Engineering Support Specialist

Job Title:
Engineering Support Specialist

Location:
Taunton, MA

Employment Type:
Contract to Direct

Industry: Defense

Compensation: $40.99/ hour

We are seeking an Engineering Support Specialist to join a cross-functional Hardware Engineering team supporting the development of complex, mission-critical systems. In this hands-on role, you'll help build, integrate, troubleshoot, and improve prototype and pre-production hardware, working closely with engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Work on advanced technologies supporting critical defense and engineering programs.
• Gain exposure to electrical and mechanical system integration in a highly collaborative environment.
• Participate in prototype development and influence product improvements before production.
• Join a team that values innovation, technical excellence, and continuous professional growth.

This position offers the opportunity to work directly with engineering teams on cutting-edge hardware systems, giving you hands-on involvement in prototype builds, system integration, and product development. Your contributions will help identify and solve design challenges before products reach production.

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

• Support electrical and mechanical prototype and pre-production builds.
• Build, assemble, and integrate cables, cable harnesses, chassis, subsystems, and system-level hardware.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and interconnect documentation.
• Perform hardware integration activities and identify opportunities for design and process improvements.
• Conduct circuit board rework, including replacement of surface mount and through-hole components.
• Complete white-wire modifications and support engineering change implementation.
• Utilize hand tools and specialized assembly equipment to support development and testing activities.

• Bachelor's degree or Technology degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field, plus 2+ years of relevant experience; or Master's degree.
• 2+ years of experience supporting hardware assembly, system integration, engineering builds, or prototype development.
• 2+ years of experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and engineering documentation.
• 2+ years of experience building and integrating cables, wiring harnesses, chassis assemblies, or electromechanical systems.
• 2+ years of experience using hand tools and assembly equipment in an engineering, manufacturing, or laboratory environment.
• 1+ year of experience performing circuit board rework involving surface mount and through-hole components.

• IPC J-STD-001 CIS Certification.
• Experience soldering under a microscope.
• Experience using pin and socket crimp tools.
• Familiarity with military-style connectors, including D38999 connectors.
• Understanding of the hardware development lifecycle from concept through production.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities with a creative, solution-oriented mindset.
• Collaborative approach and commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and drug screen.
• Overtime:
  May be required based on project schedules and business needs.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD security clearance.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.