Assistant Project Engineer Jobs in Lexington, KY

Are you an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, working hands-on with products, and owning projects from start to finish? Our growing Product Testing & Compliance team is looking for a Project Engineer to lead testing and certification projects for a variety of clients and products.

In this role, you'll manage projects from initial scope review through testing, reporting, and final client communication. You'll split your time between a modern laboratory environment and on-site testing at a key client location in Bristol, VA, serving as the technical lead and primary point of contact. If you're looking for a position that combines engineering, customer interaction, travel, and professional growth, this is a fantastic opportunity to build your career with an expanding organization.

Responsibilities

• Manage testing and compliance projects from kickoff through completion, ensuring projects stay on schedule and meet quality expectations.
• Review product specifications, schematics, manufacturing documentation, and applicable standards to establish testing requirements.
• Develop and execute detailed test plans based on customer needs and compliance requirements.
• Set up products, fixtures, and equipment to conduct electrical, mechanical, environmental, and performance testing.
• Perform testing including electrical safety, leakage current, dielectric strength, flammability, environmental exposure, temperature, pressure, mechanical hazards, sound, radiation, laser testing, and more.
• Troubleshoot test setups, document failures, and identify root causes when products do not meet requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and communicate results clearly to internal teams and clients.
• Serve as the primary client contact, providing regular project updates and technical guidance throughout the engagement.
• Coordinate lab resources, test equipment, product samples, and schedules to ensure successful project execution.
• Assist with project scoping, timeline estimation, and quote development.
• Support field evaluations, design reviews, and compliance-related initiatives.
• Build and calibrate basic test fixtures using standard laboratory tools and equipment.
• Contribute to process improvements, test procedures, documentation templates, and laboratory best practices.
• Participate in audits, accreditation activities, and customer investigations as needed.
• Maintain accurate tracking, handling, and shipment records for customer products and test samples.
• Act as the lead engineer for projects at the Bristol, VA client site, performing testing, documentation, and reporting independently.
• Support additional laboratory projects when not traveling.
• Continuously develop knowledge of new standards, technologies, testing methods, and compliance requirements.

Essential Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical Engineering preferred; Mechanical Engineering considered).
• 4+ years of hands-on engineering experience.
• Experience working with electrical systems, testing equipment, or product validation activities.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering standards, codes, drawings, and specifications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and technical documentation skills.
• Willingness to travel approximately 50% of the time to Bristol, VA.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

What Will Make You Successful

• Ability to work independently while managing cradle-to-grave project ownership.
• Confidence interacting directly with customers and presenting technical information.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with laboratory equipment.
• Eagerness to learn new testing methods, standards, and technologies.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Preferred Experience

• Product testing, validation, or compliance engineering experience.
• Laboratory testing environment experience.
• Technical report writing and documentation experience.
• Project management or project coordination experience.
• Knowledge of UL, CSA, ANSI, IEC, EN, or other compliance standards.
• EMC/EMI testing experience.
• Mechanical testing and fixture development experience.
• Telecommunications, electronics, or electrical systems experience.
• Familiarity with certification and regulatory compliance processes.
• Exposure to quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Master's Degree in Engineering (preferred but not required).

Work Environment

This role offers the best of both worlds: hands-on laboratory work and field-based client interaction.

You'll spend approximately 50% of your time in a modern, newly renovated testing laboratory and 50% traveling to a dedicated client site in Bristol, VA. Most travel is scheduled Wednesday through Friday, with some weeks requiring only a single-day visit.

When traveling, you'll serve as the primary technical contact for the client, leading testing activities, documenting results, and ensuring projects move forward successfully. When you're in the lab, you'll collaborate with experienced engineers on a wide variety of electrical, mechanical, and environmental testing programs.

This is a highly visible role offering significant project ownership, direct customer interaction, and opportunities for advancement within a growing business unit investing heavily in its testing and compliance capabilities.

What We Offer

• Company vehicle provided for travel
• Company credit card for all travel expenses
• 20 days PTO
• 2 personal holidays
• 9-10 paid company holidays
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership discounts
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Performance-based flexibility and growth potential

Why Apply?

If you're looking for a role where you can own projects, solve real engineering challenges, work directly with customers, travel, and continue expanding your technical expertise, this is an excellent opportunity to join a growing team with strong long-term career potential.

This is a Permanent position based out of Lexington, KY.

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $120000.00/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.

401k, company benefits, expenses paid, company car, company card,

This is a fully onsite position in Lexington,KY.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 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.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.