Engineering Lab Manager (Hardware)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Engineering Lab Manager (hardware)

Job Description

The individual will support the design, fabrication, and assembly of test and lab fixtures. This role builds mechanical systems, interprets engineering drawings, and contributes to iterative design cycles by providing hands-on expertise in assembly, machining, and troubleshooting. Responsibilities include fabricating custom test obstacles, modifying designs using basic CAD tools, and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. The technician collaborates closely with engineers to execute test plans, maintain lab readiness, and support rapid hardware iteration. The work directly impacts product development, system reliability, and experimental success within dynamic, fast-paced R&D settings.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, fabrication, and assembly of test and lab fixtures.
• Build mechanical systems and interpret engineering drawings.
• Contribute to iterative design cycles through hands-on expertise in assembly, machining, and troubleshooting.
• Fabricate custom test obstacles and modify designs using basic CAD tools.
• Ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with engineers to execute test plans and maintain lab readiness.
• Support rapid hardware iteration impacting product development, system reliability, and experimental success.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in mechanical assembly, fabrication, and blueprint interpretation.
• Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, NX.
• Knowledge of prototype and test fixture design.
• Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, calipers, micrometers, and torque tools.
• Ability to perform rapid prototyping and operate mills, lathes, and 3D printers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 2–4 years in mechanical assembly, fabrication, prototyping, or technician roles.
• Preferred certifications in machining, welding, or electronics.
• Basic electronics testing and sensor integration.
• Strong attention to detail, independent work capability, communication skills, time management, adaptability, and safety-oriented mindset.

Work Environment

Hands-on lab and fabrication-focused environment with regular interaction with engineers and research staff. This on-site role involves mechanical assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and fabrication work. The work setting is fast-paced with iterative development cycles, frequent design updates, and build sessions. The culture emphasizes safety, communication, and continuous improvement, and may require occasional extended or shifted hours during high-priority development periods.

This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $56.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in North Reading,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 20, 2026.

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.