Prototype Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Prototype Technician

Job Description

This contract role supports increased production of additively manufactured aerospace engine components by performing high-precision, hands-on post-processing, inspection, sub-assembly, and testing. You will work in a fast-paced aerospace production environment focused on improving throughput against aggressive engine build targets while maintaining strict quality, cleanliness, and safety standards. Multiple openings are available across blasting and ultrasonic cleaning, FOD and wax removal, ultrasonic cleaning, quality control, sub-assembly, and pressure testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform hand finishing, deburring, and support removal on additively manufactured aerospace components to achieve precise dimensional and surface requirements.
• Execute wet and dry blasting and media finishing processes to prepare and refine component surfaces for subsequent operations.
• Conduct precision cleaning activities, including foreign object debris (FOD) removal and wax or support removal, to meet stringent cleanliness specifications.
• Operate ultrasonic cleaning equipment and related tools to ensure components meet high-spec cleanliness and post-processing requirements.
• Support inspection activities by using appropriate tools and methods to verify dimensional accuracy, surface condition, and overall component quality.
• Assist with prototype and sub-assembly work, including mechanical assembly, torque application, and fitting installation on engine and precision components.
• Support pressure and leak testing of components and systems, following defined procedures to validate performance and integrity.
• Follow detailed work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and travelers precisely, ensuring consistent and compliant execution of all tasks.
• Ensure strict adherence to cleanliness, quality, and safety standards throughout all stages of post-processing, inspection, assembly, and testing.
• Accurately complete documentation and electronic data entry to maintain traceability, support quality records, and comply with regulated environment requirements.
• Move materials manually or with appropriate tools and equipment as needed to support production flow and maintain throughput targets.
• Work collaboratively within a team environment, communicating clearly about status, issues, and process improvements.
• Maintain high-quality output with minimal rework or defects while sustaining the throughput pace required to meet aggressive engine build targets.
• Demonstrate strong process discipline, including consistent adherence to cleanliness and regulated-environment expectations such as ITAR and traceability.
• Exhibit reliable attendance and engagement throughout the full contract duration, especially during high-intensity build and test periods.

Essential Skills

• At least 2+ years of manufacturing or assembly experience, preferably in prototype assembly, aerospace, or other high-spec production environments.
• Experience working in a production or high-spec manufacturing environment where quality, traceability, and cleanliness are critical.
• Ability to follow detailed written work instructions, SOPs, and travelers precisely, rather than relying on general guidance.
• Strong attention to detail and a quality-focused mindset, with the ability to produce high-quality work with minimal rework or defects.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate within a team and coordinate tasks in a fast-paced production setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and clean work practices in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Physical ability to stand or sit for extended periods (approximately 5–6 hours per day) and perform repetitive tasks.
• Capability to lift and carry up to 45 lbs occasionally and up to 10 lbs frequently, as well as to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as needed.
• Frequent and comfortable use of hands, hand tools, and computer systems to perform manufacturing, inspection, and documentation tasks.
• Experience with aircraft manufacturing and/or production, particularly aerospace post-processing or finishing, or equivalent precision manufacturing experience.
• Comfort working in regulated environments that emphasize ITAR compliance, cleanliness, and traceability.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in blasting and surface preparation, including abrasive blasting and media finishing, ideally in additive, coatings, or medical device environments.
• Background in cleaning and post-processing operations such as FOD control, wax removal, and ultrasonic cleaning, especially in cleanliness-focused industries.
• Quality control experience using inspection tools, blueprint reading, and familiarity with GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing) is preferred.
• Mechanical sub-assembly experience, including torque application and use of fittings, particularly in engine, automotive, or heavy mechanical environments.
• Experience with pressure or leak testing of components or systems, such as aerospace test, oil and gas, or fluid systems applications.
• Prototype assembly experience that involves variable problem solving rather than repetitive production-line work.
• Precision automotive, turbine, engine, or other precision component assembly Background that demonstrates high attention to detail and tight tolerances.
• Experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing, additive manufacturing and post-processing, casting, machining, or surface finishing operations.
• Medical device manufacturing experience, especially in roles requiring wax removal or precision cleaning in highly controlled environments.
• Ability to use hand tools, perform basic repair and troubleshooting tasks, and support rapid design–build–test cycles.
• Interest in gaining or expanding experience with additive manufacturing and advanced aerospace engine components.
• Motivation to work in a mission-driven, high-intensity environment with strong pride in supporting national defense and advanced jet engine production.

Work Environment

The role is based in a mission-driven, high-intensity, fast-growing aerospace production environment focused on additively manufactured jet engines. Work centers on post-processing, inspection, sub-assembly, and testing of aerospace engine components in a facility that emphasizes cleanliness, precision, and strict adherence to regulated standards such as ITAR and traceability. The pace is fast, with aggressive engine build targets and rapid design–build–test cycles, and employees often experience periods of intense workload and long hours around key builds, tests, and customer commitments. The environment is highly collaborative and impact-focused, with visible results in the form of advanced jet engines supporting national defense.

Work involves frequent use of hand tools, blasting and cleaning equipment, ultrasonic cleaning systems, inspection tools, and computer systems for documentation and data entry. You can expect to stand or sit for extended periods, move throughout the work area, lift and carry components, and perform repetitive but varied tasks that require ongoing problem solving rather than simple production-line repetition. The culture rewards those who thrive in ambiguity, value process discipline and cleanliness, and take pride in contributing to advanced aerospace and defense capabilities.

This is a Contract position based out of Centennial, CO.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $50.00/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 Centennial,CO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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.