Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

The Manufacturing Engineer defines and optimizes methods for fabricating and assembling components to meet kit requirements, while driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. This role develops concepts for part interchangeability and replacement, evaluates and implements new manufacturing equipment, and ensures departmental procedures align with evolving certification standards and company policies. The engineer provides technical training and support to the department, leads program reviews and cost reduction initiatives, and serves as a key technical resource for methods and materials on bids for proposed projects and programs.

Responsibilities:

• Define the most efficient methods to fabricate and assemble components to meet kit requirements.
• Prepare and develop concepts that support interchangeability and part replacement as needed.
• Determine requirements for new manufacturing equipment and oversee its implementation into production processes.
• Support process improvement initiatives by reviewing industry-related publications and incorporating evolving certification standards and best practices.
• Integrate technological and procedural advancements into departmental processes and procedures.
• Monitor project workflow and adjust personnel tasks to ensure effective support of project activities.
• Provide technical training, guidance, and assistance to departmental staff on manufacturing methods and tools.
• Ensure departmental and company policies are incorporated into all new document releases and process updates.
• Initiate and lead program reviews to assess performance, quality, and efficiency.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives, system modifications, and data management activities to improve operational effectiveness.
• Act as the focal point for Methods and Materials for rough order of magnitude (ROM) bids for proposed projects and programs.
• Provide practical solutions to a variety of technical and business-related problems of moderate scope and complexity.
• Collaborate closely with design teams and methods engineers, using CATIA to support tool design and manufacturing solutions.
• Interpret and work with both 2D and 3D drawings to develop and refine manufacturing processes.
• Utilize MRP systems and related databases to support material planning and supply chain activities in an aerospace environment.

Essential Skills:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant tool design experience, working closely with design teams and methods engineering, including CATIA.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Methods, Material Planning, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and outside of the box when solving manufacturing and tooling challenges.
• Proficiency with 2D and 3D drawings for interpreting designs and developing manufacturing processes.
• Thorough knowledge of aircraft systems and how they integrate into overall assemblies.
• Thorough knowledge of aircraft parts and the locations of their installations.
• Thorough knowledge of CATIA v4 and/or v5, including modeling and analysis capabilities.
• Thorough understanding of technical principles and theories related to manufacturing fundamentals.
• Thorough knowledge of MRP principles and supply chain management processes.
• Thorough knowledge of CAS, SAP, MACPAC, and OSDB databases for manufacturing and materials management.
• Basic project management skills sufficient to participate effectively on inter-departmental and intra-departmental teams and special projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• University degree preferred; college-level education is acceptable.
• Experience working within an aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Experience with material planning and methods engineering in support of complex assemblies.
• Comfort working fully onsite and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for addressing technical and business issues.
• Effective communication skills for providing training, leading reviews, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

Work Environment:

This role is fully onsite in Wichita, with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The position operates in a manufacturing and engineering environment focused on aerospace products, with regular interaction with design, methods, and production teams. Work involves frequent use of engineering software such as CATIA v4/v5, MRP systems, and databases including CAS, SAP, MACPAC, and OSDB. Onsite collaboration is emphasized, and local candidates may participate in onsite interviews. The environment supports hands-on engagement with manufacturing processes, equipment, and tooling, requiring appropriate professional attire suitable for an engineering and production setting.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/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)

Application Deadline:

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

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.

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.