Manufacturing Technician
Job Description
The Manufacturing Technician assembles, tests, troubleshoots, and supports the build of complex capital equipment used in high-precision applications. This role is highly hands-on and requires strong technical aptitude, careful attention to detail, and the ability to follow detailed work instructions in a cleanroom or precision manufacturing environment. You operate with moderate independence, contribute to continuous improvement and quality initiatives, and collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering and production teams.
Responsibilities- Perform mechanical, electrical, and optical assembly of complex equipment and subassemblies with a high level of precision and quality.
- Interpret and work from engineering drawings, schematics, bills of materials (BOMs), and detailed work instructions to complete assemblies and builds.
- Support the integration of major subsystems, including motion stages, optics, and electronics, into complete systems.
- Perform system-level calibration, functional testing, and system verification using appropriate test equipment and tools.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues at the component and system level, using diagnostic tools and structured problem-solving methods.
- Identify root causes of issues, document findings, and escalate problems appropriately to engineering or leadership when necessary.
- Follow ISO and internal quality procedures to ensure consistent build quality and compliance with standards.
- Accurately record build data, non-conformances, test results, and any deviations in the appropriate documentation systems.
- Ensure strict adherence to ESD controls, cleanliness protocols, and safety standards while working on optical and electronic assemblies.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains in assembly, test, and troubleshooting activities.
- Support Lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S, standard work, and error-proofing to improve workflow and reduce waste.
- Provide clear feedback on documentation gaps, build challenges, and design issues to help improve product manufacturability and reliability.
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve technical issues and support new product introductions.
- 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing optical systems or in assembly and/or test roles in a precision manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency in mechanical assembly of complex equipment and subassemblies.
- Experience with electrical assembly, including working with wiring, connectors, and electronic modules.
- Hands-on experience with optical assembly or handling of precision optical components.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, bills of materials (BOMs), and detailed work instructions.
- Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues.
- Experience using electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes and other diagnostic tools.
- Practical soldering skills appropriate for electronic assemblies and rework.
- Familiarity with cleanroom or controlled-environment manufacturing practices.
- Understanding of ISO and internal quality procedures and how they apply to manufacturing and testing.
- Ability to follow and maintain ESD, cleanliness, and safety standards consistently.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in recording build data, non-conformances, and test results.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience working with products used in aerospace, aviation, optics manufacturing, or precision machining environments.
- Exposure to Lean manufacturing concepts, including 5S, standard work, and error-proofing.
- Comfort working in a cross-functional environment with engineering, quality, and production teams.
- Demonstrated ability to support continuous improvement initiatives and suggest process enhancements.
- Strong communication skills for providing feedback on documentation gaps and design issues.
- Interest in gaining hands-on engineering and technical experience with complex capital equipment.
You work in a clean, climate-controlled manufacturing and laboratory setting where technicians assemble, test, and inspect precision optical and electronic equipment. The environment resembles a high-tech engineering lab more than a traditional industrial manufacturing floor, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, ESD protection, and careful handling of sensitive components. You regularly use electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes and other diagnostic tools, as well as mechanical and optical assembly tools. Work typically involves standing or sitting at workstations, following structured work instructions, and collaborating closely with engineering and production personnel in a professional, process-driven setting.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tucson, AZ.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.00 - $28.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Tucson,AZ.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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 [email protected] 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.
