Instrumentation Technician (Sensors)

ACTalent; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

ACTalent is seeking an Engineering Technician (Instrumentation) in Fremont, CA for an entry-level to early-career role focused on installing, configuring, and maintaining instrumentation and data acquisition systems to support vehicle and component testing.

You will work with engineering teams to ensure accurate sensor integration, reliable data collection, and timely execution of test plans across R&D and manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience in an R&D, manufacturing, or test engineering environment in roles such as Instrumentation Technician, Engineering Technician, Test Technician, or similar.
• Proven experience with sensors (accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, load cells, strain gauges).
• Strong electrical troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, Ohm's law, root cause analysis, and problem-solving.
• Hands-on data acquisition hardware/software experience (Dewesoft, NI, PEAK).
• Sensor cabling fabrication including soldering, crimping, stripping.
• Ability to work overtime to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Identify, source, and procure data acquisition equipment and sensors based on test requirements.
• Install sensors and DAQ hardware on vehicles and test articles per test plans.
• Set up data acquisition programs and validate sensor connectivity and functionality.
• Install, calibrate, and set up strain gauges to support testing.
• Maintain sensor library, inventory, calibration workflows, and repairs tracking.
• Create daily work plans to meet test objectives and timelines.
• Provide onsite test support and monitor data quality during tests.
• Document work thoroughly with photos and status updates to stakeholders.

Skills

Instrumentation

Sensor integration

Data acquisition

Electrical troubleshooting

DMM usage

Python/C++ basics

CAN signals

Education

Associate degree or certificate in Engineering Technology

Tools

Dewesoft

IPEtronik

National Instruments

PEAK

Job description

Entry level engineers or entry level technicians with sensors/instrumentation experience 30-35/hourly

Job Title: Engineering Technician (Instrumentation)

Job Description

This role focuses on installing, configuring, and maintaining instrumentation and data acquisition systems to support vehicle and component testing. You will work closely with engineering teams to ensure accurate sensor integration, reliable data collection, and timely execution of test plans in an R&D, manufacturing, or test engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify, source, and procure appropriate data acquisition equipment and sensors based on test requirements.
• Install sensors and data acquisition hardware on vehicles and test articles as defined in test plans.
• Set up data acquisition programs and validate connectivity and functionality of all sensors.
• Install, calibrate, and set up strain gauges, where applicable, to support structural and material testing.
• Maintain a comprehensive sensor library, including tracking inventory, coordinating sensor repair, and managing calibration activities for all instrumentation.
• Create and manage daily work plans to achieve test plan objectives on schedule.
• Support testing activities, including vehicle preparation, instrumentation, and post-test tear-down according to workflow priorities.
• Perform onsite test support, monitor live data, and validate data quality during testing.
• Conduct basic data analysis and data cleanup in collaboration with multiple engineering teams to ensure usable and accurate results.
• Document work thoroughly, including adding photos of completed installations and updates, and communicate status regularly to project stakeholders.
• Attend meetings with test requestors and engineering teams to clarify requirements, provide updates, and align on test objectives.
• Work overtime when necessary to meet critical project deadlines and support high-priority test activities.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of relevant experience in an R&D, manufacturing, or test engineering environment in roles such as Instrumentation Technician, Engineering Technician, Test Technician, or similar.
• Proven experience working with common test engineering sensors and applying best practices, including accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, load cells, and strain gauges.
• Strong electrical and electronic troubleshooting skills, including the ability to decipher wiring diagrams, apply Ohms Law, determine root causes, and use advanced problem-solving techniques.
• Hands-on experience using digital multimeters (DMMs) and other electrical test equipment.
• Sensor cable fabrication skills, including soldering, crimping, and stripping conductors to build and repair harnesses.
• Professional experience setting up and using data acquisition hardware and software platforms such as Dewesoft, IPEtronik, National Instruments, and PEAK or similar tools.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate documentation, and keep clear records of instrumentation and test activities.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to attend meetings with requestors, provide status updates, and clearly describe work performed.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime when necessary to meet project and testing deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in an R&D, manufacturing, or test engineering environment in roles such as Instrumentation Technician, Engineering Technician, Test Technician, or similar.
• Associate degree or certificate in a relevant field such as Engineering Technology, Certified Engineering Technician, Mechatronics Engineering Technology, or a related discipline.
• Basic coding or programming experience in languages such as Python or C++.
• Experience working with microcontrollers and single-board computers such as Teensy, Arduino, or ESP32.
• Fundamental engineering knowledge in areas such as material strain, axial load, and sensor technology and applications.
• Basic experience with 3D printing, 3D design, and 3D scanning to support fixture and component development.
• Experience using AI tools to streamline workflows and improve efficiency while maintaining core engineering and technical skills.
• Experience viewing and logging CAN signals for vehicle or system-level data acquisition.

Work Environment

You will work primarily in a laboratory environment with hands-on access to vehicles, test rigs, and instrumentation equipment. The role involves local travel of less than 25% to support onsite testing, vehicle installations, and data collection activities. You will regularly use data acquisition systems, electrical test equipment, and a variety of sensors, working closely with engineering teams in a collaborative, project-driven setting. The schedule may occasionally include overtime to support critical tests and meet project deadlines.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Fremont, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $47.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Fremont,CA.

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.