Manufacturing Technician / Automotive Technician
Job Description
The Manufacturing Technician I supports production by assembling and testing electro-mechanical products, preparing and maintaining manufacturing equipment and materials, and ensuring that all products meet quality, safety, and on-time delivery requirements. This role involves primarily large mechanical assembly work, complemented by setup, preparation, and breakdown activities, and offers cross-training in multiple areas of mechanical and electrical assembly and testing.
Responsibilities
Assemble and wire a variety of electro-mechanical units according to specifications.
Use small hand tools, such as screwdrivers, tweezers, pliers, crimping tools, wire cutters, and wrenches, to complete box builds, cable and wire assemblies, and printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies.
Interpret and follow bills of materials (BOMs), assembly drawings, rough schematics, process instructions, and manufacturing routings to complete assemblies accurately.
Perform continuity checks on work in process and completed work to verify proper electrical connections and functionality.
Create and maintain machine programs and profiles for new and existing products to support efficient production.
Assist in maintaining product routings, drawing packets, and clear instructions and specifications for manufacturing operators.
Troubleshoot operator issues and production problems, working with leadership to implement training and process improvements.
Communicate production, quality, and equipment issues to engineers and leadership in a timely and clear manner.
Support testing and qualification of new equipment, materials, and processes used in manufacturing.
Assist in performing experiments for failure analysis and root cause analysis to improve product reliability and processes.
Recommend additional equipment or tooling needs to leadership and test engineers for product debug and production areas.
Participate in Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen continuous improvement activities to enhance efficiency and quality.
Comply with and follow all company security policies and procedures, including those related to controlled and sensitive work.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support production and operational needs.
Work on problems of moderate scope, analyzing situations and data using a variety of factors and exercising judgment within established procedures and practices.
Build productive working relationships with internal and external partners to support successful project and production outcomes.
Apply developing professional expertise, following company policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues.
Follow general instructions on routine work and detailed instructions on new projects or assignments.
Support large-part mechanical assembly activities for the majority of the shift and perform setup, preparation, and breakdown tasks as needed.
Demonstrate the potential to grow into leadership responsibilities by taking initiative, supporting team members, and contributing to process improvements.
Essential Skills
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and strong mechanical skills, including experience with hand and power tools.
Ability to use various drivers, wrenches, torque tools, crimping tools, screwdrivers, wire cutters, and similar equipment safely and effectively.
Experience with mechanical assembly, including large-part mechanical assembly, machine operation, and inspection.
Ability to read and work from rough schematics, assembly drawings, engineering drawings, and blueprints.
Ability to read and understand process instructions, schematic drawings, and manufacturing routings.
Experience with assembly of electro-mechanical units, including box builds, cable and wire harness assemblies, and PCB assemblies.
Familiarity with electronics or electromechanical assembly, including basic electrical and electronic concepts.
Troubleshooting skills for mechanical and basic electrical issues in assemblies and production processes.
Strong component recognition skills for mechanical and electronic components.
Ability to perform continuity checks and basic testing on work in process and completed assemblies.
Capability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Effective interpersonal skills to collaborate with operators, engineers, and leadership.
Effective written and verbal communication skills to document work and report issues clearly.
Ability to successfully complete Quality Systems Review (QSR) training when performing test or software download operations on QSR products.
Willingness and ability to obtain required clearances and comply with applicable regulations for working on controlled projects.
Physical ability to perform heavy lifting and handle large mechanical assemblies safely.
Comfort working from work instructions, blueprints, and engineering documentation.
Availability to work a 4/10 schedule on first shift (5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday) with openness to additional work on Fridays as needed.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Electronics experience, including electronic assembly, testing, or maintenance, is highly preferred.
Experience in automotive, mechanic, construction, or large machine assembly environments is a plus.
Experience with box build assembly, OEM equipment, wire harnesses, cable assemblies, relays, pneumatics, and related systems is beneficial.
Familiarity with IPC standards or similar electronics manufacturing standards is an advantage.
Automated computer systems and PFS experience is preferred.
Experience with maintenance, installation, or troubleshooting of electrical or electromechanical systems is a plus.
Experience or interest in Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen continuous improvement practices is desirable.
Demonstrated potential and interest in growing into a leadership role over time.
Comfort working on projects for military or government customers within a controlled environment, including adherence to applicable security and regulatory requirements.
Why Work Here?
You will join a clean, fast-paced manufacturing environment that values continuous improvement, professional development, and cross-training across mechanical and electrical disciplines. The organization encourages participation in Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives, giving you the opportunity to influence process improvements and build your technical expertise. You will work with advanced equipment and complex projects, including high-impact programs, while developing skills that can support growth into leadership roles. The culture emphasizes teamwork, clear communication, and adherence to strong quality and security standards, providing a stable and structured environment where your contributions are recognized and valued.
Work Environment
This role is based in a clean, fast-paced manufacturing facility that operates under AS9100 and additional aerospace-related certifications. The team works on projects for military and government customers, including highly controlled and sensitive programs, and employees must be able to obtain the necessary clearances and comply with applicable regulations. The primary schedule follows a 4/10 first shift, typically from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with the expectation of being open to working on Fridays as needed. The work involves large-part mechanical assembly and setup, requiring regular use of hand and power tools, automated computer systems, and equipment for electro-mechanical assembly and testing. The environment emphasizes adherence to security policies, quality systems, and structured processes, while providing cross-training opportunities across different assembly and testing areas.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of SANTA ANA, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/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 ANA,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 2026.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
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.
