Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob Description

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support aerospace assembly operations through structured process improvement, robust documentation development, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role focuses on the administrative and procedural aspects of manufacturing engineering, including creating and maintaining detailed work instructions, optimizing manual assembly processes, reducing scrap and rework, and supporting lean manufacturing activities. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in aerospace manufacturing and hands-on experience applying lean principles in a production environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and revise detailed manufacturing work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process documentation for aerospace assembly operations.

• Create and update process sheets, routings, and manufacturing documentation to ensure standardized and repeatable production practices.

• Analyze manual assembly processes to identify opportunities to reduce waste, eliminate scrap, improve product quality, and increase overall efficiency.

• Lead and support lean manufacturing initiatives, including value stream mapping, line balancing, process optimization, and continuous improvement projects.

• Conduct cycle time studies and analyze production data to identify bottlenecks, improve throughput, and enhance production flow.

• Develop and implement corrective actions to improve manufacturing performance and reduce production defects and rework.

• Partner closely with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams to refine assembly procedures and ensure manufacturability of products.

• Support new product introductions and process changes by developing standardized assembly methods, routings, and associated documentation.

• Facilitate lean training and continuous improvement activities across manufacturing teams to promote a culture of operational excellence.

• Monitor key manufacturing metrics and recommend process improvements to achieve operational goals and performance targets.

• Assist with root cause analysis investigations and contribute to the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with aerospace quality standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate and complete documentation.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment.

• Experience developing, managing, and maintaining manufacturing work instructions, process sheets, and assembly documentation.

• Strong knowledge of manual assembly manufacturing processes and production flow optimization.

• Proven experience applying lean manufacturing methodologies in a production environment.

• Hands-on experience conducting value stream mapping, line rebalancing, cycle time analysis, waste reduction initiatives, and scrap reduction projects.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret production data and drive actionable improvements.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and manufacturing documentation systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document processes and collaborate across functions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Demonstrated leadership mindset and previous mentorship experience within manufacturing or engineering teams.

• Formal lean manufacturing training or lean certification.

• Experience working with aerospace quality standards and regulated manufacturing environments.

• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as lean, Six Sigma, or similar tools.

• Experience supporting assembly operations involving complex mechanical or electromechanical products.

• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES).

Work Environment

This role operates within a manual assembly manufacturing environment focused on aerospace products, where precision, documentation accuracy, and adherence to standardized processes are critical. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering, in a setting that emphasizes continuous improvement and lean methodologies. The environment relies heavily on detailed work instructions, process sheets, and manufacturing documentation systems, supported by standard office tools such as the Microsoft Office Suite and integrated ERP/MRP and MES platforms. The culture values data-driven decision-making, teamwork, and proactive problem solving, offering opportunities to lead improvement initiatives and contribute to the optimization of complex assembly operations.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Easley,SC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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.