R&d Technician

Actalent; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO / Vacation / Sick Leave

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an R&D Technician to support power conversion and energy storage product development in Poway, CA. You will build and modify prototypes, conduct tests, and assist with validation while wiring systems and troubleshooting hardware issues.

The role collaborates with electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to improve test methods and documentation. The position is contract-to-hire and onsite, with pay $30.00–$35.00 per hour and a benefits package including

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a test/engineering technician role.
• Hands-on prototype build and test experience.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and drawings.
• Experience with lab test environments and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and modify prototypes, test fixtures, and engineering hardware.
• Execute engineering test plans and assist with product validation activities.
• Perform system wiring, cabling, and integration of electromechanical assemblies.
• Troubleshoot hardware issues and support root cause investigations.
• Collect, document, and communicate test results and engineering data.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to support product development efforts.
• Assist with continuous improvement of test methods, fixtures, and documentation processes.

Skills

5+ years experience

Prototype testing

Wiring and cabling

Troubleshooting hardware

Reading schematics

Hands-on with test equipment

Education

Associate degree or technical certification

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

Power supplies

Job description

Job Title: R&D Technician

Job Description

Support R&D and engineering teams in the development, testing, and validation of power conversion and energy storage products. Build, assemble, and modify prototypes, test fixtures, and engineering hardware. Execute engineering test plans and assist with product validation activities. Perform system wiring, cabling, and integration of electromechanical assemblies. Troubleshoot hardware issues and support root cause investigations. Collect, document, and communicate test results and engineering data. Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings. Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to support product development efforts. Assist with continuous improvement of test methods, fixtures, and documentation processes.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and modify prototypes, test fixtures, and engineering hardware.
• Execute engineering test plans and assist with product validation activities.
• Perform system wiring, cabling, and integration of electromechanical assemblies.
• Troubleshoot hardware issues and support root cause investigations.
• Collect, document, and communicate test results and engineering data.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to support product development efforts.
• Assist with continuous improvement of test methods, fixtures, and documentation processes.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years as a test technician, engineering technician, laboratory technician, prototype technician, or similar role.
• Associate degree, technical certification, military electronics training, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Experience as an Engineering Technician, R&D Technician, Electronics Technician, Test Technician, Lab Technician, or similar role.
• Experience building prototypes, test fixtures, cable assemblies, harnesses, or electromechanical systems.
• Strong wiring, cabling, soldering, assembly, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings.
• Hands-on experience using oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and other electronic test equipment.
• Experience supporting product development, testing, validation, or engineering lab environments.
• Exposure to power electronics, AC/DC power systems, battery systems, energy storage products, industrial controls, or related technologies.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams.

Work Environment

The role involves working in an engineering lab environment with exposure to power electronics and energy storage products. The technician will utilize various electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes and multimeters. The position requires collaboration with cross‑functional teams including electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Poway, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $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 Poway,CA. 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.