Job Title: Electrical Technician - R&D Automation
Job Description
As an R&D Electrical Technician, you will play a key role in developing and building highly customized automation equipment. This position focuses on hands-on machine build, electrical integration, debugging, and iteration in a fast-paced, evolving environment rather than repetitive assembly work. You will collaborate closely with engineering and project teams to bring complex machinery from concept through final testing and field installation.
Responsibilities
Perform electrical wiring, panel build, and integration for custom equipment and machinery.
Support machine builds from initial concept through final testing, working closely with engineering and project teams.
Troubleshoot electrical systems, controls, and machine functionality during build and test phases.
Execute and support I/O checks, system bring-up, and validation testing for new and modified equipment.
Read, interpret, and apply electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and evolving engineering drawings.
Redline and update drawings as needed to reflect design changes and improvements during the build process.
Assist with debugging and resolving design issues as products evolve during prototyping and production builds.
Collaborate directly with Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls Engineers to improve designs and enhance manufacturability.
Support field installations and system startups as needed, including occasional short-duration domestic travel.
Operate effectively in an environment with limited work instructions by relying on strong technical judgment and problem-solving skills.
Contribute to improving build processes, documentation, and overall product quality through feedback and continuous improvement.
Use appropriate power tools and measurement tools safely and effectively during panel builds and machine integration.
Essential Skills
Hands-on experience in electrical or electromechanical work, or recent graduation in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings.
Practical experience with wiring electrical panels for custom machinery or industrial equipment.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electrical systems and controls during build, test, and startup phases.
Proficiency using common power tools and electrical measurement tools in a workshop or industrial setting.
Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with mechanical components as part of machine builds.
Ability to work independently and solve technical problems without detailed instructions.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving, and sometimes ambiguous environment.
Solid troubleshooting skills, including methodical diagnosis of electrical and control issues.
Basic familiarity with debugging software or control logic as it relates to machine functionality.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Recent Electrical Engineering degree or equivalent technical education is highly beneficial.
Hands-on experience in R&D, prototyping, or custom machine build environments is a plus.
Experience collaborating directly with Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls Engineers on integrated systems.
Background in automation equipment, industrial machinery, or control systems integration is advantageous.
Strong communication skills for documenting changes, redlining drawings, and providing feedback to engineering teams.
Demonstrated continuous improvement mindset with a focus on enhancing build processes and product quality.
Work Environment
This role operates in a high-output, hands-on workshop and production environment focused on building and testing custom automation equipment. The schedule typically follows an early start, with regular opportunities for overtime and periods where weekly hours may range from approximately 50 to 70. The pace is fast and the work can be ambiguous at times, requiring adaptability, initiative, and strong technical judgment. You will use a variety of power tools, electrical measurement tools, and test equipment while working around mechanical, electrical, and controls systems. Occasional short-duration domestic travel may be required to support field installations and system startups. The culture emphasizes collaboration with engineering teams, continuous improvement of build processes and documentation, and a strong commitment to product quality and safety.
We reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to sex, race, or any other protected classification.
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. This temporary role may be eligible for the following:
· Medical, dental & vision
· 401(k)/Roth
· Insurance (Basic/Supplemental Life & AD&D)
· Short and long-term disability
· Health & Dependent Care Spending Accounts (HSA & DCFSA)
· Transportation benefits
· Employee Assistance Program
.Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Tacoma, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $72800.00 - $79040.00/yr.
Employee benefits include: Medical (HSA & PPO), Dental, Vision, Long/Short term disability, HSA account with employer contribution, 401(K) (Traditional & Roth options) with up to 5% company match, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holiday, and bonus potential.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Tacoma,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 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 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.
