Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Valparaiso, IN

Job Title: Quality Technician

Job Description

A leading manufacturer is seeking a Quality Technician to support incoming inspection activities within a fast-paced production environment. This position is responsible for verifying incoming materials and components meet engineering and quality standards through dimensional, visual, and documentation inspections.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming inspections on purchased materials and components.
• Conduct dimensional and visual inspections using precision measurement tools for fabricated metal parts, machined components, electrical components, wire harnesses, and assemblies.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection criteria.
• Complete inspection documentation and maintain accurate quality records.
• Identify and report non-conforming materials or quality concerns.
• Support investigations of quality issues and assist with corrective actions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams to maintain quality standards.
• Assist with departmental quality initiatives and continuous improvement activities.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years of recent quality inspection experience in a mechanical product manufacturing environment.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment, including calipers, micrometers, tape measures, and gauges.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer proficiency and experience documenting inspection results.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Experience with ERP Software.
• ASQ (American Society for Quality) or Six Sigma Certifications.

Work Environment

Mechanical product manufacturing environment. Hours/Shift: Monday through Friday, 7am-3:30pm, with 1-2 hours of voluntary overtime offered. The organization offers a stable and growing environment with opportunities to expand technical inspection and quality skills. It promotes a collaborative, team-oriented atmosphere with exposure to a variety of mechanical and electromechanical products. This is a hands-on role with significant autonomy and responsibility.

This is a Contract position based out of Michigan City, IN.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.

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.

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 Michigan City,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 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.