Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob DescriptionWe are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to build and scale a prototyping and low-rate production operation for complex electromechanical products. In this individual contributor role, you design and validate assembly processes, commission equipment, and drive continuous build-to-build improvements in a fast-moving environment where each build may differ from the last. You operate comfortably in ambiguous, rapidly evolving conditions, leading by example on the factory floor while providing day-to-day technical leadership to engineers and technicians. This position rewards strong technical execution, cross-functional collaboration, and a bias toward rapid learning and iteration.Responsibilities
- Develop and validate assembly methods, including mechanical joining, fastening, adhesive bonding, press-fits, human-assisted automation, and robotic assembly, with a strong focus on rapid iteration and reconfigurability between builds.
- Drive the overall manufacturing line concept, including line design, requirements definition, station sizing and balancing, cycle-time analysis, material flow planning, vendor selection, equipment specification, installation, and commissioning, with an emphasis on flexibility and speed of learning.
- Define build instrumentation and data capture strategies to maximize learning from each build cycle, and translate build observations into actionable process feedback.
- Contribute to structured build reports and lessons-learned processes that inform subsequent design and process iterations.
- Design and build quick-turn fixtures and tooling to support evolving assembly needs, making pragmatic build-versus-buy decisions and recognizing when an 80% solution is sufficient to learn and move forward.
- Leverage rapid prototyping methods, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and modular framing, to create and refine process tooling quickly.
- Partner closely with product design teams to provide design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) input, and advocate for simple, reliable, and scalable assembly processes as designs evolve.
- Engage with equipment original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), tooling suppliers, automation integrators, and key production partners to ensure equipment and tooling meet technical and operational requirements.
- Drive production readiness and operational performance by focusing on safety, quality, throughput, and scrap reduction across prototype, NPI, and low-rate production builds.
- Identify opportunities to densify the manufacturing footprint, eliminate non-value-added operations, and implement meaningful improvements from one build iteration to the next.
- Develop and standardize assembly processes, control plans, maintenance strategies, and operational documentation that are appropriate for the maturity level of the product and process.
- Provide day-to-day technical leadership on the build team by coordinating work across engineers and technicians, setting priorities for each build, and aligning cross-functional partners on timing, risks, and status.
- Mentor junior engineers, promote best practices, and contribute to a culture of technical excellence, safety, and operational discipline.
- Support commissioning, startup, and ramp-up of new or modified assembly operations, ensuring smooth transitions from prototype builds to higher maturity production.
- Execute and refine design-build-test loops in environments with evolving specifications and incomplete documentation, ensuring that each loop delivers measurable learning and process improvement.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline.
- 7+ years of direct manufacturing engineering experience in assembly environments for complex electromechanical products, including prototyping, new product introduction (NPI), or low-rate initial production.
- Proven experience supporting commissioning, startup, and ramp-up of assembly operations in a production or development setting.
- Strong knowledge of assembly methods, including mechanical joining, fastening, adhesive bonding, press-fits, human-assisted automation, and robotic assembly.
- Demonstrated track record of driving design-build-test loops and rapid physical iteration in environments with evolving specifications and incomplete documentation.
- Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams in fast-paced, high-ambiguity environments, aligning stakeholders and resolving issues quickly.
- Experience providing technical leadership and coordinating the work of engineers and technicians on build or project teams.
- Comfort working hands-on on the manufacturing floor, including performing repetitive physical tasks such as lifting, bending, and reaching as needed to support builds.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with build instrumentation, data capture, and structured lessons-learned processes in prototype or development builds.
- Experience using rapid prototyping methods for process tooling, including 3D printing, laser cutting, and modular framing systems.
- Experience working in R&D, skunkworks, or advanced development environments where requirements and designs evolve quickly.
- Experience partnering with product design teams to provide manufacturability (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) input throughout the product lifecycle.
- Solid understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies, with a Green Belt certification preferred.
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent advanced technical discipline.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and eliminate non-value-added operations and drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, throughput, and scrap reduction.
- Strong communication and documentation skills, including the ability to create clear process documentation, control plans, and maintenance strategies.
- Proven ability to mentor junior engineers and contribute positively to a culture of technical rigor, safety, and operational discipline.
Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a fast-paced prototyping and low-rate production environment focused on complex electromechanical assemblies. You work closely with engineers, technicians, equipment suppliers, and automation partners on or near the manufacturing floor. The work involves hands-on engagement with assembly processes, fixtures, and tooling, and may include repetitive physical tasks such as lifting, bending, and reaching during build activities. You will regularly use rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and modular framing systems to develop and refine process tooling. The environment emphasizes safety, technical excellence, and continuous learning, with frequent design-build-test cycles and evolving product specifications. Work hours may align with standard production schedules, with flexibility required to support critical builds, commissioning activities, and ramp-up events. The culture values collaboration, experimentation, and operational discipline, providing opportunities to influence both product design and manufacturing strategy. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Wilmington, MA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $80.00 - $90.00/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 position based out of Wilmington, MA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Wilmington,MA.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.
