Engineering Technician

I&C Engineering Technician

Job Description

The Engineering Technician supports prototype builds and instrumentation and controls (I&C) systems by assembling, wiring, testing, and reworking electronic components and systems in a dynamic lab environment. This role involves hands-on work such as soldering, cable and harness fabrication, panel wiring, and system-level testing using tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes to verify performance. You will collaborate closely with engineers, maintain thorough documentation, and help ensure the lab operates with high standards of organization, quality, and safety. This position suits someone who enjoys precision craftsmanship, is comfortable with shifting priorities, and is eager to deepen their experience in instrumentation, controls, and system testing.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and build instrumentation and controls (I&C) system components, panels, and assemblies in accordance with engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and work instructions.
• Perform bench-level testing of sensors, transmitters, controllers, and signal conditioning equipment to verify proper operation.
• Support system integration by wiring, configuring, and verifying I&C connections and test setups.
• Assist with prototype builds, including hardware troubleshooting, rework, and calibration activities.
• Perform rework on prototype cards, including soldering, rewiring, and component-level modifications such as adding resistors or rerouting connections.
• Execute calibration and verification procedures using standard lab equipment to ensure accurate and reliable measurements.
• Use test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and signal generators to verify system performance and diagnose issues.
• Fabricate cables and harnesses, including crimping, labeling, connector installation, and ensuring proper routing, strain relief, and grounding.
• Carry out panel wiring and general wiring tasks for chassis, cabinets, and complete system builds.
• Support functional and environmental testing such as continuity checks, insulation resistance measurements, and signal verification.
• Prepare instrumentation and test setups for system-level or field testing, ensuring all connections and configurations meet requirements.
• Document build and test results, including assembly records, test data, and nonconformance reports, in a clear and organized manner.
• Maintain lab organization, tool control, and a clean, orderly, and safe working environment.
• Follow all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards, lab protocols, and ESD handling procedures.
• Collaborate with engineers and other technicians to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve design or test issues discovered during lab work.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by providing feedback and updating procedures, work instructions, and documentation as needed.
• Adapt to shifting priorities on a day-to-day and hour-to-hour basis, supporting multiple projects and prototype efforts as needs change.
• Participate in full shakeout of chassis, cabinet, and system builds, ensuring systems are thoroughly tested and ready for further development or deployment.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience if no associate degree, with flexibility to consider both junior and more experienced candidates.
• Basic understanding of electrical and instrumentation principles, including voltage, current, and analog/digital signals.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and engineering drawings.
• Proficiency in hand soldering for through-hole and/or surface-mount components as required for prototype rework.
• Experience in cable fabrication and harness assembly, including crimping, labeling, and connector installation.
• Experience in panel wiring with careful attention to routing, strain relief, and grounding practices.
• Familiarity with electronic test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and signal generators.
• Basic mechanical assembly skills, including drilling, mounting, and hardware installation.
• Understanding of electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions and safe handling of sensitive electronic components.
• Electronics familiarity, including working with prototype boards, wiring, and electronic subassemblies.
• Hands-on experience in soldering, cable making, general wiring, and assembly in a manufacturing or product development environment.
• Ability to handle shifting priorities and switch between tasks and projects as lab needs change.
• Strong troubleshooting skills to diagnose issues in controls systems, prototype builds, and lab setups.
• Comfort working with instrumentation, controls, and system testing in a lab setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Electronics, Instrumentation, Electrical Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Experience supporting development of control systems and working closely with hardware and test teams.
• Experience in working on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced lab or product development environment.
• Experience with prototype builds, including full shakeout of chassis, cabinets, and system-level assemblies.
• Familiarity with calibration practices for sensors, transmitters, controllers, and related instrumentation.
• Ability to maintain detailed documentation and contribute to procedure and work instruction improvements.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in precision craftsmanship and neat, organized builds.
• Effective collaboration skills and the ability to communicate clearly with engineers and other technicians.
• Interest in learning more about instrumentation, controls, and system testing and growing within a lab-focused role.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in an electronics lab environment. You will work primarily with electronic assemblies, instrumentation, and control systems, using tools such as soldering equipment, crimp tools, multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and other standard lab instruments. The typical schedule follows an 8-hour day starting around 7:00 a.m., with some flexibility when needed, though not to an extreme degree. Occasional travel may be possible but is expected to be limited. The work is hands-on, fast-paced, and involves supporting multiple projects and prototype builds, often requiring quick adaptation to changing priorities and tasks. The lab emphasizes organization, tool control, and adherence to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards, including proper ESD handling procedures. Attire is suitable for a lab and light manufacturing environment, supporting safe and comfortable performance of hands-on technical work.

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

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $37.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Wilmington,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 23, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.