Industrial Engineer - Build, Scale, and Transform Production for Next-Gen Defense Manufacturing
This is not a typical industrial engineering role. This is your chance to design, optimize, and scale production lines that build advanced defense hardware-the kind of programs that push the boundaries of manufacturing, automation, and operational excellence.
You'll be at the center of a fast-moving environment where engineering meets the factory floor, where your decisions directly shape throughput, capacity, and the performance of mission-critical production lines. If you thrive in high-growth settings, love solving real-world bottlenecks, and want to see your work implemented immediately, this role is built for you.
What You'll Own
Production Line Design - Architect scalable, high-performance manufacturing lines that support cutting-edge defense programs.
Time Studies & Work Standards - Conduct precise time studies (including Modapts) to define work content, staffing, and cycle times with accuracy.
Line Balancing - Optimize station workloads to unlock higher throughput and eliminate bottlenecks.
Facility & Plant Layout Optimization - Redesign material flow, reduce waste, and elevate efficiency across large-scale production areas.
Hands-On Production Support - Work directly on the shop floor to diagnose constraints and implement improvements that move the needle.
New Product Introduction - Build production strategies for new hardware programs, from layout concepts to full line readiness.
Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and quality to translate demand into real production capability.
Lean & CI Initiatives - Lead Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and continuous improvement projects that deliver measurable results.
Simulation & Modeling - Use analytical and simulation tools to model scenarios and guide decision-making.
Greenfield & Brownfield Factory Design - Contribute to the creation and evolution of large-scale production environments.
This is a role where you own projects from concept to implementation-not just analysis. You'll see your work come to life on the production floor.
What You Bring
Industrial Engineering Expertise with 5+ years supporting production lines (not logistics-only roles).
Facility Layout & Line Design Skills proven across large manufacturing environments.
Time Study & Line Balancing Experience with hands-on work content breakdowns.
Lean Manufacturing Knowledge and a track record of driving throughput and efficiency improvements.
Hands-On Engineering Mindset - you don't just analyze; you implement.
Cross-Functional Communication in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
Data-Driven Decision Making using metrics, bottleneck analysis, and modeling tools.
Bonus points for experience in defense, aerospace, automotive, or high-growth manufacturing, plus familiarity with Modapts, AutoCAD, Visio, Minitab, FlexSim, PlantSim, or similar tools.
Why This Role Is Exciting
You'll work in a high-growth defense manufacturing environment where innovation is constant and impact is immediate.
You'll be part of advanced hardware programs across multiple product lines-no repetitive, stagnant work.
You'll move seamlessly between office, engineering labs, and the production floor, driving real change.
You'll join a culture that rewards initiative, ownership, and hands-on problem solving.
You'll have opportunities for contract extension or conversion, with visibility across leadership and engineering teams.
You'll gain exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, factory design, and large-scale production strategy.
This is a role for someone who wants to build the future of defense manufacturing, not just maintain it.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Costa Mesa, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $75.00/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 Costa Mesa,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 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.
