Prototype Technician

Actalent; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Employer-paid medical benefits

Job summary

Actalent in South San Francisco, CA is seeking an R&D Prototype Engineering Technician to support the assembly, integration, and testing of complex mechanical and vacuum-based subsystems for semiconductor capital equipment. You will collaborate with design engineers, develop fixtures, and drive iterative improvements through testing.

The role requires 5+ years of hands-on experience with precision assembly, HV/UHV systems, and strong troubleshooting skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience supporting development, build, integration, or testing of complex mechanical or electromechanical systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with precision component assembly and alignment.
• Experience with HV/UHV vacuum systems and related equipment.
• Independent troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, vacuum, and system-level issues.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, BOMs, and tolerances to support builds.
• Experience developing or using testing fixtures and instrumentation for validation.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and integrate complex mechanical, electromechanical subsystems for advanced semiconductor equipment.
• Perform precision assembly and alignment of components with tight tolerances.
• Work with HV/UHV vacuum systems, pumps, valves, and gas delivery hardware.
• Support vacuum system assembly, leak checking, pump-down, and commissioning.
• Interpret drawings, CAD models, and BOMs to support prototype builds.
• Collaborate with design engineers to identify assembly challenges and propose improvements.
• Develop and utilize test fixtures, tooling, and instrumentation for validation and qualification.
• Execute test plans, collect data, and document results for iterations.
• Troubleshoot and perform root cause analysis on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, vacuum, and automation issues.

Skills

5+ yrs exp

Mechanical assembly

HV/UHV vacuum systems

Troubleshooting

Reading drawings

Test fixtures

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Job Title: R&D Prototype Engineering Technician

Job Description

This role supports the development, build, integration, and testing of complex mechanical, electromechanical, and vacuum-based subsystems for advanced semiconductor capital equipment and related high-technology platforms. The R&D Engineering Technician works closely with design engineers in a fast-paced research and development environment to assemble precision systems, execute test plans, troubleshoot issues, and provide detailed technical feedback that drives design improvements and product reliability.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and integrate complex mechanical, electromechanical, and vacuum-based subsystems for advanced semiconductor capital equipment.
• Perform precision mechanical assembly and alignment of components and assemblies that require tight tolerances and high accuracy.
• Work with vacuum chambers and vacuum-based systems, including high-vacuum (HV) and ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) systems, as well as pumps, valves, gas delivery systems, and associated hardware.
• Support vacuum system assembly activities, including leak checking, troubleshooting, pump-down procedures, and system commissioning.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, assembly instructions, and bills of materials (BOMs) to support prototype and development builds.
• Partner closely with design engineers to identify assembly challenges, provide build feedback, and recommend design improvements that enhance performance and reliability.
• Develop, modify, and utilize test fixtures, tooling, and instrumentation to support engineering validation and system qualification activities.
• Execute engineering test plans, collect and document test data, and provide detailed feedback during prototype development and iterative design cycles.
• Troubleshoot and perform root cause analysis on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, vacuum, and automation-related system issues.
• Support system integration, qualification, and performance testing while thoroughly documenting build procedures, test results, and engineering observations.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of hands-on technician experience supporting the development, build, integration, or testing of complex mechanical or electromechanical systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated experience assembling precision components, mechanisms, and complex subsystems.
• Experience working with high-vacuum (HV), ultra-high-vacuum (UHV), or vacuum-based process equipment.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, vacuum, and system-level issues.
• Experience developing, modifying, or utilizing test fixtures, validation setups, and engineering test equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, mechanical assemblies, tolerance specifications, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with sensors, actuators, motion control systems, pneumatics, and industrial instrumentation.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to provide clear, concise technical feedback directly to engineering teams.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where designs evolve rapidly through iterative development cycles.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience within one or more of the following environments: semiconductor capital equipment, wafer fabrication equipment, advanced manufacturing, aerospace systems, robotics and automation, precision instrumentation, vacuum technology, or research and development.
• Experience supporting prototype development and engineering builds in an R&D, engineering, or new product introduction (NPI) environment.
• Exposure to mechanical engineering or related disciplines through prior roles, training, or education.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with design, test, and manufacturing teams to refine designs and improve build processes.

Work Environment

The role operates within a research and development setting focused on advanced semiconductor capital equipment and other high-technology systems. You work hands-on with complex mechanical, electromechanical, and vacuum-based subsystems, including HV and UHV chambers, pumps, valves, gas delivery systems, sensors, actuators, motion control systems, pneumatics, and industrial instrumentation. The environment is fast-paced and iterative, with frequent prototype builds, engineering tests, and design changes that require adaptability and close collaboration with design engineers. Work typically takes place in a lab and engineering shop environment equipped with test fixtures, specialized tooling, and validation setups, where safety, precision, and careful documentation are essential.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of South San Francisco, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $175000.00/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. The compensation package includes a $120K-$175K base salary, substantial performance bonus, generous equity, $2000/month housing stipend, and 100% employer-paid medical benefits for employees and dependents.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 3, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in South San Francisco,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.