Engineer Technician I

Riverside Mfg LLC; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 43,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Mfg LLC in Fort Wayne, IN is seeking an Engineer Technician I to support prototyping, testing, and process documentation for precision components used in defense, aerospace, industrial, and commercial applications. This entry-level role reports to the Engineering Manager and offers hands-on experience alongside engineering and quality teams.

The role focuses on building and testing prototypes, interpreting test plans, and maintaining accurate records on the production floor, with

Qualifications

• Associate degree in engineering technology, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 0–2 years in manufacturing, engineering, or technical lab environment (internships count).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, and requirement specifications.
• Basic computer literacy (MS Office) with attention to detail and recordkeeping; willingness to learn ERP/documentation systems.
• U.S. Person required due to ITAR/EAR export-controlled data access.

Responsibilities

• Prototyping & Testing: assist engineers with building, setting up, and testing prototypes and fixtures.
• Prototyping & Testing: assist with design verification tests on development firmware, websites/portals, and mobile apps.
• Prototyping & Testing: set up and operate standard measurement and test equipment (calipers, micrometers, power supplies, digital multimeters).
• Technical Documentation: read test plans, electrical schematics, and drawings; record data and results.
• Technical Documentation: update process and test documentation; troubleshoot issues with engineering and quality teams.
• Collaboration: partner with engineers, quality, and production on day-to-day needs; communicate observations clearly.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree in engineering technology

Tools

Electrical/mechanical measurement instruments

MS Office

Job description

Regular Full Time Fort Wayne, IN, US

POSITION SUMMARY

The Engineer Technician I supports the engineering team with prototyping, testing, and process documentation for precision components used in defense, aerospace, industrial, and commercial applications. Reporting to the Engineering Manager as an indirect labor position, this entry-level, hands-on role is well suited to someone early in their engineering technology career who wants to build a strong foundation working alongside the engineering and quality teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Prototyping & Testing Support

• Assist engineers with building, setting up, and testing prototypes and fixtures
• Assist engineers with completing design verification tests on development firmware, websites/portals, and mobile applications
• Set up and operate standard measurement and test equipment, including calipers, micrometers, power supplies, and digital multimeters

Technical Documentation & Data

• Read and interpret test plans, electrical schematics, and technical drawings
• Record test data and inspection results, maintaining accurate and complete engineering documentation
• Support the engineering team in preparing and updating process and test documentation
• Help troubleshoot issues identified on the production floor in coordination with engineering and quality teams
• Assist with process improvement activities and implementation of corrective actions
• Communicate observations and findings clearly to engineers and cross-functional partners

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Partner with engineers, quality, and production teams on day-to-day project needs
• Ask clarifying questions and flag issues early to support timely problem resolution
• Take on increasing responsibility and scope as skills and experience develop

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Associate degree in engineering technology, a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience
• 0–2 years of experience in a manufacturing, engineering, or technical lab environment (internships count)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, and requirement specifications, and comfortable using standard hand tools and electrical/mechanical measurement instruments
• Basic computer literacy (MS Office) with strong attention to detail and a commitment to accurate recordkeeping; willingness to learn internal ERP/documentation systems
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined in 22 CFR 120.15), as this role may require access to export-controlled technical data subject to ITAR/EAR

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is based onsite in Fort Wayne, Indiana, working across the engineering lab and production floor. Requires the ability to stand, move about the production floor, and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs. Standard PPE is required when working on the shop floor. Minimal travel required.