Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob Description
The Manufacturing Engineer develops, improves, and optimizes manufacturing processes to ensure efficient production, high quality standards, and on-time delivery. This role works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Programming teams to support both new and existing product lines while ensuring manufacturability, process consistency, and compliance with customer and regulatory requirements in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain manufacturing processes, routings, and detailed work instructions to support consistent and efficient production.
Review engineering drawings and specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with production capabilities.
Provide hands-on technical support to production teams to resolve manufacturing issues and minimize downtime.
Identify, propose, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, enhance quality, and reduce costs.
Support new product introduction (NPI) from concept through full production, ensuring robust and repeatable processes.
Collaborate with Programming, Quality, and Production teams to optimize cycle times, production workflows, and resource utilization.
Design and implement tooling, fixtures, and process improvements to support machining and manufacturing operations.
Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with customer requirements, internal quality standards, and applicable regulatory requirements, including ITAR where applicable.
Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for production and quality issues to prevent recurrence.
Assist in continuous improvement initiatives such as lean manufacturing, 5S, and waste reduction projects.
Provide guidance and support to Level I Engineers, sharing best practices and technical knowledge.
Contribute to organizational goals by taking ownership of new and varied requests and seeking opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
Support production goals related to efficiency, quality, and throughput by maintaining stable and capable processes.
Perform miscellaneous related tasks as assigned to support overall manufacturing operations.
Essential Skills
Minimum of 2 years of experience in an aerospace or aircraft machine shop or manufacturing environment.
Experience with CNC machining processes and production workflows.
Experience with process development, routing creation, and authoring work instructions.
Proficiency in blueprint reading and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling, and materials, particularly in metal machining.
Ability to read, write, and understand English to interpret technical documentation and communicate effectively.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to diagnose and resolve manufacturing issues.
Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to stand for extended periods on the production floor as needed.
Familiarity with safety standards and personal protective equipment (PPE) used in a manufacturing setting.
Reliable transportation and the ability to work overtime as needed.
Ability to work independently and take initiative in process improvement activities.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and models.
Experience in aerospace manufacturing, particularly with aircraft metals.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with ERP systems such as JobBoss or similar.
Experience with process improvement initiatives and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience using SolidWorks or similar computer-aided design (CAD) tools for modeling and tooling design.
Hands-on experience in machining, tooling, or machine operation within a manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with manufacturing settings producing aircraft metals, with no plastics or composites.
Experience in tooling design to support CNC machining and manufacturing processes.
Exposure to lean manufacturing practices, 5S, and waste reduction initiatives.
Ability to use a computer for modeling and documentation of manufacturing processes.
Work Environment
The role is based in a manufacturing environment focused on aerospace and aircraft metal components. The Manufacturing Engineer spends time both on the production floor and in an office setting, working closely with machining operations, CNC equipment, and supporting tools and fixtures. The environment requires familiarity with safety standards and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while on the shop floor. The position involves standing for extended periods when supporting production activities and collaborating directly with production, quality, programming, and engineering teams. Standard business hours apply, with the flexibility to work overtime as needed to support production schedules and on-time delivery. The role utilizes technologies such as CNC machining equipment, ERP systems (e.g., JobBoss or similar), Microsoft Office (Excel and Word), and CAD tools such as SolidWorks to support process development, tooling design, and data analysis.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $40.00/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 Wichita,KS.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 8, 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.
