Actalent

Job Description

This hands-on Electromechanical Technician role supports the assembly, integration, and testing of downhole Rotary Steerable Systems (RSS) and Logging While Drilling (LWD) tools in a research and development environment. The technician builds complete tools from sections and subassemblies, integrates connectors and harnesses, executes functional testing using standard benchtop instruments, supports thermal and oven testing, and performs structured troubleshooting. The role requires clear documentation of build processes and test results to support engineering teams, and offers strong opportunities for growth and eventual direct hire with the customer.

Responsibilities

Assemble complete downhole Rotary Steerable Systems (RSS) and Logging While Drilling (LWD) tools from sections and subassemblies. Perform connector and harness integration to ensure reliable electrical and mechanical connections within complex tools. Execute functional tests using standard benchtop instruments such as digital multimeters (DMM), DC power supplies, oscilloscopes, and related test equipment. Support thermal and oven testing of tools and components as part of R&D validation and reliability activities. Conduct structured troubleshooting of electromechanical assemblies, identifying root causes of failures or performance issues. Assemble small electromechanical units by following detailed work instructions, schematics, and bills of materials (BOMs). Use basic inspection tools, including micrometers, calipers, and pin gauges, to verify mechanical dimensions and tolerances. Operate electrical test equipment, including DMMs and hipot/continuity testers, to validate electrical performance and integrity. Inspect and identify defects such as poor solder joints, incorrect component orientation or polarity, foreign object debris (FOD), cosmetic nonconformances, connector issues, and wiring or cable routing problems. Perform soldering on large, complex mechanical tools and downhole tools, ensuring high-quality, reliable connections. Interpret and work from mechanical drawings, electrical drawings, schematics, and related technical documentation. Assist with research and development activities, including building and refining tools, parts, and products for the R&D team. Document build processes, test setups, test results, and troubleshooting steps clearly and accurately to support engineering teams. Use hand tools and power tools safely and effectively during assembly, integration, and maintenance tasks. Perform preventive maintenance on electromechanical assemblies and related equipment as needed. Collaborate closely with experienced engineers and technicians, working side by side to complete projects and resolve technical challenges. Rotate through different teams initially to gain broad exposure to tools, processes, and technologies before being assigned to a primary team. Maintain a clean, organized workbench and shop area, following established procedures to prevent FOD and ensure product quality. Sit or stand at a bench for extended periods while performing fine motor work with small components and assemblies. Apply telemetry knowledge and principles where relevant to the operation and testing of RSS and LWD tools.

Essential Skills

At least 2 years of experience as an Electro-Mechanical Technician. Hands-on experience assembling electromechanical systems and tools, including complex and large mechanical tools. Proficiency in soldering, including work on large mechanical and downhole tools. Experience performing functional testing using digital multimeters (DMM), DC power supplies, oscilloscopes, and related benchtop instruments. Ability to assemble small electromechanical units by following work instructions, schematics, and bills of materials (BOMs). Proficiency with basic inspection tools, including micrometers, calipers, and pin gauges. Proficiency with electrical test equipment such as DMMs and hipot/continuity testers. Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical drawings, and schematics. Strong troubleshooting skills in electromechanical systems, including structured fault isolation and problem solving. Competence in identifying defects such as solder joint issues, component orientation and polarity errors, foreign object debris (FOD), cosmetic defects, connector quality issues, and wiring or cable routing problems. Experience using hand tools and power tools in an assembly and maintenance environment. Ability to perform preventive maintenance on electromechanical equipment. Capability to sit or stand at a bench for extended periods and perform fine motor work with small components. Effective documentation skills for recording builds, test results, and troubleshooting activities. Mechanical aptitude with pneumatics and hydraulics exposure or understanding. Electrical aptitude with telemetry and related electronic systems.

Work Environment

The role combines approximately 30% office work with 70% shop and hands-on lab work. The technician works closely with the research and development team and gains extensive hands-on experience with large mechanical tools and downhole systems. The environment includes workbenches for fine assembly and testing, as well as shop areas equipped with hand tools, power tools, inspection tools, and standard benchtop electrical test equipment such as digital multimeters, DC power supplies, and oscilloscopes. Thermal and oven testing equipment is used as part of R&D validation activities. The position involves sitting or standing at a bench for extended periods while performing fine motor work with small components. New hires initially rotate through several teams to gain broad exposure before being assigned to a primary group, supporting a strong pipeline for early-career professionals and providing clear opportunities for growth and eventual direct hire with the customer.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.