Job Title: Contract First Responder (Manufacturing Test Technician)
Job Description
This contract role offers an opportunity to join a dedicated manufacturing test team in Decatur as a hands-on First Responder (Manufacturing Test Technician). You will support multiple heavy machinery product lines, including large trucks, by serving as the first line of defense for test-related issues on the factory floor. By quickly diagnosing and resolving primarily electrical test problems, you will enable test engineers to focus on new test development and major process changes. This position suits a detail-oriented, organized, and adaptable technician with strong low-voltage electrical troubleshooting skills, solid schematic-reading ability, and basic computer proficiency who thrives in a fast-paced, production environment.
Responsibilities
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Respond promptly to radio calls on the factory floor to troubleshoot and resolve test-related issues, with a primary focus on electrical problems such as cabling issues between computers and machinery and software delivery using the PSP system.
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Diagnose and repair low-voltage (24V) electrical systems using appropriate test equipment, including meters, to ensure reliable operation of manufacturing test setups.
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Read and interpret electrical schematics to build and repair wiring harnesses, typically involving 5–6 wire configurations, in accordance with provided prints and standards.
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Perform assigned secondary tasks, such as constructing additional wiring harnesses and completing small test-related projects, when not actively responding to radio calls.
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Use a personal computer to communicate via email and Microsoft Teams and to navigate basic software applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook for documentation and reporting.
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Document issues, corrections, and test-related findings clearly and accurately to support continuous improvement of test processes and equipment reliability.
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Participate in occasional team meetings to provide detailed reports on recurring issues, corrective actions, and opportunities for process improvement.
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Manage multiple concurrent priorities by balancing immediate radio calls with ongoing assigned projects while tracking work progress and completion.
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Maintain a high level of attention to detail in all electrical and test-related tasks to prevent errors such as incorrect wire placement or misconfigured connections.
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Learn and apply company-specific schematics, test methods, and basic hydraulic and mechanical concepts to support effective troubleshooting on the production floor.
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Collaborate closely with test engineers, other First Responders, and union personnel to ensure smooth daily test operations across multiple product lines.
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Support rotating coverage needs as part of a small, specialized team that maintains test support for a 365-day factory operation.
Essential Skills
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Strong understanding of low-voltage (24V) electrical systems in a manufacturing or test environment.
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Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics accurately and use them to build and repair wiring harnesses from prints.
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Proficiency in troubleshooting electrical systems using a meter and other basic test equipment.
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Hands-on experience constructing and repairing wiring harnesses, typically involving 5–6 wire setups.
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Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to learn and navigate proprietary software such as the PSP system after training.
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Comfort using common office software, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams, for communication and documentation.
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Exceptional attention to detail to avoid wiring errors, misconfigurations, and other test-related mistakes.
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Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, including radio calls and assigned projects, while tracking progress effectively.
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Adaptability and willingness to learn company-specific schematics and basic hydraulic and mechanical concepts on an ongoing basis.
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Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on production environment with frequent new challenges.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Mechanical aptitude, including familiarity with basic mechanical systems, is preferred and can be developed further on the job.
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Exposure to or understanding of pneumatic or hydraulic systems is a plus and supports broader troubleshooting capabilities.
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Experience in mechanical engineering or prior hands-on mechanical experience is advantageous.
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Experience working with test equipment and test engineering processes in a manufacturing setting is beneficial.
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Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with cross-functional teams, both verbally on the factory floor and in written reports.
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Proactive, problem-solving mindset with a focus on resolving issues quickly to keep production moving.
Work Environment
You will work in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment that supports multiple heavy machinery product lines, including large trucks. Approximately 80–90% of your time will be spent on the factory floor, responding to radio calls and working directly with test equipment, wiring harnesses, and low-voltage electrical systems. The remaining time involves computer-based tasks such as email, Microsoft Teams communication, and documentation using Word, Excel, and Outlook, typically performed at a workstation near the production area. You will be part of a small, specialized team consisting of full-time test engineers and other First Responders, with rotating coverage to support a 365-day factory operation. The role involves regular interaction with production personnel and test engineers in a dynamic setting where priorities can shift quickly. Standard industrial safety practices apply, and you should be comfortable working around large machinery, test stations, and electrical equipment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Decatur, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $31.25/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 Decatur,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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 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 [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.
