Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer (CNC Programming & Machining)Job Description
This Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on supporting and improving CNC machining operations through hands-on programming, process optimization, tooling selection, and shop-floor troubleshooting. You will collaborate closely with production and quality teams to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain high product quality across milling and turning operations.
Responsibilities
Develop and optimize CNC programs for mills and lathes using MasterCam, ensuring efficient and reliable machining operations.
Create, modify, and independently optimize machining programs to support new and existing products.
Improve manufacturing processes to reduce cycle times, increase productivity, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Select appropriate tooling, fixtures, cutting parameters, and machining strategies for a variety of parts and materials.
Troubleshoot machining, programming, and production issues directly on the shop floor to minimize downtime and scrap.
Generate clear setup sheets, work instructions, and machining documentation to support consistent and repeatable production.
Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications, including GD&T, to ensure accurate and compliant part production.
Support quality initiatives by collaborating with quality teams and applying measurement and inspection processes.
Ensure compliance with ISO procedures and established manufacturing standards in all production activities.
Contribute to process improvement efforts aimed at reducing tooling costs, improving quality, and optimizing manufacturing workflows.
Essential Skills
Hands-on CNC programming experience of 3+ years, with direct responsibility for programming CNC mills and lathes.
Proficiency in MasterCam, including generating tool paths, programming complex parts, and troubleshooting machining issues.
Manufacturing engineering experience of at least 1 year, with involvement in production support and process optimization.
Strong CNC machining knowledge covering mills and lathes, including setup practices, feeds, speeds, and cutting parameters.
Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T, ensuring dimensional accuracy and product conformance.
SolidWorks or equivalent CAD proficiency for working with models and engineering data.
Demonstrated process improvement and troubleshooting skills, including reducing cycle times, improving quality, and lowering tooling costs.
Strong blueprint reading and problem-solving abilities in a manufacturing environment.
Effective communication, organization, and computer skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and documenting processes.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent combination of manufacturing experience is highly valued.
Engineering degree is considered a strong plus for this role.
Experience with extrusion manufacturing processes is a major plus.
Background in supporting measurement and inspection processes as part of quality initiatives.
Familiarity with ISO procedures and manufacturing standards.
Experience working with tooling selection, fixturing design, and optimization of manufacturing processes.
Work Environment
This role operates in a production-focused manufacturing environment that includes CNC mills and lathes, MasterCam-based programming stations, and CAD tools such as SolidWorks. You will spend time both in an office or engineering area for programming and documentation and on the shop floor for setups, troubleshooting, and process improvement. The environment emphasizes collaboration between engineering, production, and quality teams, with a strong focus on efficiency, continuous improvement, and adherence to manufacturing and ISO standards. Typical working hours align with standard manufacturing shifts, and you will work around machining equipment, tooling, fixtures, and measurement/inspection technologies in a safety-conscious setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Akron, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $44.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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 Akron,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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.
