Entry Level Science Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Entry Level Engineering Technician

Job Description

This role supports the Engineering Team in the design, build, and introduction of new electrical industrial control and low voltage power distribution panels. The NPI Technician builds and documents prototype panels, assists with panel design and layout, troubleshoots issues identified during new product introduction, and maintains accurate documentation and tooling to ensure high-quality, repeatable production.

Responsibilities

• Build prototype electrical industrial control and low voltage power distribution panels, often working from preliminary or minimal documentation.
• Document prototype builds thoroughly to support repeatable production and future reference.
• Create detailed wire list documentation, including selecting appropriate wire terminals and determining required tooling.
• Assist the Engineering Team in the design and creation of new electrical panels, providing feedback on manufacturability and layout.
• Review daily NPI problems, identify root causes, and resolve issues affecting prototype performance and quality.
• Develop and implement panel layout and harness routing solutions, including the use of peg boards and other layout tools.
• Prepare and distribute monthly reports summarizing quality issues found in NPI activities for further analysis.
• Assist with the maintenance, calibration, and inventory of tools used in NPI, such as torque tools and related equipment.
• Support verification, inspection, and testing of panels to ensure they meet design specifications and quality standards.
• Assist Engineering with documenting any design or process changes in the ERP system to maintain accurate and current records.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth transition from prototype to production.
• Maintain organized records, drawings, and documentation related to NPI projects and prototype builds.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics accurately.
• Hands-on experience with electrical panel build and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with SOLIDWORKS PDM for managing engineering data and documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with ERP systems, with the ability to document changes in the ERP environment.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with Engineering and other teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage documentation, tools, and multiple tasks simultaneously.
• High attention to detail and a strong focus on quality and customer needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering Discipline
• Strong Mechanical Aptitude
• Interest in Mechatronics and Robotics

Work Environment

The role operates in a manufacturing and engineering environment focused on electrical industrial control and low voltage power distribution panels. You will work hands-on with prototype panels, electrical components, and tools such as torque tools, as well as with engineering software including SOLIDWORKS PDM, Microsoft Office, and an ERP system such as SyteLine. The position involves a mix of bench work for panel assembly and testing, and desk-based work for documentation, reporting, and data entry. The environment emphasizes quality, organization, and collaboration with the Engineering Team to support efficient new product introduction.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reading, PA.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $30.00/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 Reading,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 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.