R&D Technician III

Viltis; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Viltis is seeking an R&D Technician III to join our client’s dynamic research and development team in a hands-on laboratory setting. You will lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, and modify mechanical and electro-mechanical materials, supporting engineers and scientists throughout development.

The role involves working with advanced instrumentation and prototypes, documenting processes, and participating in cross-functional discussions to optimize device performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• 4-6 years of relevant experience is required.
• Strong teamwork skills are required; good manual dexterity and ability to disassemble/reassemble instruments are required.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties in electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, chemical, or optical areas.
• Build or assemble prototype materials, components, subassemblies, and assemblies.
• Construct, operate, troubleshoot, calibrate, adjust, maintain, and test equipment, systems, or products.
• Work from schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions.
• Perform tests, analyze data, and write reports.
• Review or develop processing or manufacturing instructions.
• Maintain detailed documentation through all phases of development, testing, and analysis.
• Assist in technology transfer and contribute to cross-functional discussions regarding device performance.

Skills

Teamwork

Manual dexterity

Instrument handling

Education

Bachelor's degree (required)

Job description

Contract position, through 12/27/2026. Full-time schedule. Engineering category.

Position Overview

Join our client’s dynamic research and development team as an R&D Technician III. In this role, you will be responsible for a variety of laboratory functions, including the layout, building, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and modification of mechanical or electro-mechanical materials, devices, assemblies, sub-assemblies, systems, and products. You will work closely with engineers and scientists to support ongoing projects and ensure compliance with all applicable policies and procedures.

This position offers the opportunity to work hands-on with advanced instrumentation and prototype assemblies. You will be involved in all phases of development, from initial concept through testing and analysis, and will play a key role in maintaining detailed documentation throughout the process.

If you enjoy working in a collaborative environment and are comfortable wearing multiple hats, this is an excellent opportunity to further your career in a leading-edge laboratory setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform duties in electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, chemical, or optical areas
• Build or assemble prototype materials, components, subassemblies, and assemblies
• Construct, operate, troubleshoot, calibrate, adjust, maintain, and test equipment, systems, or products
• Work from schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions
• Perform tests, analyze data, and write reports
• Review or develop processing or manufacturing instructions
• Maintain detailed documentation through all phases of development, testing, and analysis
• Assist in technology transfer and contribute to cross-functional discussions regarding device performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (required)
• 4-6 years of relevant experience (required)
• Strong teamwork skills (required)
• Good manual dexterity; able to disassemble and reassemble instruments (required)
• Experience using buffers and running instruments (required)
• Flexibility to take on varied tasks (required)

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who thrives in a collaborative team environment. You are comfortable working with complex instruments, have a keen attention to detail, and are adaptable to shifting priorities and tasks as needed.

Work Schedule

Full-time contract role through the end of December 2026. Phone interview followed by onsite interview required. Potential for extension.

About Viltis

Viltis is a trusted staffing partner connecting skilled professionals with rewarding opportunities. We are committed to supporting your career growth and providing access to top roles in research, engineering, and technology.