Entry Level Programmer Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:

The Junior Project Engineer is an entry-level position responsible for supporting the successful introduction and integration of new products across multiple customer programs. Serving as the product owner from order to delivery, this role ensures that all project activities are executed within defined scope, cost, and schedule. The Junior Project Engineer provides hands-on support throughout the project lifecycle, resolving manufacturing issues, troubleshooting schedule constraints, and tracking progress toward key milestones. Working closely with engineering, production, quality, and logistics teams, the position coordinates cross-functional efforts to maintain alignment and drive project success. Responsibilities include interpreting vendor specifications, managing multi-level bills of materials, monitoring process routings across production departments, and supporting supply chain activities from material purchasing through final packaging and delivery to ensure seamless execution and on-time customer fulfillment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Drive the product integration process from order to delivery.
• Meet customer product requirements within project scope, cost, and schedule.
• Coordinate with engineering, quality, operations, and other project team members.
• Translate customer requirements into actionable deliverables.
• Understand, adapt, and control customer specifications to maintain project scope.
• Facilitate Action and Decision Logs to track project cost and schedule performance.
• Identify and analyze risks to maintain project budget and timeline.
• Resolve issues and escalate capability or capacity constraints as needed.
• Apply best project practices and innovative solutions to improve product integration.
• Manage changes in project scope, implementation, schedule, and cost.
• Measure project performance using appropriate tools, systems, and techniques.
• Report project progress and outcomes to management or steering committees.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation and reporting schedules.
• Own the product production roadmap throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in process improvement within a manufacturing environment
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong comprehension of material, product, and process specifications.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to interpret engineering efforts and translate them into production requirements.
• Working knowledge or awareness of ISO 9001-based Management Systems.
• Familiarity with manufacturing technologies including CNC machining, sheet metal forming, welding, electro-mechanical assembly, product testing, and qualification.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively across different levels and functions within the organization.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, preferably with a focus on Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering.
• Foundational knowledge of manufacturing processes and environments.
• Hands-on experience supporting new product introductions and process implementation in a production setting.
• Experience with cleanroom operations is a plus.
• Project Management certification (e.g., CAPM, PMP) is a plus.
• Familiarity with common engineering and design software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar) is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to concentrate and remain focused in an open office environment with potential distractions.
• May require extended periods of standing, walking, bending, or lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move objects as necessary to perform job functions.
• Ability to perform visual inspections requiring close attention to detail.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required depending on specific tasks or work areas.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time for training or coordination with other VDL locations.