Junior Engineers/Scientists/Technicians

Eastern Research Group, Inc.; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Educational benefits

401(k) plan

Job summary

Eastern Research Group, Inc. (ERG) is a research and consulting firm providing multidisciplinary support to federal, state, and commercial clients. We are hiring enthusiastic Junior Engineers, Scientists, and Technicians to contribute to EPA ORD research projects, including air quality, lab-based measurements, and field studies.

This role offers hands-on experience in laboratories, fabrication shops, and metrology labs under senior staff guidance. Ideal candidates hold a B.S.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in relevant engineering/science field or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of on-site research support experience with EPA ORD preferred.
• Hands-on lab/field experience and ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist design, development, and testing of new processes or experiments under senior guidance.
• Support preparation of technical reports, data analysis, and project documentation.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, calibrate, and repair lab and field equipment.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Lab experience

Travel readiness

Education

B.S. degree in Environmental/Mechanical/Chemical Eng, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Gas analyzers

Job description

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers. The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

ERG is hiring enthusiastic and highly motivated Junior Engineers, Scientists, and Technicians to provide technical support in the development, design, and execution of research projects for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Research and Development. Research activities may include decontamination and consequence management studies; development and validation of measurement methods, source emission characterization, and data collection; research in atmospheric sciences, physical, chemical, biological, toxicological, and human and ecological exposure; development, evaluation, and application of air quality simulation modeling in the Fluid Modeling Facility/Meteorological Wind Tunnel; and other related research initiatives. Work will take place in specialized laboratories and machine shops, including fabrication machine shops, metrology laboratories, and other analytical and microbiological labs.

As a junior professional, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and optimizing solutions while executing technical projects. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early‑career professionals to gain hands‑on experience while collaborating with seasoned experts. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical foundation, excellent problem‑solving abilities, and the ability to work effectively across teams to drive innovation. You will work closely with senior staff to contribute to work plans, quality assurance project plans (QAPPs), health and safety plans, and reports for projects conducted by ERG.

Job Description:

• Assist in the design, development, and testing of new processes or experiments under the guidance of senior engineers, scientists, or technicians
• Support the preparation of technical reports, data analysis, and project documentation
• Troubleshoot, maintain, calibrate, and repair laboratory and field equipment and instruments
• Execute technical projects under the direction of senior staff
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to develop and implement innovative engineering or scientific solutions
• Follow all safety guidelines and requirements in the lab or field, ensuring compliance with company policies
• Contribute to ongoing projects by collecting data, performing tests, and compiling results
• Assist in preparing project plans, schedules, and materials necessary for project execution
• Evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and processes for potential integration into current and future projects
• Apply best practices, methodologies, and cutting‑edge techniques to support project objectives
• Conduct advanced research, analysis, design, and testing to support project development and optimization
• Present technical findings, project progress, and results under the guidance of senior staff to leadership, clients, or at conferences as appropriate
• Work closely with senior staff to gain hands‑on exposure to project management, design processes, and technical problem‑solving

Qualifications and Skills:

• B.S. degree in Environmental, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Relevant experience in lieu of a degree will be considered
• Strong analytical, mechanical, and problem‑solving skills, with demonstrated aptitude and interest in science, technical work, mechanical equipment, and air quality
• 3+ years of experience providing on‑site research support for the EPA's Office of Research and Development
• Experience authoring scientific, technical, quality assurance, and health & safety documentation
• Hands‑on experience in a laboratory, technical setting, or engineering project (academic or professional)
• Experience in mechanical work, laboratory research, or field science preferred
• Knowledge of EPA source test methods/procedures, air quality monitoring, and emissions measurement equipment preferred
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for field projects across the country
• Ability to pass background checks and both initial and random drug screenings

ERG offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance, life insurance, long‑term disability, educational benefits, FSAs, a generous 401k plan, profit sharing, an EAP, 11-20 paid vacation days per year, 10 paid holidays per year, 56 hours or more of sick leave (based on the state you work in) per year (pro‑rated for part‑time) and more. The salary range for all positions depends on the years and type of experience.

ERG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable EEOC regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Please be aware, the only authentic corporate domain for ERG is https://www.erg.com. ERG may, on occasion, screen applicants via telephone or video interviews via Skype, Teams, GoToMeeting, or another type of video platform. However, any candidate extended a job offer might be asked to meet in person with an ERG employee before providing confidential personal information associated with new employment.

If you're a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ERG's online application process as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, please contact Human Resources via email at [e-mail] or call [phone].

ERG fosters a friendly, flexible work environment. ERGers are dedicated to serving clients who are committed to making the world a better place. We promote and recognize principles of fairness and respect in the work we do, the partnerships we foster, and the culture we value both within and outside of our organization.