Description The Role This person will work as a member of an Engineering Test Team to support component-level testing from concept through program release. This includes characterization, reliability, and durability testing. The primary objective of this role is to set up, maintain, and conduct component-, system-, and vehicle-level tests in accordance with internal procedures. The successful candidate will have a broad background in fabrication and system-level maintenance, troubleshooting, and testing. Responsibilities + Design, fabricate, and assemble test fixtures + Execute tests, including setup, detailed inspections, maintenance, and retrofits + Identify root causes and report issues + Document and report issues identified during tests or inspections + Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve mechanical and electrical issues + Provide detailed written and verbal test status updates to key stakeholders + Support engineering teams with instrumentation and data acquisition setup and logging + Perform general test equipment maintenance + Maintain a clean and organized work environment + Support and mentor other technicians to help develop the team Skills + CAD technician + Reliability testing + Environmental chamber testing + Prototype testing + Python (basic scripting or debugging) + CAD design Top Skills Details + CAD technician + Reliability testing + Environmental chamber + Prototype testing Additional Skills & Qualifications Below is a ranked view of the skills prioritized for this role, in order of importance: 1. End-to-End Lab Execution & Ownership + Proven experience building, modifying, and maintaining test setups in an R&D or validation lab + Ability to work on multiple test setups in parallel, perform inspections, and keep work unblocked 2. Cross-Functional Communication & Execution Tracking + Ability to attend design and test meetings, clearly report progress, and raise risks early + Strong discipline around documentation and execution tracking using tools such as Jira (tickets, updates, follow-ups) 3. Mechanical Design & Fabrication Judgment + Drafting concepts and fixtures in CAD for design reviews + Rapid prototyping (3D printing first, followed by metal fabrication) + Working with machine shops to modify or fabricate parts + Comfortable sourcing mechanical components (e.g., 80/20, fasteners, fixtures) from suppliers such as McMaster 4. GD&T and Drawing Comprehension + Solid understanding of GD&T and the ability to sanity-check mechanical drawings + Knows what to measure, how to inspect parts, and when parts should not be sent to third-party fabrication 5. Electrical Build & Harnessing + Experience building custom wiring harnesses (CAN connectors, power, signal) + Comfortable sourcing electrical components from suppliers such as Digi‑Key 6. Debug Mindset (Software + Hardware) + Bonus if able to write or modify Python scripts + At minimum, able to perform first-level debugging of scripts and test setups before escalating to engineering Experience Level + Entry Level Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Palo Alto, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $35.00/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 Palo Alto,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Feb 26, 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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.