Engineering Technician

Actalent; Burnsville (MN); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks an Engineering Technician to support the design, operation, testing, and implementation of prototype lab systems for submarine communications. You will build and refine mechanical and electrical assemblies from schematics.

Based in Burnsville, MN, this contract role requires hands-on skills with tools, ability to read blueprints, and strong collaboration with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot and improve designs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years mechanical aptitude and machine building experience.
• Minimum 3+ years working from blueprints and electrical schematics.
• Minimum 3+ years using hand and power tools for assembly and repair.
• Proficiency reading blueprints and electrical schematics.
• Hands-on mechanical assembly and machine building experience.

Responsibilities

• Build prototype racking equipment for lab environments using mechanical and electrical components.
• Interpret blueprints and schematics to assemble products accurately.
• Support design, operation, testing, and implementation in the engineering team.
• Collaborate with technicians and engineers to resolve technical issues and improve designs.
• Use hand/power tools to assemble and repair components.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and electronic assemblies.
• Assist wiring, layout, and integration within racking equipment.
• Use test equipment to verify functionality and performance.
• Document assembly steps, test results, and issues identified.
• Contribute ideas to improve product designs and test procedures.
• Work independently when needed and escalate issues appropriately.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Blueprint reading

Electrical schematics

Hand tools

Power tools

Troubleshooting

Test equipment

Independent work

Communication

Education

Two-year technical degree in electronics or engineering technology

Tools

Electrical wiring

Job description

Job Title: Engineering Technician

The Engineering Technician supports the design, operation, testing, and implementation of products and systems in a prototype lab environment. This role focuses on building prototype racking equipment for communications systems that are installed in submarines. The technician collaborates closely with other technicians and engineers and works from electrical schematics and blueprints to assemble, test, and refine complex mechanical and electrical assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Build prototype racking equipment for communications systems in a lab environment using mechanical and electrical components.
• Interpret and work from detailed blueprints and electrical schematics to assemble products and systems accurately.
• Support the design, operation, testing, and implementation of products and systems developed and used by the engineering team.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with technicians and engineers to resolve technical issues and improve designs and processes.
• Use hand and power tools to assemble, adjust, and repair mechanical and electrical components.
• Perform troubleshooting on mechanical, electrical, and electronic assemblies to identify and correct issues.
• Assist in wiring, layout, and integration of components within racking equipment.
• Use test equipment to verify functionality, performance, and reliability of prototype systems.
• Document work performed, including assembly steps, test results, and any issues identified during build and test.
• Contribute ideas and feedback to improve product designs, assembly methods, and test procedures.
• Work independently when needed, making sound technical decisions and escalating issues appropriately.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3+ years of mechanical aptitude and machine building experience.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience working from blueprints and electrical schematics.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience using hand and power tools for assembly and repair.
• Proficiency in blueprint reading and interpretation of electrical schematics.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly and machine building.
• Experience with electrical assembly, wiring, and basic electronics.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting ability for mechanical, electrical, or electronic systems.
• Ability to use test equipment to support verification and troubleshooting.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with technicians and engineers.
• Ability to work independently, think critically, and make sound technical decisions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree in electronics, engineering technology, or a related field is preferred but not required with the right experience.
• Experience in engineering lab environments or prototype development settings.
• Previous experience in repair and maintenance of mechanical or electronic systems.
• Familiarity with communications equipment or systems is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to building high-quality prototypes.
• Ability to adapt to evolving designs and requirements in a prototype setting.

Work Environment

The role is based in a prototype laboratory environment focused on developing and building communications racking equipment for use in submarines. The technician works closely with other technicians and engineers in a hands-on, collaborative setting. Daily work involves frequent use of hand and power tools, mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, and operation of test equipment. The environment emphasizes precision, safety, and adherence to engineering documentation, with tasks centered around building, testing, and refining prototype systems.

#ACTmneng26

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Burnsville, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 Burnsville,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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 [e-mail] 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.