Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

As an Engineering Technician, you will be responsible for assembling prototypes using engineering designs, schematics, and technical drawings. Your work will ensure precision, quality, and consistency in all assembly tasks. You will conduct functional tests to verify performance against design requirements and record, analyze, and report test results to engineering and innovation teams. Collaboration with engineers to improve product design and manufacturability is key, as is providing feedback to enhance assembly efficiency and product reliability. You'll maintain detailed documentation of assembly steps, test results, and updates, assist in creating or revising work instructions and technical documentation, and operate and maintain tools, equipment, and fixtures in the innovation lab. Routine maintenance and workspace organization, as well as cross-functional collaboration with production, quality, and engineering teams to transition prototypes into production, are essential aspects of this role. Additionally, you will support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for assembly or design issues.

• Assemble prototypes using engineering designs, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Ensure precision, quality, and consistency in all assembly work.
• Conduct functional tests to verify performance against design requirements.
• Record, analyze, and report test results to engineering/innovation teams.
• Collaborate with engineers to improve product design and manufacturability.
• Provide feedback to enhance assembly efficiency and product reliability.
• Maintain detailed documentation of assembly steps, test results, and updates.
• Assist in creating or revising work instructions and technical documentation.
• Operate and maintain tools, equipment, and fixtures in the innovation lab.
• Perform routine maintenance and ensure a clean, organized, and safe workspace.
• Work cross-functionally with production, quality, and engineering teams to transition prototypes into production.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for assembly or design issues.

• Strong mechanical aptitude with an understanding of how things fit together.
• Comfortable with hand tools and basic shop equipment.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical and/or electrical assembly.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a fast-moving environment with multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience as an engineering technician or prototype technician.
• Soldering experience.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing concepts.
• Exposure to CAD software.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical or electrical issues.
• Experience assembling prototypes or working in R&D/innovation environments.
• Willingness to learn electrical assembly (training provided in-house).

The work environment includes exposure to lab, workshop, and production floor settings. The position operates on a day shift from Monday to Friday. The environment is fast-paced and highly dynamic, with multiple projects running simultaneously and frequent shifts in priorities. The team is collaborative and consists of engineers and assemblers, with this role being an additional headcount to support growing prototype and development 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 Aug 7, 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.