Job Title: Associate Component Engineer
Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Associate Component Engineer with our client located in Sunnyvale, CA.
Job Description:- The Associate Component Engineer supports component-level testing, analysis, and evaluation activities for surgical instrument components and assemblies.
- This role is responsible for executing detailed mechanical testing, developing and maintaining technical work instructions, collecting and analyzing test data, and communicating findings to engineering teams and suppliers.
- The successful candidate will work closely with Design Engineering, Supplier Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality teams to evaluate component performance, support tooling qualifications, and investigate product-related issues.
- This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to perform repetitive testing activities while maintaining high levels of accuracy and data integrity.
Job Responsibilities:- Execute detailed component and assembly-level testing according to engineering protocols and test methods.
- Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain mechanical test fixtures, force measurement systems, and laboratory equipment.
- Collect, document, and organize test data using spreadsheets, databases, and laboratory tracking systems.
- Perform basic data analysis to identify trends, variation, anomalies, and potential performance concerns.
- Generate clear summaries, charts, and technical reports to support engineering decision-making.
- Author, revise, and maintain technical work instructions, test procedures, and equipment operating instructions.
- Support qualification of new and replacement tooling through component-level testing and analysis.
- Evaluate component interactions across multiple configurations to assess product performance and manufacturing variation.
- Collaborate with engineers to support root cause investigations and corrective action activities.
- Communicate testing progress, observations, results, and open issues with local and remote cross-functional engineering teams.
- Interface directly with suppliers to coordinate testing activities, communicate results, and support issue resolution.
- Maintain laboratory organization, calibration records, equipment readiness, and compliance with quality requirements.
- Follow all applicable safety, quality system, and documentation requirements.
Job Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or another technical discipline.
- Strong technical aptitude and ability to understand mechanical systems and component interactions.
- Experience with data collection, data entry, and basic analytical techniques.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including data organization, charting, and basic statistical analysis.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to write clear technical work instructions and procedural documentation.
- Ability to communicate effectively with remote teams and external suppliers.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
- Comfortable performing repetitive hands-on testing activities for extended periods.
- Ability to perform repetitive testing and assembly activities throughout the workday.
- Frequent sitting, standing, reaching, and handling of components and test equipment.
- Ability to safely operate laboratory and testing equipment.
- Ability to use computers and data entry systems for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and move components, fixtures, and testing equipment as required.
- Ability to work effectively in an ergonomically designed laboratory environment.
Nice To Have:- Experience supporting engineering laboratories, manufacturing operations, product development, quality engineering, supplier engineering, or validation testing.
- Basic understanding of statistics, including concepts such as normal distributions, normality assessment, and process capability.
- Familiarity with Cp, Cpk, and basic statistical data interpretation.
- Understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering concepts including force, friction, tolerance stack-up, dimensional variation, and component interactions.
- Experience using laboratory or metrology equipment such as force gauges, calipers, digital indicators, test fixtures, or data acquisition systems.
- Experience developing test methods, work instructions, or engineering documentation.
Job Details:- Job Type: Contract
- Pay Rate: $40- $46/hr.
- Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Benefits Package: Protingent offers competitive salaries, insurance plan options (HDHP plan or POS plan), education/certification reimbursement, pre-tax commuter benefits, Paid Time Off (PTO) and an administered 401k plan.
About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.