Engineering Technician

Actalent; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Engineering Technician for a contract role in Palo Alto, CA. You will retrofit and modify prototype vehicles, build custom prototypes, perform diagnostics, and support engineering teams in failure analysis and continuous improvement.

The role requires hands-on automotive experience, ability to work with European vehicle platforms, and a strong focus on safety and documentation. On-site work in a fast-paced shop environment with opportunities to collaborate across engineers

Qualifications

• 3+ years of automotive technician repair experience with diagnostic troubleshooting preferred.
• Strong automotive diagnostics skills to identify mechanical and electrical issues.
• Hands-on automotive repair experience including tire and alignment work.
• 4+ years of experience preferred, preferably with European vehicles.
• Ability to retrofit and modify vehicles to integrate new hardware designs and components.
• Proficiency in building and assembling custom prototype vehicles and bucks.
• Capability to perform detailed failure analysis and communicate findings to engineering teams.
• Competence operating a variety of automotive hand and power tools.
• Ownership of basic automotive hand tools for daily work.
• Solid understanding of general fleet maintenance and repair procedures.

Responsibilities

• Retrofit and modify prototype vehicles to accept new hardware designs.
• Build custom prototypes and bucks vehicles according to engineering specifications.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical failures identified in prototype vehicles.
• Perform detailed failure analysis and communicate design concerns and findings back to engineering staff.
• Carry out general fleet maintenance and repair on test and prototype vehicles.
• Use diagnostic tools to identify issues and support troubleshooting efforts.
• Operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools safely during vehicle repair work.
• Document work performed on vehicles and prototypes to support validation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to complete prototype builds on time.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area following shop procedures.

Job description

Job Title: Engineering Technician

Job Description

The Engineering Technician retrofits and modifies prototype vehicles to integrate new hardware designs, builds custom prototype vehicles and bucks, and supports engineering teams with diagnostic troubleshooting and failure analysis. This role focuses on hands-on automotive work, including general fleet maintenance and repair, while ensuring prototype vehicles are safe, functional, and accurately reflect new design concepts.

Responsibilities

• Retrofit and modify prototype vehicles to accept new hardware designs provided by engineering teams.
• Build custom prototypes and bucks vehicles according to engineering specifications and project requirements.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical failures identified in prototype vehicles.
• Perform detailed failure analysis and communicate design concerns and findings back to engineering staff.
• Carry out general fleet maintenance and repair on test and prototype vehicles.
• Use diagnostic tools and techniques to identify issues and support troubleshooting efforts.
• Operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools safely and effectively during vehicle repair and modification work.
• Document work performed on vehicles and prototypes to support engineering validation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and other technicians to ensure timely completion of prototype builds and modifications.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, following all shop procedures and equipment handling guidelines.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of automotive technician repair experience, with diagnostic troubleshooting strongly preferred.
• Strong automotive diagnostics skills, including the ability to identify and resolve mechanical and electrical issues.
• Hands-on experience with automotive repair, including tire and alignment work for entry-level candidates.
• level technicians should have 4+ years of experience, preferably working with European vehicles.
• Ability to retrofit and modify vehicles to integrate new hardware designs and components.
• Proficiency in building and assembling custom prototype vehicles and bucks.
• Capability to perform detailed failure analysis and clearly communicate findings to engineering teams.
• Competence in operating and maintaining a variety of automotive hand and power tools.
• Ownership of basic automotive hand tools required for daily work.
• Solid understanding of general fleet maintenance and repair procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Technical certification from an accredited automotive training institution preferred.
• Experience working with European vehicle platforms is highly desirable for technicians.
• Stable work history, demonstrating long-term commitment and reliability in previous roles.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when modifying prototypes and documenting work.
• Effective communication skills to provide clear feedback and collaborate with engineering teams.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as part of a collaborative shop environment.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify root causes and propose practical solutions.
• Willingness to learn new technologies, tools, and procedures related to prototype vehicle development.

Work Environment

This role operates in a hands-on automotive workshop and prototype lab environment, working directly on vehicles, prototypes, and related hardware. Engineering Technicians use a variety of automotive hand and power tools and diagnostic equipment while performing retrofits, modifications, and repairs. The position involves standing, bending, and working around vehicles for extended periods, and requires adherence to all safety procedures and equipment handling guidelines. Work is typically performed on-site in a shop setting, collaborating closely with engineers and other technicians in a fast-paced, project-driven environment. Appropriate shop attire and personal protective equipment are expected to ensure safety and professionalism in the workspace

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Palo Alto, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Palo Alto, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Palo Alto,CA.

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.