Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

The Manufacturing Engineer designs and develops mechanical components and systems from concept through production, using SOLIDWORKS and related tools to create and maintain 3D models, assemblies, drawings, and engineering documentation. This role supports product development, prototype build and testing, and continuous improvement of engineering standards, tools, and processes, while ensuring accurate and efficient information flow between engineering and manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Create and modify 3D models, assemblies, drawings, and engineering documentation using SOLIDWORKS and related design tools.
• Support mechanical design and product development activities from initial concept through manufacturing and implementation.
• Assist with prototype development, including build, testing, validation, and design improvement based on test results and feedback.
• Perform engineering calculations, analysis, troubleshooting, and technical research to support design decisions and resolve issues.
• Collaborate with manufacturing personnel to resolve design, fabrication, assembly, and documentation issues on existing and new products.
• Participate in design reviews and help identify opportunities to improve product performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Assist in the development and improvement of engineering standards, templates, libraries, tools, and processes to enhance consistency and efficiency.
• Learn, use, and support engineering systems such as CAD, PDM, ERP, and related company applications.
• Contribute to engineering automation initiatives and help develop tools that reduce repetitive work and improve accuracy and consistency.
• Work with engineering data using Excel, databases, scripting, or other appropriate software tools to organize, analyze, and present information.
• Support the flow of information from engineering to manufacturing, including drawings, bills of material, product data, and technical documentation.
• Participate in special engineering development projects involving new technologies, software, automation, or process improvements.
• Document engineering work, testing results, procedures, and developed solutions in a clear and organized manner.
• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, IT, and other departments to achieve project and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong engineering fundamentals with demonstrated problem-solving ability.
• Experience with 3D CAD software, preferably SOLIDWORKS.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations, analysis, and troubleshooting.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to collaborate effectively across departments.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate engineering documentation.
• Ability to learn unfamiliar tools, systems, and processes quickly and apply them effectively.
• Demonstrated initiative and technical curiosity in engineering and product development contexts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience gained through academic projects, internships, research, student engineering teams, or personal technical projects in relevant engineering areas.
• Exposure to engineering drawings and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Exposure to manufacturing and fabrication processes.
• Experience or exposure to prototype development, testing, and data collection.
• Familiarity with programming or scripting for engineering tools or automation.
• Exposure to engineering analysis, controls, or electronics.
• Experience working with databases or engineering data management tools.
• Exposure to engineering automation initiatives and related tools.
• Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems for managing product data and revisions.
• Exposure to ERP systems supporting engineering-to-manufacturing workflows.

Work Environment

The Manufacturing Engineer works in a collaborative, cross-functional environment alongside Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, IT, and other teams. The role involves regular use of 3D CAD tools such as SOLIDWORKS, as well as PDM and ERP systems, Excel, databases, and scripting tools to manage and analyze engineering data. Work includes both desk-based design and documentation activities and close interaction with manufacturing personnel and prototype builds, supporting a culture of continuous improvement, technical curiosity, and shared problem-solving.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $33.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in San Diego, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 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.