Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

This Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on setting up, programming, and operating CNC lathes in a heavy-duty shop environment that supports large-scale power generation equipment and their subassemblies. You will work directly with advanced CNC machinery, interpret complex engineering blueprints, and ensure that close tolerance requirements are consistently achieved. The position combines hands-on machining, CNC programming, and continuous improvement activities within a modern, well-invested facility serving the growing energy sector.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes in a shop environment to support production of large-scale power generation components and subassemblies.
• Read, interpret, and edit CNC programs to ensure quality, throughput, and equipment efficiency goals are consistently achieved.
• Utilize G and M code experience to program and adjust CNC lathes, ensuring accurate and efficient machining operations.
• Interpret engineered blueprint drawings and work instructions to determine machining requirements and sequence of operations.
• Apply a solid understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to meet design intent and ensure parts conform to specifications.
• Set up and safely use various inspection tools and gauges, including inner diameter (I/D) and outer diameter (O/D) micrometers, calipers, Pi-tape, bore gauges, Tri-mics, and thread gauges.
• Verify that close tolerance requirements in the range of approximately 0.0005" to 0.005" are consistently achieved by the machines.
• Determine optimal machining feeds, speeds, and tool selections to balance part quality, tool life, and production efficiency.
• Program and operate CNC lathes using Mazatrol controls, including vertical turning lathes, for large and complex components.
• Follow detailed blueprints and work instructions to program lathes for the manufacture and service of large-scale power generation equipment and their subassemblies.
• Contribute to lean manufacturing initiatives by identifying waste, improving workflow, and supporting standardized work practices.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by recommending process enhancements, tooling changes, and programming optimizations.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot machining issues and ensure that quality and delivery targets are met.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience setting up and operating CNC lathes in a production or heavy-duty shop environment.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and edit CNC programs to improve quality and efficiency.
• Hands-on experience with G and M codes for CNC programming and machine operation.
• Strong blueprint interpretation skills, including the ability to understand complex engineered drawings.
• Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and its application in machining.
• Ability to set up and accurately use inspection tools and gauges such as I/D and O/D micrometers, calipers, Pi-tape, bore gauges, Tri-mics, and thread gauges.
• Capability to achieve and maintain close machining tolerances in the range of approximately 0.0005" to 0.005".
• Experience determining appropriate machining feeds, speeds, and cutting tools for various materials and operations.
• Familiarity with Mazatrol controls and operation of vertical turning lathes.
• Experience following blueprints and work instructions to program and run CNC lathes for large-scale equipment.
• Preferably an associate degree or machinist-related certification with 3+ years of relevant experience, or 4+ years of experience without a formal degree or certification.
• Experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technical, manufacturing, or machining-related field, or a machinist-related certification (preferred).
• At least 3+ years of machining or CNC lathe experience with a relevant degree/certification, or 4+ years of experience without formal credentials.
• Experience working with large-scale power generation equipment, such as components for gas or wind turbines.
• Exposure to heavy-duty plant engineering environments and large, complex systems.
• Demonstrated participation in lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Comfort working with advanced equipment, systems, and controls in a high-precision manufacturing setting.

Work Environment

The role is based in a heavy-duty plant engineering environment focused on large systems for the power industry, including gas and wind turbine components and related subassemblies. You will work in a large, modern facility that is receiving significant investment and ongoing work, providing access to advanced CNC equipment, Mazatrol-controlled lathes, vertical turning lathes, and sophisticated inspection tools. The facility supports the growing energy sector, including applications for data centers, electric vehicles, and other large-scale power generation needs. The environment emphasizes lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and collaboration across engineering and production teams. Work is performed in a shop setting around large machinery and heavy components, with appropriate industrial attire and safety gear required in accordance with plant safety standards.

This is a Contract position based out of Greenville, SC.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Greenville,SC.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 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.