Hardware Lab Technician

Job Title: Hardware Lab TechnicianJob Description

This role focuses on assembling, testing, and troubleshooting research and development hardware prototypes for automotive applications. The hardware lab technician uses specialized tools and equipment to support product development, works closely with hardware and firmware engineers, and maintains accurate documentation throughout all phases of development, testing, and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Efficiently perform assembly, testing, and troubleshooting or repair of R&D hardware prototypes for automotive projects.
• Utilize hand tools, microscopes, and soldering equipment to assemble and rework prototype systems and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs).
• Carry out mechanical assembly of prototype systems, ensuring components are installed, aligned, and secured according to specifications.
• Perform cable qualifications, testing, and modifications to ensure proper performance and compliance with design requirements.
• Read and interpret schematics to assist in PCB bring-up and debug activities for new or modified designs.
• Create clear and accurate rework documentation that details changes made to prototypes and PCBAs.
• Work from product specifications and written or verbal instructions to execute build, test, and rework tasks with minimal supervision.
• Record build data and testing results in a structured and traceable manner to support engineering analysis and decision-making.
• Maintain detailed documentation through all phases of development, testing, and analysis, ensuring traceability and consistency.
• Interact regularly with hardware and firmware engineers to communicate test results, issues, and recommendations.
• Support adherence to automotive product development engineering practices and standards during lab activities.

Essential Skills

• Associate's degree or equivalent work experience.
• 6 years of related technician experience in the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in soldering and inspecting printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs).
• Working knowledge of digital multimeters (DMM), oscilloscopes, video scopes, and similar laboratory test equipment.
• Working knowledge of product development engineering practices in the automotive field.
• Working knowledge of IPC-A-610 standards for electronic assemblies.
• Familiarity with PCB layout viewer tools for reviewing and interpreting board designs.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Ability to create rework documentation and maintain detailed development and test records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for documentation, reporting, and communication.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience utilizing CAN, LIN, and other automotive networks and related tools.
• Experience working with automotive requirements and design processes.
• Hands-on experience in a hardware laboratory environment supporting R&D activities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with hardware and firmware engineers and report findings clearly.

Work Environment

This position is fully onsite at a hardware laboratory located in an office environment. The role involves frequent use of hand tools, microscopes, soldering equipment, digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, video scopes, and other electronic test instruments. Work is performed around R&D hardware prototypes, PCB assemblies, and automotive-related systems, following established lab procedures and automotive development practices. The technician collaborates closely with engineering teams on-site and spends much of the time at lab benches, test stations, and assembly areas, with a focus on safe handling of electronic components and accurate documentation of all work performed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Southfield, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $33.00/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 Southfield,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 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.