Entry Level Automotive Engineer Jobs in California

The Closures Engineering Technician supports the development and testing of mechanical and electrical closure systems by executing laboratory tests, assembling and wiring test fixtures, and assisting engineers with instrumentation and data acquisition. This role combines hands-on mechanical fabrication, electrical wiring and soldering, and careful documentation to ensure reliable, high-quality test results. The technician works closely with engineers and other technicians in a collaborative lab environment to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues in both mechanical and electrical systems.

• Set up and execute tests on closure-related mechanical and electrical systems, including preparing equipment, configuring test setups, and following defined procedures.
• Perform detailed inspections during and after tests to verify proper operation and identify any anomalies or failures.
• Conduct routine maintenance and perform retrofits on test equipment and fixtures using tools such as multimeters, force gauges, and torque wrenches.
• Document test setups, results, and any issues identified during tests or inspections in a clear and organized manner.
• Report issues and test findings to engineers and contribute to troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with engineers to resolve mechanical and electrical issues discovered during testing, providing hands-on support in the lab.
• Support engineers with instrumentation and data acquisition, including connecting sensors, wiring harnesses, and measurement devices.
• Assist and learn from other technicians and engineers to continuously improve technical skills and understanding of closure systems.
• Assemble and wire test fixtures, including routing and securing wiring, soldering connections, and integrating components according to wiring diagrams.
• Read and interpret wiring diagrams and harness drawings to build and verify custom wiring harnesses and test setups.
• Use a bandsaw and drill press to perform basic fabrication tasks required for test fixtures, brackets, and other mechanical components.
• Perform basic mechanical work such as building fixtures, carrying out basic thread repairs, and re-tapping threads for broken bolts.
• Contribute to lab organization, cleanliness, and safe usage by collaborating with the team on layout, storage, and equipment handling.
• Apply understanding of Ohm’s law and fundamental electrical principles when working with circuits, measurements, and troubleshooting.
• Use software tools such as Excel and Outlook to record data, track tasks, and communicate with the team, and interact with a JIRA or similar system for issue tracking and documentation.
• Leverage any automotive experience, when applicable, to support testing and understanding of closure-related systems in vehicle applications.

• Hands-on electrical experience, including soldering, wiring, and building custom wiring harnesses for test fixtures and systems.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams and harness drawings to assemble and verify electrical connections.
• Mechanical experience building fixtures and performing basic fabrication using a drill press and bandsaw.
• Experience performing basic thread repairs, including handling broken bolts and re-tapping threads.
• Proficiency using multimeters for electrical measurements and troubleshooting.
• Ability to use force gauges and torque wrenches to perform accurate mechanical measurements and adjustments.
• Understanding of Ohm’s law and core electrical principles for working safely and effectively with electrical circuits.
• Competence in documenting test procedures, results, and issues in a clear and structured manner.
• Experience working in a lab or test environment alongside engineers and other technicians.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for recording and analyzing test data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook for communication and scheduling.
• Familiarity with JIRA or an equivalent issue-tracking or task-management software tool.

• Oscilloscope experience for observing and analyzing electrical signals (preferred).
• Automotive experience, particularly with vehicle systems or components related to closures (preferred).
• Experience building and understanding the requirements of custom harnesses for specialized test setups.
• Prior exposure to instrumentation and data acquisition systems used in engineering test environments.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and technicians in a team-oriented setting.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in both mechanical and electrical work.
• Willingness to learn new tools, equipment, and software to support evolving test needs.

This role is based primarily in a hands-on engineering lab and test environment where mechanical and electrical closure systems are developed and evaluated. The technician works with tools such as multimeters, force gauges, torque wrenches, soldering equipment, drill presses, bandsaws, and various hand tools to build fixtures and perform tests. The work involves frequent interaction with engineers and other technicians, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, organization, and safe equipment usage. Daily tasks include setting up test rigs, wiring and assembling fixtures, running tests, and documenting results using software tools such as Excel, Outlook, and a JIRA or similar system. The environment may require standing for extended periods, working around test equipment and machinery, and following laboratory safety procedures and guidelines.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fremont, CA.

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $35.00/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 Fremont,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 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.

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