Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob Description
This Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on creating CNC programs from construction drawings using Microvellum and CAD software to support the production of custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and casework products. The position involves generating machine code for both standard library items and custom products, developing fully machined nest drawings for a CNC-controlled 3-axis overhead router, and producing accurate 2D CAD shop drawings from architectural and interior design documents for submittal and construction. The engineer collaborates closely with shop floor personnel and cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, code-compliant products and continuous process improvement.
Responsibilities
Interpret construction drawings to build products and parts through Microvellum with full machining for joinery and hardware, ensuring CNC G-code is accurately generated.
Assess construction and design drawings to determine the appropriate starting product to modify, and create new custom products using Microvellum or CAD as needed.
Assign proper materials to products, paying careful attention to thickness, board sizes, and grain or pattern directions to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic quality.
Include and assign machining operations for all applicable hardware such as hinges, pulls, drawer slides, grommets, access panels, and row holes, ensuring all components are correctly prepared for assembly.
Apply a strong understanding of basic machine operations and select the proper tooling for each machining action to optimize quality and efficiency.
Create organized and clearly labeled nest drawings for use by the CNC machine operator, supporting accurate and efficient production.
Work directly with shop floor personnel to address manufacturing issues and concerns, driving continuous product and process improvements.
Collaborate with sales, purchasing, and field service teams to align engineering outputs with customer requirements, material availability, and field conditions.
Interpret architectural and interior design drawings to create detailed 2D construction drawings using CAD software for submittals and final construction.
Provide complete, detailed, and accurate drawings to manufacturing operations that adhere to customer requirements and applicable codes and regulations.
Prepare comprehensive construction information, including drawings, cut lists, and bills of materials (BOM), to support programming, machining, and assembly operations.
Develop and modify existing products based on established standard specifications to meet custom project requirements.
Prepare approval drawings that clearly communicate all essential product information and obtain formal customer sign-off prior to production.
Maintain extensive and current knowledge of product options, pricing, and applications to recommend improvements to existing layouts and designs.
Seek out missing or unclear information proactively to ensure that all design and production requirements are fully understood and documented.
Perform all other related duties and projects as assigned to support the manufacturing engineering function.
Essential Skills
3+ years of experience working within a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency with Microvellum and CAD software for creating CNC programs and 2D construction drawings.
Ability to interpret construction, architectural, and interior design drawings and translate them into manufacturable products and detailed shop drawings.
Strong understanding of materials used in fabrication, including knowledge of specifications such as thickness, board sizes, and grain or pattern directions.
Experience creating CNC G-code and fully machined nest drawings for a CNC-controlled 3-axis overhead router.
Ability to assign and manage machining operations for joinery and a wide range of hardware, including hinges, pulls, drawer slides, grommets, access panels, and row holes.
Understanding of basic machine operations and the ability to distinguish and assign proper tooling for each machining action.
Strong understanding of store fixtures and design engineering, including how fixtures are designed, fabricated, and assembled.
Ability to work effectively with layouts, drawings, and related documents to determine customer product needs and identify opportunities for improvement.
Extensive and current knowledge of product offerings, options, pricing, and product applications, including application and modification capabilities.
Strong attention to detail to ensure that drawings, nests, and documentation are complete, accurate, and compliant with applicable codes and regulations.
Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with shop floor personnel, sales, purchasing, and field service teams.
Formal education beyond high school, such as a 2-year degree, or comparable work experience that provides a solid technical background for the role.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Formal post-secondary education in a technical or engineering-related field, such as a 2-year degree, is preferred.
Coursework or formal training in CAD, particularly related to architectural or interior design drawings, is preferred.
Experience in millwork, including custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and casework products.
background in manufacturing engineering with a focus on process improvement and production efficiency.
Experience using SolidWorks or similar 3D design software.
Demonstrated ability to develop and modify products from established standard specifications to meet custom requirements.
Ability to prepare detailed approval drawings and manage customer sign-off processes.
Willingness to proactively seek answers and clarify incomplete or missing information to ensure accurate design and production.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, documentation sets, and change requests simultaneously.
Work Environment
The work environment centers around the manufacturing of custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and casework products. The role involves a combination of office or engineering workstations, where CAD and Microvellum programming are performed, and regular time on the production floor or job sites to support manufacturing activities. The production areas may include exposure to wood dust, varying temperatures, fumes, and loud noise associated with woodworking and CNC machining operations. The incumbent must be able to tolerate these conditions during routine visits and work within these areas. Safety is a core expectation, and the role requires adherence to all company safety procedures, including the consistent use of required personal protective equipment while on the production floor. The environment promotes collaboration with shop floor personnel, sales, purchasing, and field service teams, supporting a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality craftsmanship.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kenyon, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/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 Kenyon,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
