Job Title: Engineering Technician (Machine Shop & Fabrication)
Location: West Columbia, SC
Hire Type: Contract to Hire | Full time
Schedule: Mon-Fri 7a-3:30p
Pay Rate: $27/hr
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO
Position Summary
Sterling is seeking a highly skilled Engineering Technician with strong machining, fabrication, and design experience to join our team. This role will support engineering and production initiatives by designing, fabricating, and modifying components, fixtures, and tooling in a machine shop environment. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with extensive hands-on experience in tool and die making, manual machining, and fabrication, capable of working independently while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and quality.
This role will initially be hired as an Engineering Technician III, with the opportunity for promotion to Engineering Technician IV upon transition to a core employee.
Key Responsibilities
· Design, fabricate, and modify tools, fixtures, and custom components to support engineering and production operations.
· Operate and maintain manual machining equipment, including manual lathes, manual mills, and other machine shop tools.
· Perform tool and die making, precision machining, and fabrication work based on engineering drawings and specifications.
· Utilize 3D modeling software to support design, prototyping, and process improvements.
· Develop and edit CNC programs using MasterCam when required to support machining operations.
· Create and present technical documentation, process updates, and project summaries using PowerPoint and Excel.
· Collaborate with engineering teams to design, troubleshoot, and improve mechanical systems, tooling, and fabrication processes.
· Ensure work is performed independently, safely, and in accordance with machine shop best practices and safety standards.
· Maintain a clean and organized machine shop environment and ensure equipment is properly maintained.
Required Qualifications
· 5+ years of experience in a machine shop, tool and die, fabrication, or precision machining environment.
· Associate’s degree or technical certification in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Machining, Tool & Die, or related field.
· Experience supporting engineering prototyping, R&D, or manufacturing process development.
· Experience working in high-precision or prototype fabrication environments.
· Extensive experience operating manual lathes, manual mills, and other machine shop equipment.
· Strong background in tool and die making and custom fabrication.
· Experience using 3D modeling software for mechanical design or component development.
· Proficiency with MasterCam for CNC programming or machining support.
· Strong working knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.
· Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
· Proven ability to work independently, troubleshoot problems, and manage projects with minimal supervision.
· Strong commitment to workplace safety and machine shop best practices.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.