Project Technician Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Project Technician

Job Description

The Project Technician reviews customer CAD files, prepares them for production using nesting software, and supports the full production workflow from project setup through final quality review. This role focuses on optimizing build layouts, coordinating with internal teams to meet delivery schedules, and ensuring file accuracy and integrity in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. It is a primarily office-based position, with most of the day spent working on a computer and collaborating with Project Managers and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Review customer CAD files and prepare them for production using nesting software and proprietary systems.
• Pull files from the ERP system and organize builds for manufacturing according to production priorities.
• Create optimized build layouts by nesting multiple customer parts together to maximize machine efficiency and material utilization.
• Verify part surfaces, geometry, and file integrity prior to releasing jobs to production.
• Coordinate closely with Project Managers and production teams to prioritize jobs and meet delivery schedules.
• Utilize automated software tools to identify, troubleshoot, and correct file issues when applicable.
• Manage multiple jobs simultaneously, ranging from small prototype quantities to high-volume production runs.
• Support the production workflow from initial project setup through final quality review, ensuring accurate documentation and smooth handoffs.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy and attention to detail in all file preparation and documentation activities.
• Communicate clearly with team members to resolve technical questions and clarify job requirements.
• Work independently on computer-based tasks for extended periods while meeting deadlines and productivity expectations.

Essential Skills

• High School Diploma required.
• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience required for candidates whose highest education is a High School Diploma.
• Exposure to and understanding of CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar programs.
• Ability to review and interpret CAD files and understand basic part geometry.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn proprietary software systems and ERP tools.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Comfortable sitting and working at a computer for most of the day in an office setting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with internal teams.
• Eligibility to work in an ITAR-regulated environment.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen prior to starting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Educational backgrounds in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering are highly preferred.
• Experience working in or exposure to a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with nesting software or similar optimization tools.
• Comfort working both independently and as part of a small technical team.
• No prior industry-specific experience required, making this a strong opportunity for candidates looking to enter a manufacturing-focused technical role.

Work Environment

This is an onsite, office-based position in a manufacturing environment, working Monday through Friday from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role involves spending about 98% of the time on a computer, performing CAD file review, nesting, and production planning tasks. The Project Technician works closely with two other Project Technicians and collaborates regularly with Project Managers and production teams. The environment is fast-paced, detail-oriented, and highly technical, with frequent use of CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD, ERP systems, and automated file-processing tools. Attire is typical for an office within a manufacturing facility, suitable for extended computer-based work and occasional interaction with production areas.

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

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/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 Carlsbad,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.