Engineering Technician I

novanta; Rocklin (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Novanta in Rocklin, CA is seeking an Engineering Technician I to support engineers in building and testing solutions for technical problems. This role focuses on creating and testing prototypes and production‑intent assemblies to ensure quality and performance.

You will read engineering drawings, interpret CAD models (SolidWorks preferred), and use precision tools to verify parts and assemblies while assisting with calibration, maintenance, and safety programs in a collaborative lab setting.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in mechanical/electrical tech.
• Experience with electro‑mechanical assemblies.
• Soldering and wiring experience preferred.
• Experience with hand tools, CNC mill and lathe.
• Ability to read CAD models and engineering drawings; SolidWorks preferred.
• Familiarity with GD&T.
• Detail‑oriented; able to work independently.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and lab practices.
• Experience with testing & assembly methodologies.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware faults and support lab management.

Responsibilities

• Build prototypes and production‑intent assemblies.
• Assist engineers with fixtures, tooling, and test equipment.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, CNC machines, and lab equipment safely.
• Use calipers, micrometers, CMMs, oscilloscope, and multimeters for measurements.
• Support failure analysis and validation testing.
• Maintain calibration tracking, preventive maintenance, and inventory.
• Maintain accurate logs and documentation.
• Adhere to policies; perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Electro-mechanical assemblies

Soldering

Wiring

CNC milling

CNC lathe

CAD model interpretation

Engineering drawings

SolidWorks

GD&T

Detail-oriented

Independent work

Safety regulations

Testing & assembly methods

Troubleshoot hardware

Education

Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Technology, Electronics Technology, or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks

CNC Mill

CNC Lathe

Job description

Build a career powered by innovations that matter! At Novanta, our innovations power technology products that are transforming healthcare and advanced manufacturing—improving productivity, enhancing people’s lives and redefining what’s possible. We create for our global customers engineered components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance for a range of mission‑critical applications—from minimally invasive surgery to robotics to 3D metal printing.

Novanta is one global team with over 26 offices located in The Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Looking for a great place to work? You have found it with a culture that embraces teamwork, collaboration and empowerment. Come explore Novanta.

Summary

As an Engineering Technician I, you'll assist engineers with building and testing solutions for technical problems. You'll play a pivotal part in creating, modifying, and testing products and processes.

The salary for this role will range from $40,700-$60,800 annually based on full-time employment. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to location, relevant skills, training, experience, education, etc.

Certain roles may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation and/or long-term incentives. Incentives could be discretionary or non-discretionary depending on the plan.

Novanta supports all aspects of your life’s needs. This position provides a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits to make your quality of life better.

Primary Responsibilities

• Build prototypes and production intent products through detailed mechanical and electro-mechanical assembly.
• Assist engineers in designing, fabricating, modifying and validating development fixtures, tooling and test equipment.
• Use hand tools, power tools, CNC machines and common laboratory equipment safely and effectively.
• Use precision inspection equipment measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, CMM, oscilloscope and multimeters.
• Support failure analysis efforts under the direction of engineers and/or senior technicians.
• Support the formal verification and validation testing of our products.
• Support laboratory management activities including calibration tracking, preventative maintenance, equipment setup, safety compliance and inventory control.
• Perform other related duties.

General Tasks

• Hands on building, winding, soldering, wiring, bonding, and machining electromechanical assemblies.
• Inspecting parts, assemblies and tooling.
• Maintain logs for document updates, retrievals, and distributions.
• Support Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams with documentation needs.
• Adherent to company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Outcomes / Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Complete prototype, fixture, and test build according to project schedules and quality requirements.
• Ensure test equipment calibration and preventive maintenance activities are completed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory and work environment.

Desired Experience, Education, Skills, Training, and Competencies

• Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Technology, Electronics Technology, or equivalent technical training and experience.
• Knowledge of electro‑mechanical assemblies.
• Soldering and wiring experience (preferred for electro‑mechanical environments).
• Experience with hand tools, CNC Mill and Lathe.
• Ability to interpret CAD models, engineering drawings, and assembly documentation. Experience with SolidWorks preferred.
• Knowledge of engineering principles.
• Able to read and interpret technical drawings familiar with GD&T.
• Be detail‑oriented and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with safety regulations and procedures or have the ability and willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with testing and assembly methodologies and tools, or ability and willingness to learn.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware failures and assist in equipment and lab management.

Core Competencies

• Collaborative team player.
• Effective communicator.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to assemble precision electromechanical devices, motors, fixtures, and prototypes.
• Quickly learns new equipment, processes and technologies.
• Self‑development and continuous improvement mindset.
• Demonstrates structured troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills and follow‑through.

Travel Requirements

• None

Physical Requirements

• Primarily office‑based work involves extended periods of sitting.
• Frequent use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Use hands and fingers for detailed assembly, wiring, soldering, and operation of hand tools.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 35 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Novanta is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military and veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other category protected by federal law or Novanta policy.

Please call [phone] if you need a disability accommodation for any part of the employment process.