Mechanical Technician

Job Title: Mechanical Technician

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to build complex mechanical and opto-mechanical prototypes that support the development of high-bandwidth free-space optical communication systems between satellites. You will work closely with a multi-disciplinary engineering team to assemble, align, and test early-stage hardware in a fast-paced, highly innovative environment. This position is ideal for a mid to high level mechanical technician who enjoys hands-on work, solving novel problems, and contributing directly to cutting-edge optical communication technology.

Responsibilities

• Build mechanical assemblies for early-stage and prototype hardware.
• Build opto-mechanical assemblies that integrate mechanical and optical components.
• Support development activities, including prototyping and iterative hardware builds.
• Assist in failure investigations by disassembling, inspecting, and reworking mechanical and opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Install and dress fiber optic cables with attention to bend radius, routing, and protection.
• Install and dress electrical cables, ensuring clean routing, strain relief, and proper termination.
• Perform precision alignment of mechanical components to meet tight tolerances and performance requirements.
• Work closely with design engineers during early hardware builds to interpret drawings, models, and build instructions.
• Collaborate with engineers to refine assembly processes and provide feedback on design for manufacturability and assembly.
• Support the build and test of fiber optical assemblies used in high-bandwidth communication systems.
• Support the assembly and test of free-space optical assemblies for satellite communication.
• Document assembly steps, issues, and test outcomes as required by the engineering team.
• Adapt to evolving requirements and priorities in an ambiguous, development-focused environment.
• Contribute to a near-term push to assemble a batch of prototypes by efficiently and accurately putting mechanical and opto-mechanical assemblies together.

Essential Skills

• Proven mechanical technician or engineering technician experience with hands-on mechanical assembly.
• Strong experience building and assembling mechanical hardware, including precision mechanical components.
• Ability to perform precision alignment of mechanical components and assemblies.
• Experience working with cabling, including installation and dressing of electrical cables.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, schematics, and build documentation.
• Comfort working in an ambiguous, early-stage development environment with changing requirements.
• Mid to high level years of experience as a mechanical or engineering technician.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship.
• Effective collaboration skills to work closely with design and development engineers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with opto-mechanical assemblies or optical systems is highly desirable but not required.
• Experience installing and dressing fiber optic cables is a strong plus.
• Experience in aerospace, medical device, or automotive industries is highly relevant.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field is beneficial but not strictly required if equivalent experience is present.
• Experience supporting prototyping, early hardware builds, and iterative development cycles.
• Familiarity with failure analysis or supporting failure investigations on mechanical or opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment tackling novel technical challenges.
• Interest in or exposure to high-bandwidth optical communication systems is a plus.
• Openness to a 6-month contract-to-hire arrangement.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, onsite role based at a facility in Redmond, WA. You will work in a lab and assembly environment focused on developing high-bandwidth free-space optical communication systems for satellite-to-satellite links. The work is highly collaborative, and you will regularly interact with multi-disciplinary engineering teams across different locations. The environment is dynamic and innovation-driven, with a strong focus on early-stage development, rapid prototyping, and solving challenging, novel problems that have not been addressed at scale before. Appropriate lab safety practices are followed, and face masks are required while onsite. You can expect hands-on work with mechanical assemblies, fiber optic and electrical cabling, and test setups for optical and free-space communication hardware. The culture values problem-solving, adaptability, and close teamwork in pursuit of advanced communication technologies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of REDMOND, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/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 REDMOND,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 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.