Job Title: Electronics Assembler – Soldering and Harness Technician (R&D Lab, Space Hardware)
Job Description
This role focuses on the precision assembly, soldering, and wiring of electronic printed wiring boards, cable assemblies, and chassis used in advanced research and spaceflight hardware. You will work in a high mix, low volume R&D environment, supporting one-of-a-kind boards and prototypes for missions such as Dragonfly. The position requires excellent soldering skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work in a Class 8 cleanroom while interpreting both formal and informal assembly documentation.
Responsibilities
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Perform precision soldering of electronic printed wiring boards, including fine-pitch SMT components such as 0402 and 0201 packages.
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Assemble and solder cable assemblies and harnesses, including crimping and cable terminations to meet high-reliability standards.
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Wire and assemble electronic chassis and related hardware for spaceflight and other advanced prototypes.
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Interpret and follow both formal assembly documentation (such as drawings, schematics, and work instructions) and informal documentation or engineering guidance.
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Work in a Class 8 cleanroom environment and follow all cleanroom protocols to ensure contamination control for space hardware.
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Apply IPC and J-STD standards during soldering and assembly to ensure high quality and reliability.
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Inspect and verify solder joints, crimps, and assemblies for conformance to applicable standards and internal quality requirements.
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Support the build of high mix, low volume boards and assemblies for space hardware and other research and development prototypes.
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Collaborate with engineers and other technical staff in a research and exploratory development laboratory to refine assembly approaches and address build issues.
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Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition consistent with cleanroom and lab requirements.
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Complete required documentation, build records, and any associated quality or process logs accurately and in a timely manner.
Essential Skills
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Excellent soldering skills, including experience with fine-pitch SMT components such as 0402 and 0201 packages.
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Hands-on experience in assembly and soldering of electronic printed wiring boards and cable assemblies, preferably in a high mix, low volume SMT environment.
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Crimping, cable, and harness assembly experience, including the ability to build and route harnesses and cable assemblies.
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Ability to interpret both formal and informal assembly documentation, including drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
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Willingness and ability to work in a Class 8 cleanroom environment and adhere to cleanroom protocols.
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Experience soldering fine-pitch SMT components used in space hardware or similarly demanding applications.
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Experience wiring electronic chassis and related assemblies.
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Active or previous certification to IPC-J-STD-001 and/or IPC-620, or equivalent demonstrated proficiency.
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Familiarity with IPC and J-STD standards as they apply to soldering and harness assembly.
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Strong attention to detail and quality focus suitable for high-reliability space and defense hardware.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Experience working with space hardware or other high-reliability electronic systems.
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Experience in a high mix, low volume SMT facility or similar prototype-focused environment.
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Comfort working with one-off boards and prototypes rather than high-volume production.
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Ability to obtain the visual screening prerequisite per NASA-STD 8739.6.
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Experience in a research or laboratory setting supporting advanced R&D projects.
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Interest in supporting missions such as Dragonfly and other exploratory development programs.
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Motivation to grow into a long-term role with opportunities for transition to a permanent position in a research laboratory setting.
Work Environment
This position is based in a research and laboratory environment within a research and exploratory development setting that is heavily focused on R&D rather than high-volume manufacturing. The work involves a high mix, low volume flow of unique boards and assemblies, including one-off boards for spaceflight and other defense-related prototypes. You will work Monday through Friday, with some flexibility on start times, supporting an environment that operates like a university-affiliated research lab. Much of the work takes place in a Class 8 cleanroom, requiring adherence to cleanroom protocols and appropriate cleanroom attire. The culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration with engineers and scientists, and hands-on involvement in cutting-edge hardware for space and advanced technology missions. The role offers the opportunity to support high-profile projects such as the Dragonfly mission and to grow within a laboratory that values technical excellence and long-term development.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Laurel, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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 Laurel,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
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 [email protected] 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.
