Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
This role supports the full project lifecycle within a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing environment, from planning and routing through documentation and shop floor execution. The Manufacturing Engineer develops manufacturing plans, creates detailed work instructions and routers, and provides hands-on support across machining, welding, and assembly operations. Acting as a key liaison between Scheduling, Project Management, and Engineering, this position ensures accurate execution of manufacturing processes and manufacturing readiness prior to release. The role requires strong ownership, high attention to detail, and the ability to work independently within a smaller, highly collaborative team focused on complex, tight-tolerance components and assemblies for mission-critical programs.
For immediate consideration, please email: Lhaug @actalentservices.com
Responsibilities
Develop comprehensive manufacturing plans that support the full project lifecycle for precision aerospace and defense components and assemblies.
Create, maintain, and improve routers, work instructions, and shop floor documentation to ensure consistent, accurate execution of manufacturing processes.
Provide hands-on support to machining, welding, and assembly operations, including direct engagement on the shop floor to resolve issues and optimize processes.
Serve as a key liaison between Scheduling, Project Management, and Engineering to align manufacturing activities with project requirements and timelines.
Support Engineering Review Board (ERB) activities, including managing revisions, updating documentation, and confirming manufacturing readiness prior to release.
Design and refine tooling, fixtures, and equipment to support precision machining and complex assembly operations, including hands-on execution of tooling solutions.
Apply GD&T principles to manufacturing processes to ensure tight-tolerance requirements are met and maintained.
Support CNC machining operations in 3-, 4-, or 5-axis environments by developing appropriate processes, setups, and documentation.
Use ERP systems to create and manage manufacturing plans, routers, and related production data, ensuring accuracy and traceability.
Troubleshoot production issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to improve quality, efficiency, and reliability.
Identify and implement process improvements that enhance throughput, quality, and repeatability in a high-accountability environment.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that design intent, manufacturability, and production constraints are aligned.
Take strong ownership of assigned projects, driving tasks to completion and ensuring adherence to tight tolerances and mission-critical requirements.
Essential Skills
3-7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering within machining environments.
Proven hands-on experience with tooling, fixtures, and equipment design to support precision manufacturing operations.
Demonstrated ability to develop manufacturing plans, routers, and shop floor documentation that guide consistent production execution.
Experience working with ERP systems to manage manufacturing data and processes (Epicor preferred, but other ERP systems acceptable).
Experience supporting CNC machining operations in 3-, 4-, or 5-axis environments.
Experience supporting machining, welding, and/or assembly environments in a production setting.
Ability to work independently in a hands-on role, taking ownership of tasks and projects from concept through execution.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting tight-tolerance and mission-critical requirements.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Strong experience applying GD&T in manufacturing processes, including interpretation and practical implementation on the shop floor.
Ability to troubleshoot production issues and drive root cause and corrective actions to resolution.
Strong preference for candidates who can execute work independently and thrive in a high-ownership environment.
CAD experience with CATIA or similar tools for design and manufacturing support.
Interest in working on high-profile aerospace and defense programs and complex, tight-tolerance precision machining and assembly projects.
Motivation to grow into leadership roles and influence processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
Work Environment
This is a hands-on manufacturing environment focused on precision machining and complex assemblies for aerospace and defense programs. Engineers work directly on the shop floor and regularly interact with machining, welding, and assembly operations in a fast-paced, high-accountability setting. The work involves tight-tolerance, mission-critical hardware where accuracy, quality, and execution are paramount. The environment offers exposure to advanced CNC machining (3-, 4-, and 5-axis), tooling and fixture development, and the use of CAD and ERP systems. Team members are expected to take strong ownership of their projects, collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, and contribute to continuous improvement in a company known for mission-critical precision manufacturing.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Santa Fe Springs, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $130000.00/yr.
Health, Insurance & Wellness Medical insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Life insurance & supplemental life Disability insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Company social events Gym membership 401(k) retirement plan
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Santa Fe Springs,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 3, 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.
