Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

100% onsite in Kirkland, WA

Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday 6am - 4pm

Job Description

We are seeking an exceptional Manufacturing Engineer to support the build, test, qualification, and production of next-generation spacecraft. In this role, you apply innovative solutions and advanced technologies to solve complex manufacturing and engineering challenges at both system and component levels. You work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure a smooth transition from development to production, with a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and reliability in a low-rate, high-complexity manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical contact for production-related issues, ensuring rapid resolution of problems and implementation of robust long-term corrective actions.

• Manage non-conforming materials within production, including reviewing and approving nonconforming material reports and material review board decisions.

• Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving techniques such as Fishbone Diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis, and DMAIC, and translate findings into effective corrective action plans.

• Create, update, and maintain shop orders, work instructions, and standard operating procedures to support continuous and consistent production flow.

• Develop and maintain clear troubleshooting documentation for production test hardware and systems.

• Collaborate closely with design, quality, and test engineering teams to support both development and production programs, ensuring manufacturability and testability of designs.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, and other Operational Excellence methodologies to enhance safety, quality, cost, and delivery.

• Support integration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical and electronic systems at component, subsystem, and system levels.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of manufacturing processes, including assembly methods, bills of material, and technical documentation.

• Support the implementation and optimization of automated manufacturing processes and test methods where applicable.

• Participate in the triage of production issues, coordinating with cross-functional stakeholders to minimize impact on schedule and product performance.

• Apply data analysis to evaluate production performance, identify trends, and recommend process improvements.

• Support environmental and functional testing activities as needed, ensuring that manufacturing and test processes align with qualification and acceptance requirements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

• Demonstrated experience reviewing and approving nonconforming material within a production environment.

• Experience working in low-rate, high-complexity manufacturing environments, preferably with complex mechanical and electronic systems.

• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles, including 5S and Six Sigma methodologies, and their application in a production setting.

• Proficiency in root cause analysis tools, including Fishbone Diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis, and DMAIC.

• Experience creating and updating work instructions, shop orders, and standard operating procedures for production.

• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control principles, and production systems.

• Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting in a production or manufacturing engineering role.

• Ability to develop and execute corrective action plans based on structured problem-solving and data analysis.

• Strong communication skills to interface effectively with design, quality, test, and production teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with automated manufacturing processes and automated test methods at component, subsystem, and system levels.

• Knowledge of qualification and acceptance test procedures (QTP/ATP), functional testing, and environmental testing such as thermal, acoustic, and vibration testing.

• Demonstrated technical writing skills for documentation such as test plans, standard operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides.

• Experience supporting mixed-model assembly in a complex production environment, such as satellite or spacecraft manufacturing.

• Experience with continuous improvement, process improvement, and operational excellence initiatives in a production environment.

• Familiarity with assembly processes, bill of material structures, and technical documentation best practices.

• Ability to analyze production data and test results to drive improvements in yield, reliability, and throughput.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Kirkland within a production and test environment focused on building a satellite constellation. You work closely with a mixed-model assembly team in a low-rate, high-complexity manufacturing setting that integrates mechanical and electronic systems. The environment emphasizes Lean manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement, with frequent collaboration across design, quality, test, and production functions. Work is performed around integration, functional and environmental testing, and troubleshooting of production hardware. The schedule follows an onsite shift structure, including back-half day coverage, supporting hands-on engagement with production lines and test equipment in a structured, safety-conscious facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/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 Redmond,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 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 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 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.