Manufacturing Process Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Process EngineerJob Description

The Manufacturing Process Engineer plays a critical role in supporting aerospace manufacturing operations by developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes for complex, precisionmachined components. This position partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, CNC Programming, and Production teams to create robust manufacturing methods, process flows, routings, travelers, operation sheets, and work instructions that enable efficient, repeatable, and highquality production. The engineer provides hands-on production support, troubleshoots manufacturing issues, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and leads New Product Introduction (NPI) activities within a fast-paced aerospace machining environment. Success in this role is measured by the ability to independently develop and own manufacturing methods, accelerate production readiness, reduce process bottlenecks, support successful product launches, and strengthen the organizations long-term engineering and operational capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for aerospace components from initial engineering release through full-rate production.

• Create and maintain detailed process flows, routings, travelers, operation sheets, and work instructions that clearly define manufacturing requirements for production teams.

• Determine manufacturing sequences, select appropriate equipment and tooling, and ensure processes meet quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

• Review engineering drawings and 3D models daily to translate designs into executable manufacturing methods and process documentation.

• Serve as a key technical resource on the manufacturing floor, providing hands-on production support and troubleshooting manufacturing issues in real time.

• Lead and support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, including first article builds, process validation, and manufacturing readiness for new and modified products.

• Partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations, CNC Programming, and Production teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and improve throughput, quality, and delivery performance.

• Develop and maintain routers, travelers, and other manufacturing documentation to support safe, efficient, and consistent execution of production work.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, throughput, delivery, and cost, using Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies where applicable.

• Identify and reduce process bottlenecks, implement corrective and preventive actions, and support capacity improvements and automation initiatives.

• Utilize CAD models and engineering data, ideally within an NX environment, to support process creation, tooling definition, and production execution.

• Support tooling implementation, process validations, and APQP/PPAP-related activities as needed for new and existing aerospace programs.

• Contribute to the successful launch and transition of products from development into stable production, ensuring robust processes and documentation are in place.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to align manufacturing processes with aerospace quality standards, customer requirements, and internal compliance expectations.

• Maintain strong shop-floor presence, working directly with operators and technicians to ensure processes are understood, followed, and continuously improved.

• Communicate clearly and proactively with stakeholders on project status, risks, and improvement opportunities, and document changes to processes and methods.

• Support long-term development of the engineering function by sharing best practices, mentoring peers where appropriate, and contributing to standardization of manufacturing methods.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing process development and process ownership, preferably in an aerospace or similarly regulated manufacturing environment.

• Proven ability to independently develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing methods for complex, precision-machined components.

• Hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing and machining, ideally involving precision machining, rotating hardware, complex components, or highly regulated production processes.

• Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing constraints and quality expectations, with the ability to translate engineering designs into executable manufacturing processes.

• Demonstrated experience creating and maintaining routers, travelers, operation sheets, process instructions, and work instructions for production teams.

• Proficiency in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, and process improvement within a fast-paced production environment.

• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), including first article builds, process validation, and manufacturing readiness activities.

• Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing issues on the shop floor and drive effective corrective and preventive actions.

• Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Operations, CNC Programming, and Production teams.

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make sound technical decisions with minimal supervision.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly document processes and requirements.

• Comfort working extensively on the manufacturing floor in a machining environment, supporting production and implementing process improvements.

• Demonstrated history of driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, throughput, delivery, or cost.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred; candidates with equivalent combinations of education and directly applicable manufacturing experience will be considered.

• Experience supporting aerospace, precision machining, rotating hardware, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.

• Experience with CAD platforms such as NX (highly preferred), SolidWorks, Creo, or comparable systems, with the ability to work from engineering drawings and 3D models.

• Ability to quickly learn and operate within an NX environment if primary experience is with other CAD platforms.

• Exposure to ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar tools used to manage routings, bills of material, and production orders.

• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards and practices, including GD&T and industry-standard quality requirements.

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies, including tools such as Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, PFMEA, APQP, and PPAP.

• Experience supporting tooling implementation, capacity improvements, automation initiatives, and continuous improvement projects.

• Proven ability to work with urgency, manage multiple priorities, and perform effectively in a deadline-driven manufacturing environment.

• Technically curious and adaptable mindset, with a strong desire to broaden expertise across multiple manufacturing processes.

• Ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels, including regular interaction with senior engineering leadership.

Work Environment

This role operates in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment focused on precision-machined components for commercial and defense programs. The Manufacturing Process Engineer spends a significant portion of time on the production floor in a machine shop setting, working directly with operators, technicians, and cross-functional teams in Operations, Production, Quality, CNC Programming, and Manufacturing Engineering. The position involves hands-on process development, troubleshooting, NPI support, and continuous improvement activities while managing multiple projects and deadlines. Required personal protective equipment is worn as appropriate for a machining environment, and the engineer regularly interacts with CNC equipment, inspection tools, and computer-based systems such as CAD and ERP/MRP platforms. The culture emphasizes technical ownership, urgency, problem-solving, collaboration, and a continuous improvement mindset, offering long-term career growth, exposure to complex aerospace components and high-value programs, and opportunities to influence how products are built and how the engineering team evolves over time.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Newington, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $115000.00/yr.

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.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, paid holidays, PTO, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities. Many salaried employees participate in a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off. Employees also benefit from long-term career growth opportunities within a global aerospace and defense organization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Newington, CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Newington,CT.

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.