Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer (Process / Industrial Engineer)

This role focuses on driving efficient operation and continuous improvement within a production environment, with a particular emphasis on assembly, testing, and manufacturing processes. You will collaborate closely with operations, quality, and design engineering teams to ensure products meet functional, performance, reliability, and quality requirements. The position involves significant cross-functional and cross-site collaboration, process optimization, and support of automation and lean initiatives, with the potential to transition from a 6-month project to a full-time opportunity based on performance.

Responsibilities

• Support production by participating in assembly and test reviews to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure robust processes.
• Optimize manufacturing and production processes through time studies, process analysis, and implementation of lean manufacturing initiatives to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the development, environmental qualification, and production testing of line replaceable unit (LRU) assets and associated acceptance test equipment.
• Support maintenance and safety programs to help ensure machines and equipment operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.
• Assist in resolving issues that could impact on-time shipment of multiple product lines, helping to maintain delivery commitments and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate closely with other company sites and cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, production, and program management, to align engineering strategies and share best practices.
• Ensure all engineering and production support activities comply with relevant aerospace and defense industry regulations, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Prepare, refine, and support work instructions and other process documentation to ensure clear, consistent, and repeatable manufacturing practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying root causes of problems, proposing corrective actions, and implementing sustainable solutions in the production environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in the aerospace or related industry with hands-on experience in a production environment.
• Proven experience in process improvement and process engineering within a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and their application to production processes.
• Experience with manufacturing processes and the creation or support of work instructions.
• Strong background in test equipment design, test engineering, environmental qualification, and manufacturing is a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with aerospace and defense industry regulations, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Excellent planning skills with the ability to coordinate and prioritize work in a dynamic production environment.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a track record of implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including operations, quality, design engineering, manufacturing, and production.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working directly on the production floor supporting new or existing manufacturing lines.
• Exposure to automation initiatives and the integration of test and manufacturing equipment into production processes.
• Ability to translate engineering requirements into clear, practical work instructions and process documentation.
• Strong communication skills to facilitate collaboration with design, manufacturing, production, and program management teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a project-based environment, meeting deadlines and supporting on-time delivery of product lines.
• Motivation to grow within the organization, with the potential to transition from a project role to a full-time position based on performance.

Work Environment

This position is primarily based on the production floor, where you will help set up and support a new manufacturing line going into production. You will work closely with another process engineer assigned to the same project and interact regularly with design, manufacturing, production, and program management teams. The environment is hands-on and fast-paced, centered around production support, test equipment, and continuous improvement activities. The role is structured as a 6-month project with the possibility of conversion to a full-time position depending on performance and business needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Valencia, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $57.00 - $57.69/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Valencia, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 click.appcast.io 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.