Apprentice Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Washington

Company: PARADORN, LLC
Location: White Plains, Maryland
Department: Manufacturing
Position Type: Full-Time / On-Site (Part-Time opportunities may be available depending on candidate fit and business needs)
FLSA: Nonexempt
Pay Range: $15 – $24 per hour, based on experience, demonstrated capability, and business needs
Benefits: Benefits are available for full-time employees and may be prorated for eligible part-time employees.

PARADORN is looking for a Junior Machinist / CNC Apprentice who wants to build real manufacturing skills in a high-standard prototype shop.

This is a hands-on role supporting CNC milling, CNC turning, setup preparation, inspection, documentation, shop organization, and general manufacturing execution. You do not need to know everything on day one. You do need to be dependable, coachable, careful, and willing to learn.

This role is a strong fit for someone who enjoys hands-on work, wants to grow in CNC machining, and understands that quality, safety, communication, and attention to detail matter.

• Support CNC milling and CNC turning work under supervision.
• Assist with machine setup preparation, tooling, workholding, and material staging.
• Learn to read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, notes, and basic GD&T requirements.
• Perform basic inspection tasks using tools such as calipers, micrometers, indicators, gauge pins, thread gauges, and other metrology equipment.
• Support first article and in-process inspection as directed.
• Load and unload materials, parts, tools, and fixtures safely.
• Assist with deburring, cleaning, organizing, kitting, labeling, and packaging parts as needed.
• Follow travelers, work instructions, inspection notes, and shop documentation.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Ask questions when unsure and communicate concerns early.
• Follow company policies related to safety, confidentiality, controlled information, documentation, and quality.
• Continue building machining knowledge through hands-on work, instruction, and feedback.

• Interest in CNC machining, manufacturing, mechanical work, or hands-on technical trades.
• Dependability, punctuality, and willingness to show up prepared to work.
• Coachability and ability to take feedback well.
• Care for accuracy, cleanliness, and doing the job right.
• Ability to follow instructions and ask questions when something is unclear.
• Attention to detail and respect for safety rules, tools, materials, and equipment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn shop math, inspection, and machining fundamentals.
• Clear communication and willingness to raise issues early.
• Interest in growing into higher-skill manufacturing work over time.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Interest in hands-on manufacturing, machining, engineering, mechanical work, or a related technical field.
• Ability to work safely in a machine shop environment.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to use basic math and measuring skills, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work on-site in White Plains, Maryland.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks after training while knowing when to ask for help.

• Prior machining, manufacturing, mechanical, automotive, welding, robotics, engineering, construction, or hands-on trade experience.
• Prior exposure to CNC mills, CNC lathes, manual machines, or shop tools.
• Ability to read or begin learning engineering drawings.
• Experience using basic inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, or gauges.
• Trade school, technical program, apprenticeship, robotics, engineering, or shop class experience.
• Interest in growing into a higher-level machinist, manufacturing technician, or manufacturing engineering support role.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen where required by customer, contractual, or regulatory obligations.
• Must be able to work on-site in White Plains, Maryland.
• Must be willing to complete a hands-on technical portion as part of the interview process.
• Must be able to comply with company policies related to confidentiality, controlled information, safety, quality, and documentation.
• Background check and drug screening are required as a condition of employment, subject to applicable law.

This position is intended to be full-time, though part-time opportunities may be available depending on candidate fit and business needs. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 4:00 PM. Specific schedule will be determined at the time of hire.

Overtime may be available or required based on workload, schedule commitments, and business needs. Nonexempt employees are eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable law and company policy.

Pay is based on experience, demonstrated capability, and business needs, and is reviewed annually.

Eligible employees may receive health insurance with employer contribution, sick leave, PTO, retirement plan with employer match, and other benefits in accordance with company policy. Benefits may vary based on full-time or part-time status.

This position operates in a machine shop and prototype manufacturing environment. The employee may work around CNC machines, manual tools, inspection equipment, cutting tools, coolant, metal chips, raw materials, finished parts, computers, and shop documentation. The work environment may include moderate to high noise levels, moving equipment, sharp tooling, and exposure to normal manufacturing conditions.

Personal protective equipment may be required, including safety glasses, appropriate footwear, hearing protection, and other PPE as directed.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand and walk for extended periods; use hands and fingers to handle tools, parts, materials, and inspection equipment; reach, bend, lift, carry, push, pull, and position materials or workpieces; read drawings, screens, measuring tools, and detailed documentation; and lift up to 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.

Travel is not expected for this position, except for limited local travel that may occasionally be required for training, vendor coordination, customer support, or business needs. Overnight travel is not expected.

Qualified candidates may be invited to participate in an initial conversation, in-person interview, shop tour, and hands-on technical evaluation. The hands-on portion may include basic measurement, drawing review, mechanical reasoning, shop safety discussion, and/or hands-on problem solving.

PARADORN, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and job-related requirements. PARADORN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Applications are managed through Gusto so we can keep the hiring process organized and consistent. If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact us at contact@paradorn.us.