Engineering Technician

Job Title: Engineering Technician

Job Description

This Engineering Technician position supports an advanced aerospace research and development laboratory by executing a wide range of mechanical and structural tests on engine components. You will assemble and operate complex test rigs, perform specialized testing such as fatigue, spin, ballistic impact, and thermal cycling, and ensure accurate data collection to support the design and validation of commercial and military engines. This role offers long-term stability, clear technical and professional career paths, and the opportunity to directly influence the safety and durability of aerospace engines.

Responsibilities

• Execute a variety of component test types, including low and high cycle fatigue, spin testing, ballistic impact, static load, thermal cyclic testing, and load/strain calibrations.
• Assemble custom and one-off test rigs to support unique test applications and experimental setups.
• Prepare test frames and fixtures to ensure safe, accurate, and repeatable test execution.
• Install strain gages and thermocouples on test articles and fixtures to capture critical test data.
• Set up and operate data acquisition systems and related software to monitor, record, and validate test results.
• Troubleshoot electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems to resolve issues and minimize downtime.
• Perform basic fabrication tasks to support test rig builds, modifications, and repairs.
• Collaborate with engineers and other technicians to develop and refine advanced test techniques and processes.
• Maintain strict adherence to Environmental, Health, and Safety requirements and promote a safe laboratory environment.
• Document test setups, procedures, and results accurately and update test data and reports at the desk as needed.
• Support continuous operation of test rigs that run on a 24/7 schedule by ensuring equipment readiness and availability.
• Use hand tools and test equipment to assemble, adjust, and maintain test setups and fixtures.
• Interpret fabrication and installation prints, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), to build and verify test configurations.
• Apply basic programming skills (such as LabVIEW or Python) to support test automation, data collection, and system control where applicable.

Essential Skills

• AA/AS degree in an engineering or technical field.
• Knowledge of and experience with electronic systems.
• Knowledge of and experience with hydraulic systems.
• Knowledge of and experience with mechanical systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, and strong general computer skills.
• 2+ years of relevant laboratory, repair or overhaul shop, or mechanical testing experience.
• Ability to read fabrication and installation prints and understand GD&T.
• Experience with mechanical testing and troubleshooting.
• Experience working with aerospace components or similar high-performance mechanical systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort using hand tools and test equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant laboratory, repair or overhaul shop, or mechanical testing experience (preferred level of experience).
• Basic LabVIEW programming experience.
• Basic Python programming experience.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication and installation drawings with GD&T notation.
• Experience in an R&D environment, particularly with aerospace engine component testing.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems in a test environment.
• Interest in developing advanced test techniques and improving laboratory processes.
• Comfort working with test equipment in a lab setting and following structured procedures.
• Ability to balance hands-on lab work with documentation and data analysis at a desk.

Work Environment

The role is based in a laboratory setting that supports aerospace engine research and development. The lab includes offices and desks within the lab area, as well as workbenches and separate testing rooms for more intensive tests. The team consists of approximately 20 people, including about 10 engineers and 10 technicians, working collaboratively in an R&D environment focused on testing aerospace engine components. About 75% of your time will be spent in the lab performing hands-on testing, assembly, and troubleshooting, while approximately 25% will be spent at a desk updating data, documenting test setups, and preparing reports. Certain test rigs operate on a 24/7 basis, and technicians ensure that equipment remains available and ready to support continuous testing. The position offers a long-duration assignment of around 36 months, with the potential for permanent employment after 12 months or the option to continue on additional assignments. The organization offers a highly regarded culture with strong benefits once hired directly, including retirement plans, robust paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. During the contract period, there are six paid holidays and one week of paid time off accrued per year, with overtime available at a premium rate for hours worked over 40 per week. Flexible start and stop times support work-life balance as long as a 40-hour workweek is maintained. The role provides clear technical and professional career paths for technicians with two-year and four-year degrees and offers a strong opportunity to transition into a long-term aerospace career.

Apply Today

For qualified candidates ONLY Please use this link to schedule an employment screen for this opportunity:https://talentassistant.actalentservices.com/assistant/bookings/i8y8SJbY

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of East Hartford, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in East Hartford,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 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 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.