Engineering Technician

Job Title: Engineering Technician

Job Description

The Engineering Technician will work in a metallurgical laboratory environment, performing titration evaluations, preparing and testing coated samples, and supporting mechanical testing that directly influences the design and manufacture of commercial and military engines for safety and durability. This role involves hands-on work with lab equipment and test instruments, careful sample preparation, and accurate documentation of results using computer and Microsoft Office skills. The position offers a long-term contract with strong potential for permanent hire and clear technical career paths based on education level.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily titration evaluations and other laboratory tests according to established procedures and specifications.
• Prepare coating samples by mounting, grinding, polishing, cutting, and using ovens and other lab equipment to achieve required sample conditions.
• Prepare bond bars for tensile strength testing, ensuring proper sample geometry, surface finish, and labeling.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as grinding and polishing machines, cutting tools, ovens, microscopes, and other test equipment.
• Use microscopes and other lab instruments to inspect samples, identify features of interest, and verify conformance to specifications.
• Read and interpret technical specifications, blueprints, and work instructions to determine correct test methods and acceptance criteria.
• Evaluate a minimum of 25 samples per day while maintaining accuracy, quality, and compliance with laboratory standards.
• Record test results accurately in Excel and other computer-based systems, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
• Troubleshoot basic issues with test setups, sample preparation, and equipment performance, escalating problems when necessary.
• Apply mechanical aptitude and basic hand tool skills to set up fixtures, adjust equipment, and handle samples safely and effectively.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures, housekeeping standards, and quality requirements to maintain a safe and organized work area.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and production personnel to support testing priorities and adjust deliverables based on business needs.

Essential Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and mechanical skills, including proficiency with basic hand tools.
• Laboratory testing experience, including sample preparation and operation of lab equipment such as grinders, polishers, cutting tools, and ovens.
• Microscope skills for inspecting and evaluating samples.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications and blueprints accurately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and general computer skills for data entry and documentation.
• Experience using test equipment in a laboratory or mechanical testing environment.
• Troubleshooting skills for resolving basic equipment and test setup issues.
• Excellent reading and writing skills to understand procedures and document results clearly.
• Ability to consistently evaluate a minimum of 25 samples per day while maintaining quality and accuracy.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree suitable for a dedicated Engineering Technician career path is beneficial.
• Four-year degree can support progression into a broader professional career path.
• Experience in a metallurgical or materials testing lab is a plus.
• Familiarity with engine components or aerospace-related testing environments is advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail and quality-focused mindset.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple samples and tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a small to medium-sized metallurgical laboratory set off from a production floor within a leading repair station environment. The Engineering Technician works with grinding and polishing machines, cutting tools, ovens, microscopes, and various mechanical test instruments in a controlled lab setting. The position follows a full-time schedule of approximately 40 hours per week, with flexible start and stop times to support work-life balance as long as weekly hours are met. Overtime may be available at a premium rate for hours worked beyond 40 per week. The assignment is designed as a long-duration contract of up to 36 months, with the potential to convert to permanent employment after 12 months or to continue on new assignments. During the contract period, team members receive six paid holidays and accrue one week of paid time off per year, with the ability to collect unemployment during designated plant closures such as year-end and mid-year shutdowns, subject to eligibility. The culture emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a highly regarded, nationally recognized facility that offers strong career growth opportunities and structured advancement paths for both two-year and four-year degree holders. Dress is appropriate for a laboratory and production-adjacent environment, focusing on safety and practicality while working with mechanical and lab equipment.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/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 Hartford,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 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.