Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob DescriptionThe Manufacturing Engineer designs, implements, and optimizes manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality, repeatable, and cost-effective fabrication of complex electro-mechanical systems. This role focuses on process development, design for manufacturability, tooling and fixture design, documentation, and continuous improvement, while closely collaborating with design, production, and quality teams in a hands-on, onsite manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality, repeatable, and cost-effective fabrication of electro-mechanical systems.
- Develop and document clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions tailored to the fabrication of electro-mechanical assemblies.
- Collaborate closely with design engineers to ensure the manufacturability of systems, applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
- Participate in design reviews and provide feedback on design elements that impact fabrication processes, including material selection, tolerances, and assembly layouts.
- Communicate effectively with designers to address design changes, support prototype testing, and recommend improvements to the system.
- Develop manufacturing plans, production schedules, and resource allocation strategies to meet timelines while adhering to cost and quality objectives.
- Oversee and direct the work of technicians and production personnel on the shop floor to ensure proper fabrication and assembly practices are followed.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation for all processes, including component traceability, inspection data, and testing results.
- Design, develop, and procure tools, jigs, fixtures, and other tooling required for fabrication and assembly of electro-mechanical systems, including cable and wire harnesses and enclosures.
- Implement inspections and functional testing processes at critical stages of production to verify compliance with quality specifications.
- Review inspection and test results, investigate product deficiencies, and initiate corrective actions to resolve quality and performance issues.
- Troubleshoot and address fabrication, assembly, and performance issues that occur during production, driving timely resolution.
- Perform cost analysis and budgeting for materials, equipment, and labor associated with the fabrication process.
- Identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction, such as process improvements, alternative materials, or outsourcing certain manufacturing steps.
- Ensure all manufacturing processes adhere to required safety protocols, standards, and best practices.
- Analyze performance data and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous process improvement initiatives.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation throughout the fabrication lifecycle, including engineering drawings, assembly instructions, test results, and process maps.
- Report progress, challenges, and improvement opportunities to leadership through regular updates and presentations.
- Design and arrange efficient work cell layouts within plant facilities to improve workflow, throughput, and overall operational efficiency.
- Support and mentor technicians and other technical professionals, sharing expertise in fabrication, assembly, and process development as needed.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline with at least 5 years of experience in a similar manufacturing role building electro-mechanical systems, or an Associate degree in engineering with at least 10 years of experience in a similar role.
- Proven background managing manufacturing process development, particularly in assembly, machining, and testing of electro-mechanical systems.
- Strong organization skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver timely results.
- Excellent communication and project management skills to coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to read, interpret, and create assembly and component drawings, engineering specifications, and electrical schematics.
- Ability to use a variety of precision measuring tools and electrical test equipment, including multimeters, micrometers, calipers, and similar metrology devices.
- Proficiency with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, CREO, or similar platforms.
- Experience working with ERP or MRP systems to support manufacturing planning and control.
- Demonstrated experience in fabrication, assembly, and process improvement within a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to design and utilize jigs, fixtures, and tooling for electro-mechanical assembly.
- Eligibility and ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.
- Ability to work onsite in a hands-on manufacturing and production environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience leading and mentoring other technical professionals in a manufacturing or engineering setting.
- Experience with cable harness and wire harness fabrication and assembly.
- Experience with enclosure design and assembly for electro-mechanical systems.
- Familiarity with simulation software used to analyze manufacturing processes or mechanical performance.
- Experience implementing Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles in collaboration with design engineering teams.
- Experience in continuous improvement, including analyzing KPIs and implementing process enhancements.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve fabrication, assembly, and performance issues.
- Ability to prepare and deliver clear reports and presentations on manufacturing progress, challenges, and improvement opportunities.
Work EnvironmentThis role is based fully onsite in a hands-on manufacturing environment supporting the fabrication and assembly of advanced electro-mechanical systems. You will work in plant facilities and shop-floor work cells, collaborating closely with design engineers, technicians, and production personnel. The environment involves regular interaction with tools, jigs, fixtures, and precision measuring equipment such as multimeters, micrometers, and calipers, as well as the use of CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CREO) and ERP/MRP systems to support production planning and documentation. The work setting emphasizes safety, quality, and efficiency, with a strong focus on process development, continuous improvement, and adherence to established procedures and standards. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middletown, RI. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $125000.00/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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middletown, RI. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Middletown,RI.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.
