Electrical Technician
2 days ago
Sterling
Job DescriptionJob Title: Senior Electronics Technician / Associate Electrical EngineerJob Description This role focuses on supporting the development, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced sensing, RF, and autonomous systems technologies. You will work hands-on with prototype builds, system integration, verification testing, and activities that prepare hardware for production. Collaborating closely with electrical, firmware, mechanical, and systems engineering teams, you will contribute to next-generation technologies that enhance situational awareness, spectrum operations, and airspace security missions. The position offers a clear growth path into increased engineering responsibilities, including hardware design support, schematic review, test development, and contributions to system architecture. Responsibilities • Build, assemble, modify, and support prototype and low-rate production electronic assemblies, including printed circuit boards, cable assemblies, and integrated electromechanical systems., • Perform board bring-up, functional testing, and hardware debugging using laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power supplies., • Support development and evaluation activities involving RF systems, sensor payloads, embedded processing hardware, and power distribution architectures., • Troubleshoot electrical and electronic hardware issues down to the component level, working with engineering teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions., • Execute verification and validation test plans, including environmental evaluations, EMI/EMC assessments, and system integration activities, while accurately documenting results., • Assist with schematic capture reviews, PCB layout support, component selection, and bill of material management under the guidance of Senior engineering staff., • Design, build, and maintain test fixtures, laboratory setups, and automated test environments that support engineering and production objectives., • Maintain configuration-controlled documentation, including test records, calibration logs, hardware revisions, engineering change documentation, and non-conformance reports., • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support rapid technology development, prototyping, and transition-to-production initiatives., • Apply strong R&D and prototyping practices to improve build quality, test coverage, and system reliability across projects.Essential Skills, • Associate degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline., • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering preferred., • 5+ years of experience supporting electronic hardware development, testing, integration, or troubleshooting in a laboratory, manufacturing, defense, aerospace, communications, robotics, or autonomous systems environment., • Hands-on experience with soldering, rework, cable fabrication, and electronic assembly techniques., • Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, assembly drawings, and engineering documentation., • Proficiency using laboratory test tools, including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and other electronic test equipment., • Understanding of analog, digital, RF, and power electronics fundamentals., • Experience supporting hardware verification, qualification testing, or system integration efforts., • Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills for electrical and electronic hardware., • Experience working in R&D and prototyping environments, including PCB and cable assembly work., • Proficiency with lab-based test and measurement practices and safe handling of electronic equipment.Additional Skills & Qualifications, • Experience supporting RF communications, spectrum monitoring, electronic warfare, radar, sensing, autonomous systems, unmanned systems, or airspace security technologies., • Familiarity with Altium Designer or similar ECAD platforms., • IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification., • Experience supporting military, aerospace, defense, or government technology programs., • Exposure to embedded systems, FPGA-based hardware, sensor integration, or mission-critical electronic systems., • Interest in growing into responsibilities such as hardware design support, schematic review, test development, and system architecture contributions., • Experience designing or maintaining test fixtures, laboratory setups, and automated test environments., • Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams and fast-paced R&D settings., • Motivation to contribute to advanced cUAS and airspace security solutions that support public safety and critical missions.Work Environment The role is primarily based on-site in a Sterling, VA R&D laboratory environment equipped with extensive electronic test and measurement equipment. You will spend most days in the lab working hands-on with hardware, test fixtures, and prototypes, and at times may perform testing outdoors when products require evaluation outside of a building. As you gain experience and begin contributing to schematic development, you may work remotely one day per week to focus on design-related tasks. The environment emphasizes rapid prototyping, experimentation, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams. The work directly supports cutting-edge counter-unmanned aircraft systems (cUAS) technologies used by military and public safety organizations, contributing to high-impact missions such as major event security and counter-drone operations. Dress expectations align with a technical lab setting, where practical and safety-conscious attire is appropriate when working with equipment and during outdoor testing. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling, VA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/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 hybrid position in Sterling,VA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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.