Associate Engineer - Instructional Design

Crystal Equation Corporation; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision/life insurance

401K

Parental leave

Job summary

Crystal Equation Corporation in Thousand Oaks seeks an Associate Engineer for hybrid work. The role focuses on independent quality control and inspection support for Instructional Design artwork deliverables, and hands-on support for physical human factors and study stimuli.

You will verify files are complete, accurate, and ready for cross-functional review, coordinate corrections with designers, and help maintain traceability and build accuracy across concurrent programs.

Responsibilities

• Artwork quality control and inspection
• Review labeling artwork files, including IFU, primary label, and carton
• Inspect artwork for content alignment, layout integrity, legibility, version control, illustration and callout accuracy
• Document inspection observations clearly, route findings to the responsible designer, verify corrections
• Support continuous improvement of inspection checklists and tools
• Build physical study stimuli: printed IFUs, cartons, device labels, and assemblies
• Edit print-ready artwork and build files using Adobe InDesign/Illustrator
• Operate in-house production printers and perform basic troubleshooting
• Finish tasks like cutting, folding, gluing, labeling, assembly, and final inspection
• Organize study materials with version control and efficient staging
• Photograph and document completed study stimuli for traceability
• Provide on-site support for compressed timelines and changes
• Collaborate with Instructional Design, Human Factors, and other stakeholders
• Follow processes, protect confidential materials, keep a tidy work area
• Manage work with limited supervision and escalate non-routine issues

Job description

Associate Engineer Hybrid Summary

This external worker provides independent quality control and inspection support for Instructional Design artwork deliverables and hands‑on support for physical human factors and user research stimuli. The role helps ensure that files and study materials are complete, accurate, traceable, and ready for their next cross‑functional review or process step. Instructional Design develops combination‑product instructions for use, carton artwork, primary labels, and human factors study stimuli. This role provides the focused inspection and build capacity needed to help designers deliver accurate, high‑quality work while maintaining pace across concurrent programs. The individual will work within established procedures and review tools, exercise judgment on routine issues, coordinate corrections with designers, and promptly escape issues with potential quality, schedule, or cross‑functional impact.

Responsibilities

Artwork quality control and inspection Perform detailed, independent internal quality control and inspection of Instructional Design files before distribution to cross‑functional stakeholders or advancement to the next process step.

Review labeling artwork files, including IFU, primary label, and carton, in accordance with SOP and associated requirements, approved references, and team procedures.

Inspect artwork for content alignment, layout integrity, legibility, version control, illustration and callout accuracy, print‑readiness considerations, and consistency with approved source content and design inputs.

Document inspection observations clearly, route findings to the responsible designer, verify that requested corrections have been addressed, and maintain inspection records as required by the process.

This role does not grant Quality‑system or regulatory approval.

Support continuous improvement of internal inspection checklists, job aids, and practical controls that reduce rework and prevent defects from reaching cross‑functional review.

Physical study stimuli build support Build and prepare physical study stimuli for Human Factors and Customer Experience activities, including printed IFUs, cartons, device labels, and assembled device or package configurations.

Prepare and edit print‑ready artwork and build files using Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and comparable production software, following established file structure, approved artwork, and build instructions.

Operate in‑house production printers, including routine setup, material handling, print‑quality checks, and basic troubleshooting; escalation equipment issues requiring technical service.

Perform precise finishing work such as printing, trimming, cutting, folding, gluing, labeling, assembly, and final visual inspection to produce materials that accurately represent the intended study configuration.

Organize study materials, maintain clear identification and version control, and support efficient staging, packaging, receiving, and disposition of materials as assigned.

Photograph and document completed study stimuli and final assembled configurations to support build traceability, version control, study records, and efficient future reconstruction.

Provide responsive onsite support for compressed timelines and last‑minute changes to study materials or build needs.

Working relationships and operating expectations Partner closely with Instructional Design engineers and coordinate with Human Factors, Customer Insights, Artwork Center, Packaging Engineering, and other stakeholders as needed for assigned work.

Follow documented processes, protect controlled and confidential materials, and maintain an organized, inspection‑ready work area and file set.

Manage assigned work with limited day‑to‑day supervision, communicate risks or dependencies early, and escalation non‑routine issues to the Senior Manager or delegated lead.

Requirements

Two to three years of demonstrated experience in a quality‑controlled, process‑driven environment, such as artwork production, labeling, packaging, print production, document control, manufacturing support, or a regulated industry. Demonstrated ability to perform detailed visual and content inspections, identify discrepancies, follow defined review criteria, and maintain accurate records. Ability to work onsite in the Thousand Oaks area on a regular basis and to support time‑sensitive physical build work when needed. Strong organization, attention to detail, manual dexterity, and ability to complete precise cutting, folding, gluing, labeling, and assembly tasks to a consistent standard. Clear written and verbal communication, sound judgment within defined processes, and the ability to manage multiple assigned tasks and changing priorities.

Preferred qualifications

Experience with Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, or other comparable page‑layout, artwork‑production, prepress, or document‑review software. Experience supporting pharmaceutical, medical‑device, combination‑product, consumer health, or other regulated artwork, labeling, packaging, or documentation activities. Familiarity with version‑controlled files, inspection checklists, deviation or issue documentation, and controlled work instructions. Experience preparing mock‑ups, prototypes, or study materials requiring careful physical assembly and quality checks.

Scope and decision making

The role independently executes assigned inspection and stimuli‑build work using established procedures, templates, and approved inputs. It may recommend practical improvements to tools and work practices. The role does not own requirements or evidence, regulatory strategy, labeling strategy, final artwork approval, or Quality‑system approval.

Pay

Pay range is $30 - $35 per hour.

• full benefits available
• paid time off
• medical/dental/vision/life insurance
• 401K
• parental leave
• and more

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets.

Pay is based on several factors including market location and may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

THE PROMISES WE MAKE:

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