Job Title: Lead Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
The Lead Manufacturing Engineer drives operational efficiency and continuous improvement within an electronics assembly and test environment. This role leads major improvement initiatives, supports and develops manufacturing and test engineers, and ensures that all manufacturing processes comply with IPC and industry standards. Working closely with Operations and other leaders, the Manufacturing Engineer oversees process development, supports new product introduction, and serves as a key technical liaison for customers and suppliers. The position requires strong technical expertise in electronic and PCB manufacturing, proven process management capabilities, and excellent relationship-building skills to advance manufacturing strategies and enhance overall operational performance.
Responsibilities
Lead major continuous improvement initiatives in an electronics assembly and test environment to achieve measurable gains in operational efficiency.
Support, guide, and help develop manufacturing and test engineers, as well as Engineering Production Services, to ensure strong technical support for production operations.
Collaborate with the Operations Manager to ensure the site is technically and organizationally capable of supporting all required manufacturing activities.
Manage all manufacturing process development and improvement activities in compliance with IPC, AS9100, customer, and in-house standards.
Act as a primary technical contact for customers, OEMs, vendors, and suppliers, and contribute to the development of strategic plans with other leaders.
Coordinate the work of engineers, technicians, and other support personnel, and interact effectively with marketing, accounting, supply chain, manufacturing, PCB layout, and customers.
Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve manufacturing process problems, including production downtime, low efficiency, and quality deviations, in a timely manner.
Provide specific feedback and coaching, and create challenging assignments and opportunities that support the career development of engineering staff.
Develop and refine processes for front-end engineering, new product introduction (NPI) processing, and post-delivery "lessons learned" communication to continuously improve future builds.
Participate in the review of customer contracts and engineering designs by outlining manufacturing requirements, constraints, and key considerations.
Drive manufacturing engineering strategies to meet customer requirements and recommend capabilities within the organization's manufacturing and engineering services.
Coordinate labor quoting activities across multiple sites to support accurate and competitive proposals.
Demonstrate advanced functional, technical, and people-management skills, along with strong internal and external customer relationship capabilities across multiple industry areas.
Essential Skills
5+ years of experience in electronic or PCB manufacturing, with PCB manufacturing experience highly desirable.
Strong experience in manufacturing engineering within electronics assembly and test environments.
Hands-on experience with wave soldering processes.
Proficiency with ERP and MRP systems used in manufacturing environments.
Working knowledge of SMT (surface mount technology) processes and equipment.
Familiarity with AS9100 and IPC standards and the ability to apply them in process development and improvement.
Experience using or supporting equipment from Universal and Mycronic (MyChronic) or similar SMT platforms.
Demonstrated ability to interface directly with customers in a technical capacity.
Proven ability to coordinate and lead cross-functional engineering and support teams.
Strong problem-solving skills for addressing production downtime, efficiency issues, and quality deviations.
Advanced people and process management skills, including coaching and performance development.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience participating in contract and design reviews and translating requirements into manufacturing considerations.
Experience in developing and refining front-end engineering and NPI processes.
Experience implementing post-delivery feedback and "lessons learned" mechanisms to drive continuous improvement.
Ability to contribute to strategic planning related to manufacturing and engineering capabilities.
Experience coordinating labor quoting activities across multiple sites or business units.
Exposure to electronic manufacturing and PCB manufacturing environments with a focus on quality and efficiency.
Comfort working closely with marketing, accounting, supply chain, and PCB layout teams to support program objectives.
Work Environment
The role is based fully onsite in a manufacturing facility of roughly 200 people, providing a close-knit and collaborative environment. The Lead Manufacturing Engineer works closely with a team of engineers and cross-functional departments, supporting electronics assembly and test operations that include SMT, PCB manufacturing, and wave soldering processes. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday with a flexible start time, no later than 8:00 a.m. The environment emphasizes continuous improvement, professional growth, and close interaction with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Frederick, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $140000.00/yr.
Five (5) weeks PTO per year Eight (8) paid holidays per year 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match Medical/Dental/Vision coverage (first of the month following hire date) HSA & FSA Plans (with HSA employer contribution) Company-paid life insurance Supplemental insurance options
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Frederick,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 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.
