Engineering Test Technician

Job Title: Engineering Test Technician

Job Description

This role supports the full lifecycle of advanced battery module prototypes, including installation, commissioning, decommissioning, and ongoing operations. The Engineering Test Technician performs hands-on electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, executes structured test plans, and builds high-precision control and power circuitry. The position plays a key role in ensuring safe, reliable, and high-performance battery systems in a fast-paced, growing startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the installation, commissioning, decommissioning, and day-to-day operations of battery module prototypes.
• Perform hands-on troubleshooting of electrical and mechanical systems to identify, diagnose, and resolve root causes of complex failures.
• Conduct precise wiring and assembly of industrial control, power, and data acquisition circuitry to a high standard of quality and craftsmanship.
• Execute test plans under the direction of engineers to characterize the performance and functionality of battery systems.
• Support the first responder program to minimize energized downtime by responding quickly and effectively to issues with high-powered equipment.
• Assist in the execution of performance testing, collect and organize test data, and communicate findings clearly to Engineering to drive performance improvements.
• Maintain clear, comprehensive, and accurate logs of test data, system modifications, and troubleshooting steps to support seamless knowledge sharing across the test operations team.
• Maintain cell and module lab spaces in an organized, clean, and safe condition at all times.
• Follow established safety procedures and use appropriate PPE when working with high-voltage systems and around heavy construction equipment.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and other technicians to support continuous improvement of test processes, systems, and documentation.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of hands-on experience as a technician working with high-powered equipment.
• Experience working with high-voltage systems and battery test environments.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting complex electrical issues in high-voltage systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and single-line diagrams.
• Skill in wiring and assembly of industrial control, power, and data acquisition circuitry.
• A solid understanding of networking principles and PLC systems.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols for system-level debugging and PLC troubleshooting.
• High level of safety awareness, including training in high-voltage risk assessment and safety protocols.
• Experience working safely around heavy construction equipment and high-powered systems.
• Comfort with frequent and long-term wear of heavy PPE, including steel-toed boots, face shields, and chemical suits as required.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to create clear, actionable technical documentation.
• Experience tracking work and issues using Jira or similar tools.
• Strong work ethic and pride in craftsmanship, ensuring high-quality, reliable, and clean assembly and wiring work.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive mindset in identifying and addressing issues.
• Physical ability to frequently lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with battery systems or solar systems is a plus.
• Experience in a fast-paced, growing startup environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain organized, accurate logs and documentation for test and troubleshooting activities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement in test methods, safety practices, and system performance.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Berkeley in a fast-paced, growing startup environment. The position is hands-on and lab-based, working closely with high-voltage battery module prototypes, industrial control systems, and test equipment. The work involves frequent use of personal protective equipment such as steel-toed boots, face shields, and chemical suits, and requires adherence to strict safety procedures around high-powered equipment and heavy construction machinery. The lab and test spaces are maintained to high standards of cleanliness, organization, and safety, and the role requires regular physical activity, including lifting equipment and components up to 50 pounds.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $44.00/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 Berkeley,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 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.