Algebra, Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Candidate Screening, Communication Skills, Concrete, Consulting, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Depth Perception, Detail Oriented, Documentation, Electrical Wiring, Electromechanics, Electronics Manufacturing, Functional Testing, Genetics, Geometry, Hospital, Identify Issues, Maintain Compliance, Maintenance - Electrical, Mathematics, Mechanical Testing, Memory Hardware, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Network Systems, Oscilloscope, Performance Testing, Precision Testing, Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Development, Production Systems, Quality Assurance Methodology, Record Keeping, Risk, Root Cause Analysis, Safety Process, Schematics, Software Installation, Spectrum Analyzers, Team Player, Technical Writing, Test Automation, Test Data, Test Equipment, Test Plan/Schedule, Testing, Traceability, Writing Skills
Test Technician
Job Description
The Test Technician conducts a wide range of electronic, mechanical, and electromechanical tests on electronic systems, subassemblies, and components to verify performance against specifications and to identify the root cause of unit failures. This role works with specialized test equipment, interprets technical documentation, and collaborates closely with engineering and production teams to ensure product quality and reliability.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret test procedures, work orders, test manuals, performance specifications, wiring diagrams, and schematics to determine appropriate testing methods and equipment.
- Test the functional performance of systems, subassemblies, and parts under specified environmental conditions such as temperature variation, vibration, pressure, and humidity.
- Connect units under test to equipment including digital multimeters, hi-pot testers, signal generators, frequency meters, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
- Monitor and interpret dials or digital displays to measure electronic characteristics such as voltage, frequency, distortion, inductance, resistance, and capacitance.
- Compare test results with performance specifications and accurately record test data or plot results on graphs for analysis and traceability.
- Analyze test results on defective units to determine probable causes of failure and support corrective action activities.
- Document minor defects on tags attached to units and return them to the production department for repair, ensuring clear and concise defect descriptions.
- Generate Non-Conformance Reports for major defects and ensure appropriate documentation and communication of issues.
- Collaborate with engineers, technicians, production personnel, and other stakeholders to discuss testing procedures, review results, and resolve technical problems.
- Devise test equipment setups and configurations to evaluate the performance and operation of nonstandard units or customer-returned products.
- Install production software into electronic memory devices in accordance with engineering documentation and established procedures.
- Assist with management of the ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) program, including participating in training and helping to ensure compliance with ESD handling practices.
- Operate software interfaces required to run automated or semi-automated tests and ensure accurate execution of test sequences.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental goals, maintain operational flexibility, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Essential Skills
- Associate"s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school and at least 1 year of related experience, or 3 years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting electronic systems, subassemblies, and components.
- Hands-on experience using test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, hi-pot testers, signal generators, and frequency meters.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documents including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, wiring diagrams, and schematics.
- Ability to write clear and concise routine reports and correspondence documenting test results and non-conformances.
- Ability to speak effectively with groups of customers or employees and clearly communicate technical information.
- Strong mathematical skills, including the ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
- Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry in test setup, measurement, and analysis.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and the ability to navigate network systems and organize folders and files efficiently.
- Ability to operate software interfaces used to run tests and control test equipment.
- Strong reasoning skills with the ability to solve practical problems and work with a variety of concrete variables in situations with limited standardization.
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working in an electronics manufacturing or test environment.
- Familiarity with generating and managing Non-Conformance Reports and related quality documentation.
- Experience devising custom test setups for nonstandard or customer-returned units.
- Exposure to or involvement in managing an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) control program, including training and compliance support.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recording test data and documenting defects.
- Effective collaboration skills for working with engineers, technicians, and production personnel to resolve issues.
- Comfort with performing additional tasks as needed to support departmental objectives and continuous improvement.
Work Environment
The Test Technician works in a production and test environment where electronic systems, subassemblies, and components are evaluated using equipment such as digital multimeters, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, hi-pot testers, signal generators, and frequency meters. The noise level in the work area is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this role, the technician is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock and follows established safety procedures. The position requires regular sitting, frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reaching with hands and arms. The technician frequently communicates with others and is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The role occasionally requires lifting and moving up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Maria, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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 Santa Maria,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 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.