Manufacturing Process Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Hiring for a Manufacturing Process Engineer in Cheshire!

Job Description

The Manufacturing Process Engineer supports aerospace manufacturing operations by developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes for complex precision-machined components. This role works closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, CNC Programming, and Production teams to create robust manufacturing methods, process flows, routings, travelers, operation sheets, and work instructions that enable efficient, repeatable, and high-quality production. The engineer provides hands-on production support, troubleshoots manufacturing issues, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and supports New Product Introduction (NPI) activities in a fast-paced aerospace machining environment. Success in this role is measured by the ability to independently develop manufacturing methods, accelerate production readiness, reduce process bottlenecks, support successful product launches, and strengthen the organizations long-term engineering and operational capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing methods for aerospace components from initial engineering release through full-rate production.
• Create detailed process flows, define manufacturing sequences, and select appropriate equipment, tooling, and fixturing to meet quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Own assigned manufacturing processes, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvements in safety, quality, throughput, delivery, and cost.
• Review engineering drawings and 3D models to translate designs into executable manufacturing processes and work instructions.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including routers, travelers, operation sheets, process instructions, and work instructions, ensuring clarity and accuracy for production teams.
• Support daily production activities by troubleshooting manufacturing issues, resolving nonconformances, and removing process bottlenecks on the shop floor.
• Lead or support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, including first article builds, process validation, and manufacturing readiness for new and transferred products.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, CNC Programming, and Production teams to improve throughput, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Support process validation, capability studies, and other qualification activities required for aerospace and highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and process engineering principles to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
• Utilize CAD models and engineering data (preferably in NX) to support process development, tooling design input, and manufacturing documentation.
• Contribute to root cause analysis and corrective actions using structured problem-solving tools such as Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, PFMEA, and related methodologies.
• Participate in or support APQP, PPAP, and other advanced quality planning activities as required by aerospace customers and internal standards.
• Engage in tooling implementation, capacity improvement projects, automation initiatives, and other engineering projects that enhance operational performance.
• Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor, working directly with operators and technicians to ensure processes are followed and continuously improved.
• Communicate effectively across cross-functional teams, providing clear technical guidance, status updates, and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Support the development and refinement of engineering standards, best practices, and documentation to build long-term organizational capability.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing process development and process ownership, preferably in aerospace or precision machining environments.
• Proven ability to independently develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing methods for complex machined components.
• Hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing and machining, including precision machining, rotating hardware, complex components, or highly regulated production processes.
• Strong background in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, and continuous improvement within a production environment.
• Demonstrated experience creating and maintaining manufacturing documentation such as routers, travelers, operation sheets, process instructions, and work instructions.
• Ability to interpret and work from engineering drawings, models, and specifications, including familiarity with GD&T principles.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), first article builds, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Operations, CNC Programming, and Production teams.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and spending significant time on the production floor.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to diverse audiences.
• High attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated history of driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, throughput, delivery, or cost.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Consideration for candidates with equivalent combinations of education and directly applicable manufacturing experience.
• Experience in aerospace, precision machining, rotating hardware, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
• Experience with CAD platforms such as NX (highly preferred), SolidWorks, Creo, or comparable systems, with the ability to ramp quickly on NX if not already proficient.
• Exposure to ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards and methodologies such as GD&T, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, PFMEA, APQP, and PPAP.
• Experience supporting process validations, tooling implementation, capacity improvements, automation initiatives, or continuous improvement projects.
• background in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement tools to drive process efficiency and waste reduction.
• Technical curiosity, adaptability, and comfort working with engineering models and digital manufacturing data.
• Ability to work with a sense of urgency while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
• Capability to interact effectively with senior engineering leadership and contribute to the development of engineering best practices and team capabilities.

Work Environment

This role operates within a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment focused on precision-machined components for commercial and defense programs. The Manufacturing Process Engineer spends a significant portion of time on the production floor, working directly with Operations, Production, Quality, CNC Programming, and Manufacturing Engineering teams. The environment includes machine shop operations with CNC equipment, tooling, and inspection resources, requiring regular hands-on involvement in process development, troubleshooting, and production support. The position involves balancing multiple projects and deadlines while supporting NPI activities, process validations, and continuous improvement initiatives. Team culture emphasizes technical ownership, urgency, problem-solving, collaboration, and a continuous improvement mindset. The role requires wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and being comfortable working in a shop-floor setting where active engagement with operators and technicians is essential.

This is a Permanent position based out of Cheshire, CT.

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $115000.00/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.

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)

This is a Permanent position based out of Cheshire, CT.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 3, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Cheshire,CT.

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 View email address on ziprecruiter.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.