Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Technologist – Hands-On Manufacturing

Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Technologist – Hands-On Manufacturing

Location: Wilmington, NC
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Anticipated Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Work Type: In-Office Only

Does learning a new tool, machine, material, or process spark your curiosity rather than intimidate you?
Do you enjoy getting hands-on to diagnose problems, test ideas, and make things work better in the real world—not just on paper?
Are you someone who sees small inefficiencies on the shop floor and immediately starts thinking, “How could this be better?”

If so, we want to hear from you.

Full transparency: we work a little differently around here.

This isn’t just a job where you punch in and punch out. We come to work because we want to earn a living in a meaningful way. Too many people spend their working lives disengaged, and we believe that’s wrong. We spend at least a third of our lives at work—so we’re intentional about creating a place where people want to show up and feel good when they leave.

At Protocase, ideas turn into action. Curiosity is encouraged, assumptions are challenged, and practical improvements matter. If you want your work to influence how things actually operate—not sit in a document—this might be your place.

Protocase specializes in custom sheet metal enclosures, panels, and parts for engineers and innovators around the world—built with unmatched speed and quality. We help some of the brightest minds on the planet turn ideas into reality.

Learn more about how we work here: https://workdifferently.info/

About Us

Founded in 2001, Protocase Inc. is a rapidly growing custom manufacturing company that blends software-driven processes with innovative production techniques. With 400+ employees and over 16,000 customers globally—including Boeing, NASA, Apple, Google, MIT, and Tesla—we are redefining what custom manufacturing can be.

We are ISO 9001 certified, AS9100D registered, ITAR compliant, and registered with Canadian Controlled Goods.

Our mass customization model replaces traditional craft-based approaches with repeatable, continuously improving processes—allowing us to deliver high-quality custom parts in as little as 2–3 days.

About the Opportunity

This is a hands-on engineering technologist role focused on assessing manufacturing issues, troubleshooting directly on the floor, and developing permanent, practical fixes.

We’re looking for someone with a mechanical or electrical background who enjoys working close to equipment, stations, and processes—and who is comfortable learning by doing.

What the first 6 months will likely look like:

Heavy involvement in the setup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of industrial equipment

Verifying that production stations are:

Installed and configured according to manufacturer specifications

Aligned with Protocase’s mass customization framework

Diagnosing issues related to equipment performance, reliability, safety, or process flow

Working closely with operators, technicians, and engineers to ensure stations function as intended

Helping stabilize and optimize new or existing equipment before moving into longer-term improvements

Longer-term, this role may evolve as we learn where this person creates the most value. While we don’t have the final shape of the role defined today, our hope is that this person becomes a primary driver of identifying improvement opportunities on the floor and implementing innovative solutions to solve real manufacturing problems.

What You’ll Do

Assess manufacturing issues directly on the production floor and troubleshoot hands-on

Identify root causes—not just symptoms—and help develop permanent, sustainable fixes

Set up, validate, and optimize production stations and industrial equipment

Support equipment selection, installation, commissioning, and refinement

Work hands-on with mechanical systems, electrical components, sensors, wiring, fixtures, and tooling (depending on background)

Observe processes in real-world conditions and use data and testing to validate improvements

Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure solutions work for operators, not just in theory

Help embed improvements into standard operations once validated

About You

You’re a practical problem-solver who likes being close to the work and seeing tangible results.

This role is for you if:

You don’t accept “that’s how we’ve always done it” as a final answer

You enjoy diagnosing issues, testing solutions, and refining until they work

You’re comfortable getting hands-on with machinery, equipment, or electrical systems

You take ownership of outcomes—both successes and lessons learned

You thrive in environments where the role can evolve based on impact, not rigid job boxes

What we’re looking for:

Education: Diploma or degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent hands-on experience

Experience: 2–5 years in a manufacturing, engineering, automation, or technical environment is an asset—but we’re open to varied experience levels

Strong mechanical and/or electrical aptitude with a desire to keep learning

Interest or experience with industrial equipment, manufacturing processes, CNC machinery, automation, or controls

Comfort working through ambiguity and undefined problems

Organized, self-directed, and able to manage multiple priorities

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

At Protocase we believe in rewarding hard work and dedication. Besides a starting annual compensation package ranging from $58,000- $72,000 USD, here’s what else you can expect:

We reward curiosity, ownership, and real impact. You can expect:

🏆 Training & Growth – Leadership development, technical skill-building, coaching, and room to grow as the role evolves
👩‍⚕️ Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage
💼 401(k) Retirement Plan – With company participation after eligibility
🏖️ Paid Time Off – Vacation that increases with tenure, plus paid holidays
🎉 Team & Social Events – Regular team lunches and seasonal events
🌊 Life in Wilmington, NC – Coastal living, mild winters, short commutes, and a growing tech and manufacturing community