Entry Level Technician

Job Title: Entry Level Technician Job Description This entry-level, hands-on R&D Mechanical Technician role supports the build and testing of specialty chemical processing equipment in Boulder, Colorado, with the intent to grow into a long-term position. You will collaborate closely with senior technicians, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, and scientists to transform engineering concepts into fully functioning equipment, ranging from small subassemblies to large skids and production systems. The work involves mechanical frameworks, stainless-steel tubing and piping, hydraulic components, instruments, sensors, and basic electrical connections, offering varied, non-repetitive projects and a strong opportunity to learn advanced technical skills. Responsibilities

- Assemble experimental hardware, test systems, and production equipment according to engineering concepts and technical documentation.
- Use common hand and power tools to build mechanical systems and subassemblies safely and accurately.
- Install stainless-steel tubing, piping, fittings, and Swagelok-style connections to specified standards.
- Support the wiring and installation of instruments, sensors, and related components.
- Troubleshoot mechanical fit, assembly, and equipment issues and assist in resolving problems promptly.
- Learn to interpret and work from P&IDs, electrical diagrams, redlines, and written technical instructions.
- Document completed work, updates, and drawing changes to maintain accurate records of builds and modifications.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory, build, and production area as part of daily responsibilities.
- Collaborate with senior technicians, engineers, and scientists across multiple R&D, testing, production, and equipment-build projects.
- Apply mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills to build and repair equipment and components as needed.

Essential Skills

- Demonstrated mechanical assembly skills with experience using common hand and power tools such as wrenches and drills.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, which may come from DIY projects, automotive hobby work, or similar hands-on experience.
- Ability to troubleshoot mechanical fit, assembly, and equipment issues in a practical, methodical manner.
- Capability to document processes, completed work, and changes to drawings or instructions as required.
- High school diploma or equivalent education.
- At least 6 months of sustained work experience in any environment that demonstrates reliability and work ethic.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed in support of equipment builds and material handling.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Backgrounds in mechanical assembly, automotive repair, HVAC, plumbing or pipefitting, industrial maintenance, construction, woodworking, machinery, farm equipment, motorcycles, or extensive hands-on DIY work are highly transferable and beneficial.
- Interest in learning how mechanical, piping, hydraulic, instrumentation, and basic electrical elements integrate into complete systems.
- Willingness to learn process knowledge, including P&IDs and specialty chemical manufacturing concepts, from senior technicians and engineers.
- Comfort working in a varied, non-repetitive environment with multiple concurrent R&D, testing, and production projects.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary technical group.
- Motivation to grow into a long-term role in a growing organization and contribute directly to equipment build capacity.

Work Environment This role is fully onsite in Boulder, Colorado, in a combination of R&D laboratory, build, and production areas focused on specialty chemical processes and equipment. You will work with both smaller components and larger assemblies, including builds that may reach approximately 8 by 10 feet, while some production equipment can occupy a significantly larger footprint. Chemical hazards are present in the facility, though you may not directly handle every hazardous material; cleanliness and organization are shared responsibilities across the team. The typical workday is approximately eight hours, with core hours from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and flexibility around those times when coordinated with the team. Due to the hands-on nature of the role, remote work is very limited, and overtime or weekend work is not typically expected. The environment emphasizes learning from experienced technicians, visible impact on active equipment projects, and varied, non-repetitive work on R&D, testing, and production systems. Dress code, medical screening, and drug-screen requirements were not confirmed in the provided information.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Boulder, CO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $30.00/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 Boulder,CO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 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.