Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Engineering Assistant
💰 $45,000 - $65,000
EngineeringEntry-LevelTechnical SupportManufacturingTechnology
🎯 Role Definition
As a pivotal member of our engineering department, the Engineering Assistant provides essential technical and administrative support across the entire project lifecycle. You will work directly with senior engineers, project managers, and technicians to facilitate the design, development, testing, and documentation of innovative projects. This role is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented and proactive individual to gain broad, hands-on experience in a fast-paced engineering setting and build a strong foundation for a successful engineering career. You are the operational backbone that ensures our engineering projects run smoothly, on time, and within budget.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Recent Graduate (Engineering or Engineering Technology)
- Engineering Technician
- CAD Drafter / Designer
Advancement To:
- Associate Engineer / Engineer I
- Project Engineer
- Design Engineer
Lateral Moves:
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- Technical Writer
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Assist in the creation, modification, and maintenance of detailed 2D and 3D engineering drawings and models using CAD software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
- Prepare and assemble comprehensive technical documentation packages, including bill of materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, and engineering change notices (ECNs).
- Execute established test procedures on components, sub-assemblies, and finished products, meticulously recording and compiling test data for analysis.
- Support the fabrication and assembly of prototypes and test fixtures by collaborating with machine shops and technical staff.
- Conduct thorough research on components, materials, and vendor specifications to support design and procurement decisions.
- Maintain and organize project documentation, drawings, and correspondence in a centralized and accessible digital filing system.
- Assist project engineers in tracking project schedules, milestones, and deliverables to ensure deadlines are met.
- Participate in design review meetings, taking detailed notes and tracking action items for the engineering team.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose issues with prototypes, test equipment, and manufacturing processes under the guidance of senior engineers.
- Prepare clear and concise technical reports, summaries, and presentations based on test results and project findings.
- Manage the procurement process for project-specific parts and materials, including generating purchase requisitions and tracking orders.
- Calibrate and maintain laboratory and testing equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability of data collection.
- Provide hands-on support for setting up experiments and test environments in the lab or on the production floor.
- Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various engineering and testing tasks.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc data requests and perform exploratory data analysis using tools like Excel or MATLAB to identify trends and anomalies.
- Contribute to the organization's continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance processes and workflows.
- Collaborate with cross-functional business units, such as manufacturing and quality assurance, to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
- Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies within the engineering team.
- Assist in maintaining inventory of engineering supplies, components, and tools.
- Liaise with external vendors and suppliers to obtain quotes, gather technical information, and resolve logistical issues.
- Support the development of health and safety protocols for laboratory and field testing activities.
- Review and interpret technical schematics, diagrams, and blueprints to support assembly and troubleshooting tasks.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar).
- Strong understanding of how to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications.
- Experience with data analysis and visualization using MS Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, charting) or other tools like MATLAB.
- Hands-on experience with standard electronic test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes) or mechanical measurement tools (calipers, micrometers).
- Familiarity with creating and managing a Bill of Materials (BOM).
- Basic knowledge of materials science and manufacturing processes.
- Competency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) for documentation and communication.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities with a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
- Meticulous attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in all work.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with technical and non-technical team members.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
- A proactive, "can-do" attitude and a strong willingness to learn new skills and technologies.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Associate's Degree in an engineering-related discipline (e.g., Engineering Technology, Drafting and Design).
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or a related engineering field.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years in a technical or engineering environment.
Preferred: Prior internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing, design, or R&D setting is highly desirable. Experience in a regulated industry (e.g., aerospace, medical devices) is a plus.