Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Ridgefield, CT

Job Title: Engineering Technician

Job Description

The Engineering Technician builds and tests complex mechanical and electrical systems in a cleanroom environment while supporting process improvements, engineering testing, lean initiatives, and quality enhancements. This role plays a key part in manufacturing high-level semiconductor systems, resolving technical issues, and contributing to the continuous improvement of products and production processes.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and test complex mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical systems in a cleanroom environment according to established specifications and procedures.
• Produce products in accordance with defined quality standards and technical documentation, ensuring compliance with all specifications and process requirements.
• Observe and report recurring or ongoing problems in product construction or operation, and actively support the resolution of these issues.
• Contribute to the improvement of products and processes by providing constructive feedback and ideas based on hands-on experience.
• Manufacture and deliver high-level, complex systems following established procedures, ensuring timely completion of assembly and test activities.
• Identify and solve technical problems that arise during assembly, testing, troubleshooting, or repair, acting as a reference point for problem solving in your area of expertise.
• Oversee the full process from assembly through final test for assigned systems and serve as a technical resource for team members.
• Actively participate in pilot production and support the transition from prototype and pilot builds to volume production.
• Help develop and improve technical product documentation (TPD), processes, records, and other relevant production documentation.
• Evaluate the impact of new procedures on the production process before implementation and provide input to ensure smooth integration.
• Generate constructive ideas for product improvement and process optimization, supporting continuous improvement and lean initiatives.
• Acquire and maintain sufficient knowledge of new and established products, processes, modifications, sub-modules, and complete systems.
• Develop in-depth understanding of the correlation between modules and the overall system, as well as the relationships with other sub-systems.
• Share relevant technical expertise with colleagues and contribute to knowledge transfer within the team.
• Support strong teamwork by actively seeking solutions and ideas, participating in departmental tasks, and collaborating effectively with peers.
• Coordinate activities assigned in the production plan and monitor progress to ensure alignment with schedules and priorities.
• Closely control the use of tools, materials, and equipment to maintain efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to cleanroom standards.
• Perform mechanical assembly, wiring, inspection, and testing using hand tools, test equipment, and computer-based systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and electronic issues using schematics, blueprints, and test equipment, and perform repairs as needed.
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude and a strong inclination toward hands-on work with complex electro-mechanical systems.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S, Kaizen, and other process improvement activities as directed by engineering and operations teams.

Essential Skills

• Experience with mechanical assembly and testing of complex systems in a manufacturing or technical environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, and electrical schematics accurately.
• Hands-on experience using hand tools, test equipment, and inspection tools for assembly, troubleshooting, and repair.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with electro-mechanical and electronic systems.
• Proficiency in mechanical and electrical testing and troubleshooting, including identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Ability to work effectively in a cleanroom environment, following strict procedures and cleanliness standards.
• Basic computer skills for accessing documentation, recording test results, and using production-related software.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing concepts, including 5S, Kaizen, and process improvement methodologies, with training preferred.
• Ability to inspect assemblies and systems to ensure they meet quality and specification requirements.
• Comfort with wiring, electronics, and schematic reading for troubleshooting and repair.
• Capability to coordinate tasks, follow a production plan, and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Diploma, certification, Associate’s (AS) or Bachelor’s (BS) degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent manufacturing or technical experience considered in place of a degree; a formal degree is not required.
• Manufacturing internship or co-op experience in a technical or engineering environment is highly beneficial.
• Formal lean manufacturing training (such as Introduction to Lean, 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) is preferred.
• Experience working with prototypes and supporting pilot builds prior to volume production.
• Experience in semiconductor or high-tech manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new products, processes, and technologies quickly and apply that knowledge on the production floor.
• Experience with inspection, repair, and maintenance of mechanical and electrical assemblies is advantageous.

Work Environment

This role operates in a semiconductor manufacturing cleanroom environment, working with advanced mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical systems.

The position follows a compressed workweek (CWW) schedule with 12-hour shifts.

Day shifts (D1 and D2) run from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and night shifts (N1 and N2) run from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

D1 and N1 schedules cover Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday in Week 1, and Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday in Week 2. D2 and N2 schedules cover Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Week 1, and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Week 2, with every other Wednesday worked.

The first two weeks of employment are dedicated to training and new hire orientation on a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., after which team members transition to their assigned CWW shift.

The environment emphasizes precision, cleanliness, safety, and collaboration, with access to modern tools, test equipment, and computer systems. Team members benefit from structured overtime on 12-hour shifts and a shift premium for night schedules, as well as holidays and accrued sick time in accordance with local regulations. The culture supports career growth, offering opportunities to develop into more advanced engineering roles over time.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bridgeport, CT.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $26.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Bridgeport,CT.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 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 without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment 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 the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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