Junior Engineer

Job Title: Junior EngineerJob Description

This entry-level Junior Engineer role supports engineers in developing, refining, and optimizing programs and processes for new production and prototyping jobs, as well as improving existing operations. The position offers a strong foundation in manufacturing engineering and provides a clear growth path into research and development or production engineering roles, particularly within a fast-paced, micro-manufacturing environment using cutting-edge laser technologies.

Responsibilities

• Support engineers and production technicians on a variety of projects by troubleshooting issues, resolving process problems, and maintaining comprehensive documentation in alignment with the quality management system.
• Set up both prototyping and production projects, including configuring manufacturing systems, establishing efficient process flows, and developing and optimizing production programs.
• Oversee and support the maintenance of manufacturing systems to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and consistency in output.
• Assist engineers in the design, development, and implementation of customer projects, contributing to technical solutions and process improvements.
• Conduct research and analysis to support project requirements and objectives, including evaluating process options, materials, and methods.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain all documentation required by the quality management system (QMS), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project milestones and deadlines are met, communicating effectively with engineering, production, and quality personnel.
• Participate in project meetings, providing updates on progress, raising issues proactively, and offering insights and suggestions for improvement.
• Maintain and update project engineering records, including process parameters, design changes, test results, and production data.
• Demonstrate initiative as a self-starter by managing daily tasks independently, coordinating with others as needed, and supporting the oversight of production technicians on the night shift.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a demonstrated strong mechanical engineering aptitude.
• Hands-on experience or training in manufacturing environments or as a machine/operator.
• Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) tools for mechanical or manufacturing applications.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and process-related issues in a production or prototyping environment.
• Experience or exposure to new product development processes, including prototyping and iteration.
• Understanding of micro manufacturing concepts or strong interest in learning micro-scale production technologies such as micro laser cutting.
• Familiarity with quality documentation and working within a quality management system (QMS).
• Experience or aptitude in test engineering, including setting up and running tests and interpreting results.
• Mechanical assembly skills, including working with small components and precision assemblies.
• Self-starter mindset with strong initiative and the ability to self-manage tasks and priorities.
• Ability to coordinate and support others, including informal oversight of production technicians.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in quality, mechanical assembly, or test operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience leading or managing employees or production teams, even in an informal or project-based capacity.
• Previous night shift experience or demonstrated ability to work effectively during overnight hours.
• Interest in building a career in R&D or production engineering, with the motivation to grow into more advanced engineering roles.
• Exposure to micro laser cutting or other precision manufacturing technologies.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining detailed engineering records and documentation.

Work Environment

This position is fully onsite, working five days per week from Monday through Friday on a third-shift schedule (approximately 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.). The role is based in a production facility focused on micro manufacturing and micro laser cutting, utilizing advanced and cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced, growing company. The Junior Engineer works closely with and supports a team of night-shift production technicians, helping oversee their technical activities without direct personnel management responsibilities. The environment emphasizes hands-on work with manufacturing systems, precision equipment, and CAD-driven processes, all within a structured quality management framework. The culture supports upward mobility, offering the opportunity to move into an R&D or production engineering role, typically on a first-shift schedule, within one to two years as performance and business needs allow. Dress is typical for a production and engineering setting, with appropriate safety and shop-floor attire required in manufacturing areas.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Halethorpe, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $58000.00 - $64000.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Halethorpe, MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Halethorpe,MD.

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.