Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blueprints, Business Processes, Candidate Screening, Computer Skills, Consulting, Continuous Improvement, Cutting Tools, Data Entry, Data Quality, Design Services, Detail Oriented, Documentation, Educational Technology, Genetics, Grinding, Hand Tools, Identify Issues, Knowledge Transfer, Laboratory, Laboratory Equipment, Laboratory Management, Laboratory Operations, Manufacturing, Mechanical Testing, Metallurgy, Military, Polishing, Problem Solving Skills, Production Support, Productivity Management, Quality Management, Quality Metrics, Record Keeping, Safety Process, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), System Test, Team Player, Technical/Engineering Design, Test Equipment, Testing, Time Management, Titration, Training/Teaching, Welding, Writing Skills
Job Title: Engineering Test TechnicianJob Description
The Engineering Test Technician prepares, tests, and evaluates mechanical and coating samples in a fast-paced metallurgical laboratory that directly supports production of commercial and military engines. This role focuses on mounting, polishing, and testing bond bars for tensile strength, performing titration and weld analyses, and accurately documenting and communicating test results. The position offers long-term contract stability, strong potential for permanent hire, and clear technical career paths in a highly regarded STEM work environment.
Responsibilities
- Prepare bond bar samples for tensile strength testing by mounting, grinding, polishing, cutting, and using laboratory equipment such as grinders, polishing tools, cutting tools, ovens, and microscopes.
- Begin work on samples immediately upon receipt from production to support on-time delivery and adherence to takt time.
- Perform sample mounting and analysis strictly according to technical data, instructions, and procedures, ensuring the latest specifications and MCL tech data are open and referenced during analysis.
- Conduct titration analysis, weld analysis, and other laboratory processes required for business needs while collaborating closely with the lab team.
- Carry out POG and PMR tasks related to laboratory operations as assigned.
- Perform lab inventory counts as needed to ensure adequate supplies and proper organization of lab materials.
- Follow all work instructions, standard operating procedures, and quality requirements without deviation.
- Work overtime when required to meet production needs, subject to prior approval from management.
- Train new hires and colleagues through on-the-job training on existing and updated processes, ensuring proper knowledge transfer and adherence to procedures.
- Perform additional lab-related tasks assigned by the supervisor, contributing effectively as a member of a collaborative team.
- Learn and adapt quickly to a fast-paced manufacturing and metallurgical lab environment, maintaining high accuracy and productivity.
- Participate in continuous improvement activities, workshops, and events to enhance processes, safety, and quality.
- Refrain from modifying any program or process without a prior team meeting or explicit instruction from management.
- Carry out any additional tasks deemed necessary by management to ensure productivity, quality, and adherence to takt time.
- Complete evaluations and release test results in a timely manner to support production, ensuring results remain unchanged once released.
- In the event of technical errors, escalate results for review and update by the supervisor or designated delegate.
- Enter ticket numbers into the daily log or thermal system and scan test results into the designated folder each day to maintain accurate records.
- Communicate coating images or results originating from outside the EHRO team exclusively to the designated supervisor.
- Prepare and evaluate a minimum of 25 coating samples per day, including bond bar tests, while maintaining accuracy and quality standards.
- Follow daily priorities and work assignments provided by the lab manager, adjusting as needed to meet changing production demands.
- Use designated personal protective equipment at all times and strictly follow all safety instructions and lab safety protocols.
Essential Skills
- Mechanical aptitude and hands-on mechanical skills, including the use of basic hand tools.
- Experience using laboratory equipment such as grinders, polishers, cutting tools, ovens, and microscopes.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical specifications and technical data accurately.
- Proficient blueprint reading to understand engineering requirements for samples and tests.
- Proficiency with Excel and general computer skills for data entry, logging, and documentation.
- Strong troubleshooting skills for identifying and resolving issues in testing and sample preparation.
- Excellent reading and writing skills to follow detailed procedures and document results clearly.
- Ability to evaluate a minimum of 25 samples per day while maintaining accuracy and quality.
- Capability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing and laboratory environment.
- Strong teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate with supervisors, engineers, and peers.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Comfort working in a structured environment with strict adherence to procedures and technical specifications.
- Willingness to learn new processes, tools, and technologies as the lab and production requirements evolve.
- Interest in continuous improvement and participation in workshops and events focused on process enhancement.
- Desire to pursue long-term technical career growth, including potential paths for individuals with two-year or four-year technical degrees.
- Ability to train others and share knowledge in a clear, patient, and structured manner.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity, especially regarding the release and handling of test results.
Work Environment
This role is based in a small to medium-sized laboratory located off the production floor within the #1 repair station in the United States. The lab operates in a fast-paced environment, supporting high-volume evaluation of coating samples and bond bar tests each day. You will work with mechanical and metallurgical testing equipment, including grinders, polishers, cutting tools, ovens, microscopes, and computer-based logging systems such as Excel and thermal or ticketing systems. Designated personal protective equipment is required at all times, and strict adherence to safety instructions and laboratory protocols is expected. The position follows a standard 40-hour workweek with flex start and stop times to support work-life balance, and overtime may be available and approved based on production needs. During the contract period, you receive six paid holidays and accrue one week of paid time off per year, with additional opportunities to collect unemployment during specific plant closures. The assignment is long-term, with a duration of up to 36 months, and there is strong potential for permanent employment after 12 months or reassignment to another opportunity. The organization is widely recognized as a top STEM employer and offers attractive benefits once hired directly, including pension, robust paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and defined technical career paths for engineering technicians.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of East Hartford, CT.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/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 Aug 7, 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.