Manufacturing Technician

Job Title: Engineering TechnicianJob Description

This Engineering Technician role supports both prototype development and production activities for cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) electronic systems. You will work hands-on with circuit boards and system-level electronics to test, assemble, and troubleshoot advanced aerospace and defense technologies, contributing directly to products that support real-world defense missions.

Responsibilities

• Test, troubleshoot, and validate electronic assemblies and embedded systems used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Build and assemble prototype electronics, including circuit boards, printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA), wire harnesses, cable harnesses, and system-level assemblies.
• Perform quality inspections and functional testing of electronic components and assemblies to ensure they meet specifications and design requirements.
• Support engineering development activities by assembling, wiring, and testing prototype hardware for new designs and system upgrades.
• Collaborate closely with electrical engineers and other team members to identify, diagnose, and resolve issues discovered during testing and production.
• Utilize standard electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, power supplies, diagnostic tools, and soldering equipment, to perform bench testing and troubleshooting.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, schematics, and work instructions to perform accurate assembly, wiring, and rework.
• Execute test procedures, calibration activities, and inspection steps to verify proper operation and compliance with requirements.
• Perform electronics repair, rework, and root cause analysis on circuit boards, electro-mechanical assemblies, and system-level hardware.
• Support system integration activities, including avionics and embedded systems integration, to ensure proper operation at the system level.
• Document test results, assembly procedures, work steps, and technical findings in a clear and traceable manner.
• Support both engineering prototype builds and production manufacturing efforts in a mixed development and manufacturing environment.
• Apply working knowledge of IPC and acceptability standards during assembly, soldering, inspection, and quality checks.
• Maintain a strong commitment to quality workmanship, attention to detail, and adherence to established processes and work instructions.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience in electronics testing, assembly, and troubleshooting.
• Experience working with circuit boards, printed circuit boards (PCB), printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA), and system-level electronics.
• Experience with electronic assembly, including soldering, wiring, and harness assembly.
• Background in aerospace, defense industry, or military electronics, including technical military occupational specialties.
• Working knowledge and understanding of IPC standards, including J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, and IPC-A-620.
• Proficiency with standard electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, power supplies, and other diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, schematics, and detailed work instructions.
• Experience with functional testing, validation, verification, and bench testing of electronic assemblies and systems.
• Ability to perform system integration tasks for electronics, embedded systems, and avionics hardware.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, including root cause analysis of electronic and electro-mechanical issues.
• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to high-quality workmanship.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative engineering and production team.
• Ability to work effectively in both engineering development and production manufacturing environments.
• Eligibility as a U.S. Person as defined by applicable export control regulations, with the ability to access controlled technical information.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• IPC J-STD-001 certification for soldering is preferred.
• IPC-A-610 certification for the acceptability of electronic assemblies is preferred.
• IPC-A-620 certification for cable and wire harness assemblies is preferred.
• Experience with UAV electronics or embedded systems electronics.
• Experience with avionics or flight control systems.
• Familiarity with military specifications and standards.
• Experience with electro-mechanical assemblies, wiring, and harness assembly.
• Comfort working with hand tools and following detailed test procedures and work instructions.
• Interest in advanced drone technology and aerospace applications.
• Motivation to learn from experienced teams and contribute to products supporting real-world defense missions.

Work Environment

This position is fully onsite in Madison, Alabama, with a typical schedule of 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You will work in a combined engineering development and production manufacturing environment focused on advanced UAV electronics and drone technology. The role involves frequent use of electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, power supplies, soldering tools, and diagnostic instruments at the bench. You will handle circuit boards, harness assemblies, and electro-mechanical systems in a lab and shop setting, following formal work instructions, test procedures, and quality standards. The environment supports hands-on learning, close collaboration with experienced engineering and production teams, and direct involvement in mission-focused aerospace and defense projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Huntsville, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $32.00/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 Huntsville,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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 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.