and corrective actions for electronic assemblies and systems.
- Follow established test procedures, work instructions, and inspection criteria to ensure consistent quality and compliance with IPC and other relevant standards.
- Support both engineering prototype builds and production manufacturing efforts by transitioning designs from development into repeatable production processes.
- Use hand tools and diagnostic equipment to perform electronics repair, calibration, and maintenance of test setups and fixtures.
- Maintain accurate documentation of test results, assembly procedures, technical findings, and configuration changes in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
- Work effectively in both engineering development labs and production manufacturing environments, adapting to evolving project needs and priorities.
Essential Skills
- Hands-on experience in electronics testing, assembly, and troubleshooting at the circuit board and system levels.
- Experience working with circuit boards, PCBs, PCBAs, and system-level electronics in aerospace, defense, or military electronics environments.
- Prior experience in aerospace, defense industry, or a technical military occupational specialty related to electronics.
- 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 other electronic diagnostic equipment.
- Ability to perform soldering and rework on electronic assemblies in accordance with industry standards.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, schematics, and detailed work instructions.
- Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to high-quality workmanship in electronics and electro-mechanical assemblies.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative, cross-functional team in engineering and production environments.
- Ability to work effectively in both engineering development and production manufacturing environments, including support for prototype and production builds.
- Eligibility as a U.S. Person as defined by applicable export control regulations, with the ability to access ITAR and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
- Experience using hand tools, test equipment, and following test procedures and inspection processes for electronic systems.
- Competence in troubleshooting, system integration, functional testing, validation, verification, and root cause analysis of electronic assemblies and embedded systems.
- Skill in working with wiring, cable harnesses, wire harnesses, and harness assemblies for avionics and embedded electronics.
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 electronics, embedded systems, and advanced drone technology.
- Experience with avionics or flight control systems in aerospace or defense applications.
- Familiarity with military specifications and standards related to electronics and avionics.
- Background in engineering, electronics, electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical disciplines.
- Experience with prototype development, design support, and transitioning prototypes into production.
- Experience with electronics repair, calibration, and bench testing of electronic systems.
- Ability to follow detailed test procedures, work instructions, and inspection criteria in a regulated environment.
- Interest in learning from experienced engineering and production teams and contributing to products that support real-world defense missions.
- Motivation to build a career in the aerospace and UAV industry, working on cutting-edge technologies.
Work Environment
This role is fully onsite in Madison, Alabama, with a typical schedule of approximately 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You will work in both engineering development labs and production manufacturing areas, supporting prototype builds and repeatable production efforts for UAV electronic systems. The environment involves hands-on work at the electronics bench using oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, power supplies, soldering stations, and other electronic test and diagnostic equipment. You will handle circuit boards, PCBAs, cable and wire harness assemblies, and electro-mechanical systems, following IPC standards and documented work instructions. The setting offers exposure to advanced drone technology and avionics, close collaboration with experienced engineering teams, and the opportunity to make a direct impact on products that support real-world defense missions. Appropriate attire is expected for a professional electronics lab and manufacturing environment, including safe and practical clothing suitable for working with tools, test equipment, and electronic assemblies.
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. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 Oct 19, 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 [email protected] 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.