Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob DescriptionThis Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on developing, improving, and supporting aerospace manufacturing processes for complex fabricated and machined components. You will create robust process documentation, design and validate machining methods, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced, highly regulated aerospace environment. The position offers significant opportunities for professional growth as the organization continues to expand and invest in new programs.
Responsibilities
- Create detailed work instructions (MOTs), setup sheets, and comprehensive process plans for aerospace fabrication and machining operations.
- Design, develop, and validate machining processes for complex aerospace fabrications and assemblies.
- Develop tooling solutions, including fixtures, work holding devices, gauges, and cutting tools to ensure repeatable, high-quality production.
- Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve manufacturing and quality issues using structured problem-solving methods.
- Support and lead continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives across manufacturing processes.
- Perform manufacturability reviews on technical drawings to ensure designs are suitable for production and meet aerospace standards.
- Develop, implement, and maintain routers and related manufacturing documentation to ensure process consistency and traceability.
- Participate in internal and external audits, including customer and regulatory audits, and support compliance with aerospace quality standards such as AS9100 and ISO 9001.
- Collaborate closely with quality, engineering, and production teams to execute internal quality programs and drive process improvements.
- Work with customer requirements and OEM specifications to ensure all products meet aerospace industry standards.
Essential Skills
- 35 years of experience in aerospace fabrication, welding, forming, machining, and processing.
- At least 2 years of experience developing machining processes for complex assemblies.
- A minimum of 3 years working with brake presses, CNC punching, laser cutting, hydroforming, CNC lathes and mills, and welding operations.
- Hands-on manufacturing engineering experience in an aerospace environment, including machining and fabrication of metal components.
- Proficiency in CAD software, with SolidWorks required and the ability to rate proficiency at a minimum of 6 out of 10.
- Experience working with complex aerospace materials and OEM requirements, including those from major aerospace companies such as RTX/Raytheon, Honeywell, and Parker Hannifin.
- Knowledge and practical application of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
- Experience with quality engineering tools, including PPAP and APQP, in an aerospace or precision machining context.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct and support internal and external audits in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong skills in root cause and corrective action methodologies, including 5 Whys and fishbone (Ishikawa) analysis.
- Bachelors degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Eligibility to work in the United States in a role that requires U.S. citizenship.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in a contract manufacturing environment producing aerospace machined metal components.
- Background in leading or supporting quality-focused teams in a manufacturing setting.
- Familiarity with AS9100 requirements and aerospace regulatory bodies.
- Experience participating in customer audits and working directly with aerospace customers.
- Exposure to continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, efficiency, and quality enhancement.
- Proficiency with Mastercam or similar CAM software is a plus.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, quality, and production teams.
- Ability to interpret complex technical drawings, specifications, and OEM standards.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment with evolving customer and production demands.
Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a dynamic aerospace manufacturing environment that includes fabrication, machining, welding, and forming operations. You will work closely with the General Manager and cross-functional teams, participating in internal quality program execution, customer audits, and audits by regulatory bodies such as those associated with AS9100 and ISO 9001. The facility utilizes advanced equipment including brake presses, CNC punching machines, laser cutting systems, hydroforming equipment, CNC lathes and mills, and welding stations. The organization is experiencing significant growth over the next several years, supported by strong financial backing and new long-term aerospace contracts, creating clear opportunities for advancement. The culture emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and process excellence. A performance-based bonus program and a 401(k) plan with a matching contribution (subject to a vesting period) support long-term career and financial development. Dress and conduct are consistent with a professional manufacturing and engineering environment, with appropriate safety and production attire required on the shop floor. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of PHOENIX, AZ. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $45.67 - $60.10/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 PHOENIX, AZ. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in PHOENIX,AZ.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.