Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer / CNC Programmer
Job Description
The Manufacturing Engineer / Programmer prepares detailed manufacturing instructions and CNC programming data to produce machined parts and sub-assemblies that meet engineering drawings and specifications. This role determines manufacturing procedures, sequences operations, and defines tooling and machine requirements to fabricate complex components for a variety of products. The position spends significant time on the shop floor solving machining issues, supporting program prove-outs, and driving process improvements. The Manufacturing Engineer also contributes to planning, costing, and scheduling for new product development and supports the ongoing manufacture and improvement of legacy components.
Responsibilities
Prepare detailed manufacturing instructions and CNC programs to produce machined parts and sub-assemblies in accordance with engineering drawings and specifications.
Determine manufacturing procedures and operation sequencing for assigned parts, ensuring efficient and reliable machining processes.
Establish tooling, cutting tools, fixtures, and machine requirements to fabricate parts and sub-assemblies for various products.
Work in the machine shop to support machinists during program prove-out, troubleshoot machining issues, and refine processes.
Recommend, implement, and improve machining process flows and tools to increase efficiency, quality, and repeatability.
Implement quick-change setup tools and processes to reduce changeover times and improve throughput.
Establish standard setup and run times for each operation on assigned parts and maintain accurate routing data.
Originate and conduct studies aimed at more efficient manufacturing of parts, including recommendations for changes in equipment, process methods, materials, and designs.
Participate in engineering design reviews for new products and design changes, focusing on Design for Manufacture and Design to Cost.
Review engineering drawings for manufacturing datums, key characteristics, and tolerance stack-ups, and provide feedback to engineering.
Work closely with design engineering to ensure that concepts and specifications support the most efficient manufacturing methods and techniques.
Participate in and, when appropriate, lead the specification of new capital equipment by preparing statements of work and collaborating with suppliers.
Prepare and maintain master data items, including routings and bills of material (BOM), and review and approve material usage.
Coordinate and support the preparation of capital asset and expenditure budgets related to manufacturing equipment and processes.
Prepare manpower and machine loading data and conduct capacity studies to support production planning and resource allocation.
Develop cost studies for new manufacturing methods, equipment, and processes, compare them with current methods, and present summary recommendations.
Maintain frequent contact with internal and external personnel to communicate requirements and ideas related to production parts, supplies, equipment, and materials.
Provide MRB (Material Review Board) support by developing rework instructions and corrective actions to prevent recurrence of nonconformances.
Plan sequences of operations for the fabrication of machined parts using 2-axis lathes; 3- and 4-axis horizontal and vertical mills; multi-axis mill/turn machines such as Miyano and Nakamura 5-13 axis, dual-spindle, B-axis rotary tool spindle equipment; 5-axis mills such as Matsuura; and conventional machining equipment or similar machinery.
Create, revise, and maintain all manufacturing process documentation, ensuring proper revision control and traceability.
Apply cellular manufacturing concepts and lean principles to optimize workflow, reduce waste, and improve productivity.
Guide, mentor, or train Associate Manufacturing Engineers as needed to support team development and knowledge sharing.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on process improvement, tooling optimization, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
Essential Skills
Minimum of 5 years of experience in standard machining operations or as a manufacturing engineer, including turning, milling, mill/turn operations, gear cutting, deburring, and grinding.
Experience with high-technology CNC multi-axis machines, including complex mill/turn and 5-axis equipment.
Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
Proficiency in Mastercam for CNC programming.
Hands-on experience creating and optimizing CNC programs for lathes, mills, and multi-axis machining centers.
Strong manufacturing engineering background with the ability to plan machining and manufacturing processes for parts from start to finish.
Proficiency in blueprint reading and interpretation of engineering drawings.
Solid understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and the ability to interpret 2D drawings and 3D engineering models.
Experience with CAD design and drawing using tools such as CAD, SolidWorks, and/or Creo.
Demonstrated ability to recommend and implement improvements to machining process flows and tooling.
Ability to establish standard setup and run times and to create accurate routings and process documentation.
Strong problem-solving skills in a machine shop environment, including support of program prove-outs and resolution of machining issues.
Effective communication skills for frequent interaction with internal and external stakeholders regarding parts, supplies, equipment, and materials.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and LEAN tools.
Familiarity with Six Sigma concepts and methodologies.
Experience applying cellular manufacturing concepts in a production environment.
Experience participating in or leading engineering design reviews with a focus on Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design to Cost (DTC).
Experience in preparing statements of work and working with suppliers for new capital equipment.
Experience preparing and reviewing master data, routings, and bills of material (BOMs).
Ability to conduct capacity studies and prepare manpower and machine loading data.
Experience developing cost studies for new manufacturing methods, equipment, and processes and presenting recommendations.
Experience providing MRB support, including rework instructions and corrective actions.
Experience mentoring or training less experienced manufacturing engineers or technical staff.
Strong focus on continuous improvement and process optimization.
Work Environment
This role is offered as an initial 6-month contract with the clear intention to consider long-term placement for strong performers. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You will work closely with operations leadership and cross-functional teams in a combined office and machine shop environment. The facility utilizes a range of modern CNC equipment, including 2-axis lathes; 3- and 4-axis horizontal and vertical mills; advanced multi-axis mill/turn machines such as Miyano and Nakamura 5-13 axis dual-spindle machines with B-axis rotary tool spindles; and 5-axis mills such as Matsuura, along with conventional machining equipment or similar machinery. The culture emphasizes hands-on collaboration with machinists, active participation in continuous improvement initiatives, and close partnership with engineering on design-for-manufacture activities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Valencia, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $81.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Valencia,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
