Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer (Aerospace & Defense)
Job Description
The Manufacturing Engineer supports aerospace and defense programs by developing and maintaining robust manufacturing processes, documentation, and tooling for complex products and mechanisms. This role focuses on solving manufacturing problems, improving processes through Lean and continuous improvement methodologies, and ensuring new and existing designs are producible, efficient, and compliant with quality standards. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and production personnel to optimize manufacturing cells, implement automated test and assembly solutions, and drive successful execution of production programs.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain comprehensive manufacturing documentation, including product structures, routings, process specifications, and tooling documentation.
Investigate manufacturing process failures, perform root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
Coordinate with design, quality, production, and other departments to ensure the production viability of new designs and support design-for-manufacturing activities.
Create, review, and obtain internal approval for all required manufacturing documentation associated with new and existing products.
Interface daily with production personnel, including operators, quality inspectors, and shop floor supervisors, to resolve issues and support smooth production flow.
Implement Lean manufacturing methodologies such as standard work, point-of-use tooling, optimized material presentation, and continuous process improvements.
Develop automated test fixtures and assembly tools to improve quality, repeatability, and efficiency of manufacturing operations.
Design and develop layouts for manufacturing cells, including the placement and selection of tooling, machinery, and equipment.
Create and maintain Process Failure Modes and Effects Analyses (PFMEA) to identify and mitigate process risks.
Create standard work instructions and contribute to the planning and optimization of manufacturing cells.
Track the status of operations milestones and tasks for production programs, ensuring timely completion and alignment with project objectives.
Create tool assemblies and associated drawings, and input tool assemblies into the tool setter database.
Develop Process Qualification and Process Review (PQPR) documentation or equivalent for machining part families to ensure consistent quality and performance.
Apply design-for-manufacturing principles to improve manufacturability, reduce cost, and enhance product quality.
Use formal problem analysis and resolution techniques to address complex manufacturing challenges and drive continuous improvement.
Utilize project management skills to document, plan, and execute manufacturing engineering projects and program deliverables.
Essential Skills
Hands-on experience in manufacturing engineering within a production environment.
Demonstrated experience with process improvement and manufacturing optimization.
Proficiency with CAD and 3D modeling tools, including assembly creation and detailed drawings.
Strong understanding and practical application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Experience in designing tooling and fixtures for manufacturing and assembly operations.
Knowledge and practical use of design-for-manufacturing methods and techniques.
Knowledge of space vehicle mechanisms and systems or similar aerospace mechanisms.
Experience working with aerospace products and manufacturing processes.
Proficiency in Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing practices, including standard work and waste reduction.
Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) systems.
Proficiency with MS Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Familiarity with and ability to work in MS Project for scheduling and project tracking.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to lead programs and projects.
Ability to perform formal problem analysis and resolution using structured methodologies.
Project management skills, including the ability to document, plan, and execute manufacturing engineering programs.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience supporting aerospace and defense programs and complex mechanical assemblies.
History in developing automated test fixtures and assembly tools.
Experience creating and maintaining PFMEA documentation.
Experience developing manufacturing cell layouts and optimizing equipment and material flow.
Exposure to design-for-manufacturing reviews in collaboration with design engineering.
Ability to communicate effectively across cross-functional teams and with shop floor personnel.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and milestones simultaneously.
Motivation to work on cutting-edge aerospace initiatives such as space vehicles, advanced mechanisms, and related technologies.
Interest in career growth within a rapidly expanding organization with strong internal promotion and mobility.
Work Environment
This position operates in a manufacturing environment focused on aerospace and defense products, including space vehicle mechanisms and related systems. The role involves frequent interaction on the shop floor with operators, quality inspectors, and supervisors, as well as collaboration with engineering, quality, and project teams in an office or engineering lab setting. Typical work uses CAD and 3D modeling software, ERP/MRP systems, MS Office tools, and MS Project, along with exposure to manufacturing equipment, tooling, and automated test fixtures. The schedule follows a 9/80 work pattern, providing every other Friday off, with flexible work hours to support worklife balance. The environment emphasizes continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, and strong internal promotion, offering opportunities to contribute to high-visibility aerospace programs and to advance within a rapidly growing organization. Dress expectations align with a professional manufacturing and engineering setting, with appropriate attire and safety considerations on the production floor.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Moorpark, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $140000.00/yr.
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.
Medical insurance 401(k) plan with company matching and 100% vesting upon start Paid parental leave Tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate tuition, books, and fees Annual Incentive Program (bonus program) Employee wellness programs Development opportunities, mentorship, and career growth program
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Moorpark, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Moorpark,CA.
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.
