R&D Mechanical Technician

Actalent; Wilmington (MA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

HSA (Health Savings Account)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an R&D Mechanical Technician to join a modern lab environment in Wilmington, MA. You will assemble, test, and maintain large prototype assemblies, interpret design plans, and work closely with engineers to improve processes and resolve issues.

The role requires reading drawings, hands-on assembly, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, with on-site work and potential travel. Security clearance eligibility is noted as a consideration for this position.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of demonstrated experience with fielded hardware programs
• Strong mechanical assembly and integration skills for large assemblies
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical and electromechanical systems
• Proficiency with hand and power tools and hardware installation
• Ability to read assembly drawings and technical documentation

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical assembly, integration, modification, and testing of large assemblies
• Integrate cable/wire harnesses and box builds for prototype and fielded hardware
• Read and refine instructions and drawings to improve clarity
• Support test activities and conduct test routines
• Assist with ordering, tracking, and inventory of parts and tools
• Operate forklifts/overhead cranes/boom lifts up to 20 ft as needed
• Document work activities and test results for traceability
• Collaborate with engineering to understand design intent and provide corrective recommendations
• Troubleshoot mechanical/electromechanical systems including antenna and radar assemblies and cable harnesses
• Use hand/power tools safely to build and modify prototype systems

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Electrical troubleshooting

Read drawings

Problem solving

Tool handling

Lifting up to 50 pounds

Education

Associate degree in a technical field

Job description

Job Title: R&D Mechanical Technician

Job Description

The R&D Mechanical Technician works in a modern research and development lab alongside a collaborative team of engineers and technicians to support the design, development, and testing of large prototype assemblies. In this role, you assemble, evaluate, test, and maintain complex electronic and mechanical systems, provide practical feedback to design teams to improve assembly and maintenance processes, and assist in troubleshooting and resolving system issues. Success in this position requires the ability to read and interpret system design plans, proactively recommend improvements, and execute hands‑on work with precision and attention to quality and traceability.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical assembly, integration, modification, and testing of large electronic and mechanical assemblies and subassemblies.

• Integrate cable and wire harnesses, including routing and box builds, to support prototype and fielded hardware systems.

• Read, interpret, and refine work instructions, assembly drawings, and documentation, using your expertise to identify improvements and ensure clarity.

• Support test activities under the guidance of engineering teams and independently conduct test routines as required.

• Assist with ordering, tracking, receiving, and maintaining inventory of parts, tools, and equipment to ensure project readiness.

• Operate heavy equipment such as forklifts, overhead cranes, and boom lifts up to 20 feet when needed to move and position large assemblies safely.

• Accurately and thoroughly document work activities, test results, and changes to maintain full design and manufacturing traceability.

• Work closely with engineering staff to understand design intent, communicate issues, and provide corrective recommendations based on hands‑on observations.

• Troubleshoot mechanical and electromechanical systems, including large assemblies, antenna assemblies, radar systems, and cable harnesses.

• Use hand tools, power tools, and hardware installation techniques safely and effectively to build and modify prototype systems.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience working on fielded hardware programs with traceability and quality requirements, including large item assembly.

• Strong mechanical assembly and integration skills, particularly with large mechanical assemblies and prototype builds.

• Experience with mechanical and electromechanical troubleshooting on complex systems.

• Proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, and hardware installation techniques for assembly and modification work.

• Ability to read, interpret, and work from assembly drawings, system design plans, work instructions, and technical documentation.

• Excellent independent problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose issues and propose practical solutions.

• Ability to stand, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds to support hands‑on assembly and lab activities.

• Ability to obtain a security clearance; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

• Comfort working with cable harnesses, routing, and box builds, including integration into larger systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in a relevant technical field such as electrical or mechanical technology, or equivalent experience.

• Experience with large mechanical assembly and integration is highly beneficial.

• Familiarity with antenna assembly and radar systems is a strong plus.

• Experience working on programs with strict quality, documentation, and traceability requirements.

• Previous exposure to R&D or prototype environments where designs evolve and require iterative improvements.

• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance is preferred but not required.

• Ability to travel occasionally, up to approximately 10% per year, to support field activities or off‑site testing.

Work Environment

This role is based in a brand-new R&D lab environment designed to support advanced prototype development and testing. You work closely with engineers and technicians in a hands‑on setting that involves large mechanical assemblies, electronic systems, cable harnesses, and test equipment. The lab uses a variety of tools and heavy equipment, including hand and power tools, forklifts, overhead cranes, and boom lifts up to 20 feet, so safety and adherence to procedures are essential. The work is primarily on‑site and involves standing, bending, and lifting moderate weights as part of daily activities. The culture emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and clear documentation, offering a strong platform for professional growth and future opportunities in the broader technology and defense ecosystem.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Wilmington, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $35.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Wilmington,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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.