Contract Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Engineering Technician

Job Description

The Engineering Technician will build and test prototypes in an innovation-focused environment, working closely with engineers to turn new ideas into production-ready designs. This role combines hands-on mechanical and electrical assembly, functional testing, and documentation to support rapid development of custom, non-standard products. The position offers varied, custom work, continuous learning, and the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of new concepts and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Assemble mechanical and electrical prototypes using engineering designs, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Ensure precision, quality, and consistency in all assembly work, following established standards and best practices.
• Conduct functional tests on prototypes to verify performance against design requirements and specifications.
• Record, analyze, and report test results to engineering and innovation teams in a clear and organized manner.
• Collaborate closely with engineers to improve product design, manufacturability, and overall performance.
• Provide practical feedback to enhance assembly efficiency, product reliability, and ease of production.
• Maintain detailed documentation of assembly steps, test procedures, test results, and design or process updates.
• Assist in creating, updating, or revising work instructions and technical documentation for prototype builds.
• Operate and maintain tools, equipment, and fixtures in the innovation lab and related work areas.
• Perform routine maintenance on testing and assembly equipment and ensure a clean, organized, and safe workspace.
• Work cross-functionally with production, quality, and engineering teams to transition prototypes into full production.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for assembly or design issues, including mechanical and electrical problems.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities, including implementing feedback from testing and assembly.
• Support multiple simultaneous projects and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-moving innovation environment.

Essential Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude, including an understanding of how components fit together and function as assemblies.
• Comfort and proficiency with hand tools and basic shop equipment.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical and/or electrical assembly.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and electrical schematics accurately.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-moving environment with multiple priorities.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently while also collaborating closely with engineers and other team members.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience working as an engineering technician or prototype technician.
• Experience assembling prototypes or working in research, development, or innovation environments.
• Soldering experience for electrical assembly work.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical or electrical issues in prototypes or assemblies.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing concepts and continuous improvement practices.
• Exposure to CAD software and the ability to interpret CAD-generated drawings or models.
• Willingness to learn electrical assembly techniques, with training provided in-house.
• Interest in working on custom, varied projects and learning new technologies and methods.

Work Environment

This role operates across lab, workshop, and production floor environments, providing exposure to a wide range of tools, equipment, and prototype builds. The position follows a day shift schedule, Monday through Friday. The work setting is fast-paced and highly dynamic, with multiple projects running simultaneously and frequent shifts in priorities as new concepts and customer samples move through development. The team is collaborative and engineering-driven, with technicians and engineers working closely together to solve problems, test new ideas, and transition successful prototypes into production. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and cleanliness in all work areas, and supports continuous learning and professional growth through hands-on innovation work.

This is a Contract position based out of Waverly, IA.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $23.00/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 Waverly,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.