Associate Engineer

About the Role

Element Materials Technology is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Junior Test Engineer specializing in dynamics testing to join their team. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate or individual with 1-2 years of relevant experience. The successful candidate will work closely under the mentorship and direct supervision of a Senior Test Engineer and contribute to the crucial testing that ensures the reliability and performance of advanced products.

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000/yr DOE

Key Responsibilities

• Assist lab in the execution of dynamics tests, including vibration (sine, random, shock), acoustic testing, pressure systems, basic electrical circuits, and structural evaluations, following established procedures and safety protocols.
• Support test setup: Help prepare the test laboratory and work closely with test technicians to mount test articles onto shakers or fixtures, assemble basic mechanical setups with senior engineer supervision, discuss test procedure profiles, and tolerances with technicians, and accurately install instrumentation such as accelerometers, thermocouples, sensors, etc. per customer requirements.
• Project manage test programs collaborating with customers, technicians, senior engineer and project managers.
• Collect and organize test data. Perform initial data review and basic processing for test reports.
• Document test activities meticulously, including setup configurations, procedural steps, observations, and initial results, contributing to comprehensive test reports.
• Document control for individual projects that align with Elements quality policy – test control records, notice of deviations, procedures, test reports, etc.
• Assist in the design and fabrication of simple test fixtures and cables.
• Perform basic maintenance and calibration checks on laboratory equipment as directed.
• Actively participate in training and learning activities to build expertise in vibration theory, test standards (e.g., MIL-STD, RTCA), and data analysis techniques.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Foundational Technical Skills:
• Solid understanding of basic physics principles, especially mechanics, vibration, pressure and fluid systems (compressible and incompressible flow) and structural behavior.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems (DAQ) and fundamental instrumentation and sensor types (e.g., accelerometers).
• Basic competency in programming and CAD software (MatLab, SolidWorks, etc).
• Soft Skills:
• Strong desire to learn and an aptitude for hands-on, detailed technical work.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow instructions accurately and work effectively in a team environment.
• Great verbal and written communication skills including willingness to ask questions and/or help.
• Ability to multi-task on multiple projects with a cross functional team environment.
• Ability to coordinate with customers and provide updates for project milestones, test progress/results.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience: 0-2 years of experience (includes relevant internships, co-ops, or substantial academic projects).