Associate Engineer

Job Title: Associate Engineer Job Description
The Associate Engineer will perform hands-on product testing and evaluation in a laboratory environment, supporting an EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) team under the guidance of senior engineers. This role focuses on setting up test equipment, operating and troubleshooting electrical and electronic products, documenting test results, and contributing to product certification and compliance testing, both on-site and off-site.
Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on product testing and evaluation in a laboratory environment under the guidance of more senior engineering staff.
- Conduct on-site and off-site evaluation of products to determine compliance with applicable standards and national codes.
- Review and interpret national codes, standards, schematics, and manufacturing instructions to determine applicability for equipment under test (EUT).
- Validate project scope and confirm sample applicability before testing begins.
- Identify, locate, and set up test instruments and equipment required for testing within the defined project scope.
- Follow established test plans to ensure consistent and accurate execution of test procedures.
- Set up and operate EUT, performing and documenting simple repairs on equipment as needed during testing.
- Conduct thorough construction reviews of products and clearly document all findings and results.
- Perform product testing in accordance with relevant standards and quality requirements.
- Identify, set up, and operate standard test equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and other common laboratory instruments.
- Work under the direction of senior engineering staff to diagnose failures encountered during tests and explore alternative testing options or methodologies.
- Follow established sample handling procedures, ensuring that all samples are properly logged into and out of the system.
- Move equipment through the facility safely and efficiently and properly package samples for shipment when required.
- Under the direction of a more senior engineer, manage less complex projects using available resources to ensure timely completion.
- Compile test results obtained during construction review and testing, and consolidate data and product descriptions into final reports using established report templates.
- Submit completed reports to reviewers for final approval and make revisions as requested.
- Communicate project status and test results to internal stakeholders such as sales personnel and management throughout the testing process.
- Provide ongoing technical support and clarification to clients as needed during and after testing projects.
- Participate in the full lifecycle of testing projects, from initial setup through final reporting, ensuring cradle-to-grave ownership of assigned work.
- Engage in the onboarding and learning process by partnering with experienced engineers in the lab and in the field to build competency and independence over time.
Essential Skills
- Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Electrical Technology, Electronics Technology, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- At least 2 years of hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and validation experience in radiofrequency, electronics, electrical systems, or related EMC applications, with academic experience considered as a supplement where applicable.
- Experience working in a lab, manufacturing, production, industrial, or quality-focused environment.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, test procedures, and technical documentation.
- Proficiency in using common test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and similar instruments.
- Experience documenting test results, inspections, quality findings, and technical reports in a clear and organized manner.
- Comfort working with hand tools and setting up equipment for testing and evaluation.
- Ability and willingness to work a second shift schedule from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, with training on first shift (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) for the first 3 to 6 months.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, documentation, and compliance activities.
- Ability to follow established procedures, test plans, and sample handling protocols consistently.
- Effective communication skills to share project status and results with clients, sales personnel, and internal management.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Electrical or electronics testing experience, particularly in product evaluation and performance verification.
- Experience with product certification, compliance, validation, or verification testing processes.
- Previous experience working in a dedicated testing laboratory environment.
- Familiarity with national codes, standards, and quality requirements relating to product safety and EMC compliance.
- Understanding of mechanical testing concepts and the use of various test equipment in an EMC and product safety context.
- Exposure to EMC testing, EMC compliance processes, and related documentation systems.
- Background in electrical engineering, test engineering, or compliance engineering.
- Experience with troubleshooting complex electrical or electronic systems in a lab or field setting.
- Knowledge of validation and test quality assurance practices in industrial or telecommunications environments.
- Experience with telecommunications systems and related testing requirements.
- Basic project management skills to support planning and execution of less complex testing projects.
- Interest in professional growth with the potential to move into leadership roles within a growing laboratory environment.
- Willingness to travel occasionally with company support, including partnering with experienced field engineers during initial client visits.
Work Environment
This role is based in a modern, newly renovated laboratory environment that is undergoing continued modernization and expansion. The Associate Engineer works a 40-hour work week from Monday to Friday on second shift (4:00 PM to 1:00 AM), with an initial training period of approximately 3 to 6 months on first shift (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). The lab focuses on EMC and product compliance testing, and testing projects are managed cradle to grave, offering exposure to the full lifecycle of product evaluation. The environment involves regular use of electrical and electronic test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and hand tools, as well as movement of equipment throughout the facility and occasional packaging of samples for shipment. Travel is minimal but may be required, and a company credit card is provided for all travel-related expenses when deployment is necessary. New hires participate in a structured onboarding and learning process, partnering closely with experienced lab and field engineers to learn processes, reporting methods, and client interaction until they are comfortable working independently. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off (20 days of PTO, 2 personal holidays, and approximately 9–10 standard holidays), medical and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, gym discounts, and other perks detailed in the employee handbook upon onboarding. The culture emphasizes growth, with the lab positioned as a priority market for expansion and success, creating opportunities for career development and progression into leadership roles.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Lexington, KY.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $62400.00 - $83200.00/yr. 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. Hourly comp & overtime opportunity

***Newly renovated Lexington lab, cosmetic facelift and continuing to expand modernization efforts
***Growth opportunity, Lex lab priority market for growth and continued success across company creating opps to grow into leadership roles
***PTO and Holidays: Employees receive 20 days of PTO, 2 personal holidays, and approximately 9-10 standard holidays, with no separate sick days as PTO covers all leave types.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Lexington,KY.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.

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