Mechanical Technician

Actalent; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Dental

Vision

Disability insurance

Life insurance

HSA / DCFSA

Job summary

Actalent in Tacoma, WA is seeking an R&D Mechanical Technician to build and develop custom automation equipment from early-stage builds through final testing. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and the ability to operate with minimal direction.

You'll perform mechanical troubleshooting, collaborate with engineering, assist with machine bring-up and system validation, and contribute to process improvements and documentation.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on mechanical assembly or build experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and tolerances.
• Experience with mechanical systems and assemblies.
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools.
• Basic exposure to electrical systems and troubleshooting.
• Proven ability to work independently.
• Strong problem-solving skills with limited instruction.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical troubleshooting and system-level debugging during assembly and test.
• Work closely with engineering and project teams to resolve design issues in real time.
• Assist with machine bring-up, system testing, and validation prior to shipment.
• Redline and provide feedback on engineering drawings and build issues.
• Support electrical troubleshooting and integration tasks.
• Participate in field installations and system startups when required.
• Contribute to improving build processes, tooling, and documentation.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Reading drawings

Mechanical systems

Precision measurement

Electrical troubleshooting

Independent work

Problem solving

Tools

Measurement tools (calipers, micrometers)

Job description

Job Description

As an R&D Mechanical Technician, you will take ownership of building and developing custom automation equipment from early-stage builds through final testing. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and the ability to operate with minimal direction.

Job Title: R&D Mechanical Technician

Location: Tacoma, WA

Placement Type: Direct Placement

Pay: $72,800-$83,200

Job Description

As an R&D Mechanical Technician, you will take ownership of building and developing custom automation equipment from early-stage builds through final testing. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and the ability to operate with minimal direction.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical troubleshooting and system-level debugging during assembly and test.
• Work closely with engineering and project teams to resolve design issues in real time.
• Assist with machine bring-up, system testing, and validation prior to shipment.
• Redline and provide feedback on engineering drawings and build issues.
• Support electrical troubleshooting and integration tasks.
• Participate in field installations and system startups when required.
• Contribute to improving build processes, tooling, and documentation.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years of hands-on mechanical assembly or build experience.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and tolerances.
• Experience with mechanical systems and assemblies.
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools.
• Basic exposure to electrical systems and troubleshooting.
• Proven ability to work independently.
• Strong problem-solving skills with limited instruction.
• Adaptability to changing designs and priorities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Troubleshooting skills.
• Mechanical systems expertise.
• Debugging software knowledge.

Work Environment

The work environment includes an early start schedule and a high-output atmosphere with consistent overtime, sometimes ranging from 50 to 70 hours per week.

Occasional travel for short-duration domestic field installations may be required

We reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to sex, race, or any other protected classification.

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. This temporary role may be eligible for the following:

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• 401(k)/Roth
• Basic/Supplemental Life & AD&D
• Short and long-term disability
• HSA & DCFSA
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Tacoma, WA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72800.00 - $83200.00/yr.

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.

Employee benefits include: Medical (HSA & PPO), Dental, Vision, Long/Short term disability, HSA account with employer contribution, 401(K) (Traditional & Roth options) with up to 5% company match, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holiday, and bonus potential.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tacoma,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 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.