Entry Level Lab Jobs in Somerville, MA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Electrical Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on Electrical Engineer to support the validation, troubleshooting, and incremental improvement of digital circuit boards used in robotic systems. The primary focus is executing established design verification testing (DVT), isolating board-level issues in the lab, and supporting a limited number of PCB revisions. This position requires onsite lab work every workday and is well suited to an engineer who is proactive, learns quickly, and enjoys practical board-level work.

Responsibilities

• Execute existing DVT test plans on digital circuit boards, including test setup, data collection, result documentation, and identification of performance deviations.
• Troubleshoot board-level hardware in the lab using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, bench power supplies, and other standard electrical test equipment.
• Reproduce failures, inspect signals and power rails, document observations, and work with senior engineers to determine root cause and corrective action.
• Support PCB re-spins by implementing or reviewing modest schematic changes.
• Update and review schematics and coordinate PCB layout changes in Cadence Allegro.
• Support the test and debug of interfaces that may include USB, JTAG, MIPI, I2C, and SPI.
• Maintain clear engineering documentation, including test reports, lab notes, schematic revisions, issue records, and change documentation.
• Participate in Agile planning and tracking, complete routine engineering tasks, and communicate progress, risks, and blockers promptly.
• Coordinate with electrical, firmware, software, manufacturing, and external test partners as needed to keep validation and board-update work moving.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Approximately 2-3 years of hands-on electrical engineering experience with board-level electronics. An entry level engineer with relevant co-op or internship experience may also be considered.
• Experience working in an electronics lab and using an oscilloscope, digital multimeter, bench power supply, and similar standard equipment.
• Ability to read digital and power schematics, follow established test procedures, troubleshoot methodically, and make small schematic updates under guidance.
• Ability to capture accurate test data and produce organized, traceable engineering documentation.
• Strong initiative, learning agility, attention to detail, and willingness to take direction while owning assigned tasks through completion.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative engineering team.
• Ability and willingness to work fully onsite every workday for the duration of the assignment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with schematic-capture tool.
• Exposure to Cadence Allegro and experience reviewing or coordinating PCB layout work.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following interfaces: USB, JTAG, MIPI, I2C, or SPI.
• Experience with camera, imaging, or robotic systems.
• Experience interacting with PCB manufacturers, component suppliers, or contract manufacturing partners.
• Basic exposure to regulatory testing preparation or external compliance-lab support.

Work Environment

The position is fully onsite in North Reading, requiring daily presence in the lab. Benefits include FTC Benefits, 15 PTO days, and 7 holidays.

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

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $58.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Aug 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.