Job Title: Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
This role provides technical leadership and hands-on support for machining-based manufacturing processes in an aerospace-focused environment. You will develop and implement manufacturing processes and procedures, ensure compliance with customer and industry requirements, support planning and production activities, and drive continuous improvement in quality, cost, and efficiency. The position combines office-based engineering work (80%) with regular time on the production floor (20%) and offers opportunities, including project ownership and direct interaction with customers and suppliers.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement manufacturing processes and procedures for CNC machining operations.
Analyze and improve manufacturing processes and methods to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase efficiency.
Evaluate and solve production problems, providing timely support to the production floor.
Conduct contract reviews by evaluating customer purchase orders, drawings, and all related supplements, and create manufacturing plans based on this information.
Create detailed manufacturing documentation, including travelers, sketches, technique sheets, work instructions, and all supporting documents required during production.
Evaluate and approve drawings, routings, specifications, and other technical documents to ensure manufacturability and compliance.
Implement corrective and preventive actions provided by customers and industry oversight committees, and ensure they are effectively integrated into production processes.
Manage engineering projects by scheduling work, assembling resources, coordinating activities, and driving progress to completion.
Serve as the primary point of contact on assigned projects, responding to inquiries and communicating project status to management and team members.
Communicate manufacturing intent, preferences, and capabilities to customers, suppliers, and industry partners to align expectations and outcomes.
Facilitate and troubleshoot issues associated with developing complex systems, coordinating design and development activities, and supporting projects through completion.
Support continuous improvement initiatives using process improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma where applicable.
Collaborate closely with CNC programmers, machinists, and other engineering team members to ensure robust, efficient, and repeatable machining processes.
Support production readiness for new programs, legacy parts, and new customer orders by developing and refining processes and tooling.
Essential Skills
For Senior Manufacturing Engineer: Minimum 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
Degree preferred in Manufacturing Engineering or Industrial Engineering; Mechanical Engineering degree is also acceptable, or equivalent additional years of relevant experience.
Proven experience working in a manufacturing environment.
Minimum 3 years of experience with CNC machining processes within machining-focused manufacturing environments.
Experience with aerospace manufacturing or AS9100 or ISO9000 compliant environments.
Mechanical aptitude and strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, and production support.
Experience in manufacturing engineering, including process development and process improvement.
Ability to create and maintain manufacturing documentation such as work instructions, travelers, sketches, and technique sheets.
Ability to evaluate technical drawings, routings, and specifications and translate them into effective manufacturing plans.
Strong problem-solving skills to evaluate and resolve production issues in a timely and practical manner.
Ability to manage projects, including scheduling, coordination, and progress tracking.
Strong communication skills to interface with management, team members, customers, suppliers, and industry partners.
Familiarity with quality management systems and standards such as AS9100 and ISO9000.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience in aerospace and defense manufacturing environments is highly preferred.
Experience in automotive or medical device manufacturing may be considered if the products and processes are similar.
Exposure to CNC machining environments for junior-level candidates is strongly preferred.
Experience with Six Sigma or other structured process improvement methodologies.
Experience working within a manufacturing engineering team that includes CNC programmers and interns.
Ability to take ownership of work, operate with high initiative, and drive tasks to completion in a collaborative environment.
Comfort working in a small-site setting where individuals have broad responsibilities and visible impact.
Interest in supporting new military and aerospace programs, including complex components such as engine shafts, in-flight refueling tubes, and landing-gear parts.
Work Environment
The role is based at an aerospace manufacturing site in Cerritos, CA, which is part of a broader organization with operations in the United States and Europe. The facility serves the aerospace industry as a tier-one supplier for complex components, including engine shafts, in-flight refueling tubes, and landing-gear parts for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The site operates as a small, close-knit location with a medium-sized company structure, where employees are expected to take ownership of their work and demonstrate high initiative. The engineering team consists of manufacturing engineers, CNC programmers, and interns, supporting an industrial machine shop environment. Approximately 80% of your time will be spent in an office setting and 20% on the production floor, collaborating closely with production and engineering teams. The office environment is functional but somewhat outdated; however, the culture emphasizes respect, heavy collaboration, and frequent company outings. Dress expectations align with a professional office and industrial machine shop environment, balancing safety requirements on the production floor with appropriate office attire.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cerritos, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/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 Cerritos,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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.
