Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting both new product introduction and sustaining manufacturing operations by developing robust processes, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring products are ready for efficient, high-quality production throughout their lifecycle. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, lead key engineering activities, and provide hands-on support on the production floor to meet quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

Strong New Product Introduction (NPI) Experience

• Proven involvement in NPI from design through production ramp

• Ability to lead NPI phases (proof of manufacturing, ramp, lifecycle support)

• Experience collaborating across engineering, quality, and production teams

Expertise in DFx & FMEA Methodologies

• Hands-on use of Design for Excellence (DFx) principles: Design for Manufacturing, Assembly, Test, Reliability, Service

• Strong experience with: DFMEA (Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis) PFMEA (Process FMEA)

• Ability to identify and mitigate product/process risks early

Manufacturing Process Development & Continuous Improvement

• Experience creating and optimizing: Work instructions, routings, BOMs

• Experience in: Lean manufacturing / Six Sigma / continuous improvement

• Ability to drive quality, efficiency, and cost reductions

Technical Engineering Skills (Design + Troubleshooting)

• Experience with: 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar)

• GD&T (ANSI Y14.5 standards)

• Ability to:Troubleshoot electromechanical assemblies

• Support tooling, fixtures, and production improvements

ECO, ERP (SAP), and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Experience managing:Engineering Change Orders (ECOs)

• BOM structures in ERP systems (SAP or similar)

• Strong communication skills:Presenting to leadership

• Working cross-functionally with design, quality, supply chain

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing environment that supports highly engineered, low-volume, high-mix capital equipment incorporating mechanical, electronic, and software components. You will spend significant time on the production floor working closely with production, test, and quality teams, as well as in an office setting performing documentation, analysis, and reporting. Some processes take place in a cleanroom environment, and you must be able to comply with cleanroom protocols and attire as required. The position involves the use of 3D CAD tools, ERP systems such as SAP, Microsoft Office, and various production test equipment, fixtures, and tooling. During the first six months, the role may require approximately 50% domestic travel within California for training and NPI collaboration, followed by less than 20% domestic travel. International travel of around four weeks per year may be required depending on project assignments. The work environment emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and cross-functional teamwork, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and on-time delivery.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Santa Barbara, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

Full-time employees may also be eligible for a performance-related incentive in addition to a full range of benefits including 401(k) with company match, an employee stock purchase plan, medical and dental plans, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, employee assistance program and paid time off including vacation, sick time and holidays, and more.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Santa Barbara,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 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.