Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing EngineerThe Manufacturing Engineer develops, improves, and optimizes manufacturing processes to ensure efficient production, high quality standards, and on-time delivery. This role works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Programming teams to support both new and existing product lines, with a strong focus on manufacturability, process consistency, and continuous improvement in an aerospace machining environment.Responsibilities:Develop and maintain manufacturing processes, routings, and detailed work instructions to support consistent and efficient production.Review engineering drawings and specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with production capabilities.Provide hands-on technical support to production teams to troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing issues in a timely manner.Identify, propose, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce costs.Support new product introduction (NPI) activities from concept through full production, ensuring robust and scalable processes.Collaborate with Programming, Quality, and Production teams to optimize cycle times, workflows, and resource utilization.Design and implement tooling, fixtures, and process enhancements to improve manufacturability and operator efficiency.Analyze production data and performance metrics to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.Ensure compliance with customer requirements, internal quality standards, and applicable regulatory requirements, including ITAR where applicable.Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for production and quality issues, documenting findings and solutions.Assist in continuous improvement initiatives such as lean manufacturing, 5S, and waste reduction activities.Provide guidance, mentoring, and technical support to Level I Engineers as needed.Contribute to organizational goals by taking ownership of new and evolving tasks and seeking opportunities to add value.Support production goals related to efficiency, quality, and throughput by actively engaging with cross-functional teams.Perform miscellaneous engineering and production support tasks as assigned.Essential Skills:Minimum of 2 years of experience in an aerospace or aircraft machine shop or manufacturing environment.Experience with CNC machining processes and production workflows.Experience with process development, routing creation, and authoring work instructions.Proficiency in blueprint reading and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling, and materials, particularly for aircraft metals.Ability to read, write, and understand English to interpret technical documentation and communicate effectively.Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.Strong problem-solving and analytical skills for diagnosing and resolving production and quality issues.Strong communication skills and attention to detail when working with cross-functional teams and documentation.Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Ability to work independently and make sound engineering decisions.Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and engineering documentation.Ability to stand for long periods of time on the production floor as needed.Familiarity with safety standards and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in a manufacturing setting.Reliable transportation and the ability to work overtime as needed.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Experience with ERP systems such as JobBoss or similar platforms.Knowledge and hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing environments.Experience with process improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing, 5S, and waste reduction.Experience in machining and tooling, including machine operating in a production environment.Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D modeling software for tooling and fixture design.Ability to use a computer for modeling and documentation of manufacturing processes.Familiarity with manufacturing settings producing aircraft metals, with no plastics or composites.Experience in tooling design for CNC machining and aerospace components.Work Environment:The role is based in a manufacturing and aerospace machining environment focused on producing components from aircraft metals. The Manufacturing Engineer spends time both on the production floor and in an office setting, working closely with CNC machining operations, tooling, and engineering teams. The position requires standing for extended periods while supporting production activities and frequent interaction with operators, programmers, and quality personnel. The environment follows established safety standards and requires the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Work may involve occasional overtime to support production schedules and on-time delivery commitments. The engineer uses tools such as Microsoft Office, ERP systems like JobBoss or similar, and CAD/3D modeling software such as SolidWorks to design tooling, document processes, and analyze production data. The culture emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and adherence to quality and regulatory requirements, including ITAR where applicable.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 $28.00 - $40.00/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 Wichita, KS.Application Deadline:This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.