Job Title: Engineering Manager Precision ManufacturingJob DescriptionThis role leads the engineering function within a precision manufacturing environment, overseeing product development, tooling, and continuous improvement from concept through production. The Engineering Manager mentors a multidisciplinary team, owns all engineering projects and procedures, and ensures that engineering outputs meet customer requirements, quality standards, and business objectives in high-demand sectors such as semiconductor, aerospace, and defense.Responsibilities
- Serve as a key member of the management team and contribute to setting and executing the companys technical and operational direction.
- Manage and mentor a team of approximately six engineering and technical professionals, including design engineers, office engineers, programmers, and machinists, acting as both a leader and a hands-on support resource.
- Oversee day-to-day engineering department operations to ensure organization, efficiency, and consistent adherence to deadlines.
- Assume full responsibility for all engineering projects and personnel, including the creation, implementation, and maintenance of engineering procedures and work instructions.
- Ensure engineering projects are completed on time and within budget, proactively monitoring progress and adjusting plans as needed.
- Drive product development efforts that meet and exceed customer requirements, ensuring designs are tailored to specific needs based on input from customers and sales teams.
- Lead continuous improvement projects and tooling initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes, quality, and throughput.
- Ensure all digital engineering dataincluding bills of materials (BOM), manufacturing drawings, and engineering change orders (ECO)are accurately created, stored, and entered into the ERP system.
- Maintain compliance with ISO standards, particularly ISO 9001:2015, and ensure robust, repeatable engineering processes are in place and followed.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing and operations, to support production from initial design through final delivery.
- Plan and manage current engineering projects while proactively preparing for future pipeline requirements and resource needs.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and professional growth within the engineering department, encouraging problem-solving and continuous learning.
- Formulate long-term objectives and performance standards for the engineering department and ensure they are effectively communicated and implemented.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline, preferably Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
- 5+ years of total engineering experience with at least 3+ years in an engineering management or leadership role.
- Proven experience in engineering management within a precision manufacturing environment.
- Strong mechanical engineering background with hands-on exposure to machining and CNC operations.
- Knowledge of CNC programming and machining processes, including CNC routers and related equipment.
- Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing setting.
- Ability to manage complex engineering projects, including planning, scheduling, and budget oversight.
- Proficiency in interpreting and applying GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) to ensure precise manufacturing outcomes.
- Experience with fixture design and tooling to support efficient and accurate production.
- Understanding of contract manufacturing environments and associated engineering requirements.
- Ability to develop and enforce engineering procedures, work instructions, and standards of performance.
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills with the ability to develop technical talent.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to balance multiple projects and priorities.
- Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and translating customer and sales input into technical solutions.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working in precision manufacturing organizations serving semiconductor, aerospace, and defense industries.
- Familiarity with ERP systems and best practices for managing engineering data such as BOMs, manufacturing drawings, and ECOs.
- background in continuous improvement methodologies and tooling optimization projects.
- Exposure to robotic machining centers and advanced CNC systems in a production environment.
- Experience operating under ISO 9001:2015 standards and contributing to quality system improvements.
- Track record of supporting internal promotions, skill-building, and mentorship programs within engineering teams.
- Demonstrated ability to foster a culture that values adaptability, proactive problem-solving, and innovation.
Work EnvironmentThis position is fully on-site, working primarily Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role typically requires approximately 50 hours per week, with actual working hours driven by project progress and departmental needs rather than a strict clock-in/clock-out schedule. The environment is a precision manufacturing facility operating under ISO 9001:2015 standards, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as robotic machining centers, CNC systems, and advanced tooling. The noise level is usually moderate and may occasionally increase due to production activities. The culture emphasizes people-first values, long-term career stability, and growth, with opportunities for internal promotion, skill development, and mentorship. Employees benefit from competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a setting that rewards flexibility, accountability, and proactive problem-solving. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fairfield, NJ. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $72.12 - $76.92/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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fairfield, NJ. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 26, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Fairfield,NJ.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.
