Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: PCBA Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer plays a key role in building, testing, qualifying, and producing next-generation spacecraft within a low-rate manufacturing and new product introduction environment. This role bridges production, development, tooling, supply chain, and quality teams, leading production on the assembly line while driving continuous improvement. The engineer investigates defective or failed production modules, performs detailed root cause analysis, and develops robust repair and rework processes to improve yield toward 100%. The position requires strong analytical and manufacturing engineering skills, a deep understanding of lean practices, and expertise in optical system performance and metrology.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize production processes and technical data, including defining, testing, validating, documenting, and deploying new rework procedures, work order routings, bills of material, and test report structures.

• Lead root cause analysis of failed or defective production materials using structured techniques such as Fishbone, Fault Tree, and DMAIC, ensuring thorough investigation and clear documentation.

• Create and approve detailed teardown and investigation plans for defective modules, and execute special test and teardown activities directly when required.

• Document observations, data, and conclusions from forensic investigations, clearly identifying the root cause of defects and their impact on production yield and product performance.

• Develop corrective action plans and process improvements to prevent recurrence of defects and drive production yield toward 100%.

• Build repeatable repair structures for common module defects by creating comprehensive work instructions, bills of material, and routings for repair shop orders.

• Collaborate closely with design engineering to deliver technical solutions for recurring defect modes and to influence design for manufacturability and serviceability.

• Support low-rate manufacturing and new product introduction by validating new processes, qualifying equipment, and ensuring smooth transition from development to full production.

• Apply lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies to reduce waste, improve cycle time, and enhance overall manufacturing efficiency.

• Utilize statistical analysis tools to evaluate process capability, monitor performance, and support data-driven decision making.

• Work with technician teams on the production floor to guide special testing, teardown activities, and implementation of new rework and repair procedures.

• Participate in and sometimes lead root cause review meetings, daily stand-ups, and cross-functional discussions to communicate findings, status, and improvement plans.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in manufacturing engineering within a low-rate manufacturing environment.

• Experience supporting PCBA.

• Demonstrated familiarity with new product introduction processes and challenges.

• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing practices and principles.

• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis techniques such as Fishbone diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis, and DMAIC.

• Experience with optical system performance and optical metrology, including evaluating and troubleshooting optical components and assemblies.

• Solid analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate findings into actionable process improvements.

• Mechanical aptitude and understanding of manufacturing processes for complex mechanical and electro-mechanical systems.

• Ability to develop and document production processes, work instructions, bills of material, routings, and test procedures.

• Strong communication skills for documenting investigations, presenting findings, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with SAP or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

• Experience with NX Unigraphics or similar computer-aided design (CAD) software such as Siemens NX.

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing and/or optical manufacturing environments.

• Experience working with fiber optic systems and related components.

• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma.

• Experience with statistical analysis tools, such as Minitab, for process and quality analysis.

• Exposure to medical device, aerospace, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.

• Understanding of electrical and electro-mechanical systems in a manufacturing context.

• Programming or scripting experience in Python for data analysis or process automation is a plus.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $63.00 - $78.00/hr.

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 Redmond,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.