Process Engineer

Job Title: Process Engineer

Job Description

The Process Engineer designs, improves, and implements manufacturing processes in a high-technology production environment. This role focuses on setting up new production systems, optimizing existing processes, developing documentation, training operators, and leading process-improvement projects. The position is hands-on with automated equipment and production lines and requires close collaboration with engineering, production, quality, facilities, environmental health and safety, and external vendors. The role offers long-term growth opportunities in an organization expanding its technology into the chip manufacturing industry.

Responsibilities

• Improve the safety, quality, and efficiency of manufacturing processes across production lines.

• Design, install, and validate new production tools and processes, ensuring they meet performance and reliability targets.

• Create, update, and maintain detailed work instructions and process documentation for manufacturing operations.

• Train production staff and operators on new or updated processes, tools, and procedures to ensure consistent execution.

• Perform root-cause analysis of process and equipment issues using structured problem-solving tools such as 8D and 5 Why.

• Collect, measure, and interpret production data to monitor performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.

• Troubleshoot issues on the production line, particularly those involving automated equipment and wire bond systems.

• Manage process-improvement and equipment-implementation projects with limited supervision, including planning, execution, and follow-up.

• Provide technical guidance and may oversee technicians or other engineers involved in process and equipment activities.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in engineering, production, quality, facilities, EHS, and vendors to resolve issues and implement improvements.

• Ensure compliance with all safety procedures and standards, including lockout/tagout practices for equipment.

• Support the introduction and optimization of new technologies and production lines aligned with the organization's expansion into chip manufacturing.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with at least 2 years of experience in a production engineering environment focused on processes and equipment, or a minimum of 7 years of equivalent production engineering experience in lieu of a degree.

• Hands-on mechanical and analytical experience in production or laboratory settings.

• Previous experience working in a manufacturing facility environment.

• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting issues on production lines, particularly involving automated equipment.

• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), Lean methodologies, and Six Sigma principles.

• Ability to perform structured root-cause analysis using tools such as 8D and 5 Why.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and documentation.

• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for data analysis, reporting, and documentation.

• Eligibility to work in an ITAR-regulated environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Manufacturing engineering experience with wire bond equipment or other automated equipment.

• Experience with ceramic or industrial part processing.

• Experience managing projects with limited supervision in a production or manufacturing engineering context.

• Ability to train and guide production staff and support technicians or other engineers.

• Experienced in manufacturing engineering with a focus on automated equipment and process optimization.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility that utilizes brand-new machines, production lines, and some of the newest technology in the industry, including automated equipment and wire bond systems. The Process Engineer works closely with the Wire Bond group as part of a collaborative engineering team. The environment emphasizes safety, including adherence to lockout/tagout procedures and other EHS standards. The organization offers a culture of growth and long-term stability, where employees can progress from temporary roles into engineering and leadership positions, supported by low turnover and strong employee retention. Benefits include 10 paid holidays and 5 days of accrued paid time off. The facility operates in an ITAR-regulated setting and is actively diversifying its technology into the chip-making industry, providing exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing processes and equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $82000.00/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 San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.