Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking an exceptional Manufacturing Engineer to help build, test, qualify, and produce next-generation spacecraft. In this role, you apply innovative solutions and advanced manufacturing technologies to solve complex challenges at both the system and component levels. You work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure a smooth transition from development to production, with a strong focus on quality, efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement in a low-rate, high-complexity manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical contact for production-related issues, ensuring rapid resolution of problems and implementing robust long-term corrective actions.
• Manage non-conforming materials and lead structured root cause investigations using methodologies such as Fishbone Diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis, and DMAIC.
• Create, update, and maintain shop orders, work instructions, and standard operating procedures to support a consistent and efficient production flow.
• Develop and maintain troubleshooting documentation and guides for production test hardware and systems.
• Collaborate closely with design, quality, test, and other engineering teams to support both development and production programs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and other Operational Excellence methodologies to optimize processes and reduce waste.
• Support integration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical and electronic systems at the component, subsystem, and system levels.
• Apply direct manufacturing and process control techniques to ensure stable, repeatable, and capable production processes.
• Conduct cycle time studies and data analysis to identify bottlenecks, improve throughput, and optimize manufacturing workflows.
• Handle nonconformances by coordinating disposition, documentation, and follow-up actions to prevent recurrence.
• Contribute to the development of new production processes and support design for manufacturability (DFM) and design failure mode and effects analysis (DFMEA).
• Prepare and refine technical documentation, including test plans, standard operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides for production and test activities.
• Support or oversee functional, qualification, and environmental testing activities such as QTP/ATP, thermal, acoustic, and vibration testing, where applicable.
• Leverage experience from mature manufacturing environments (such as medical devices, automotive, or aerospace) to enhance rigor, quality, and scalability of production operations.
• Participate in on-the-ground production activities, ensuring that engineering intent translates effectively into practical, repeatable manufacturing steps.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working in low-rate, high-complexity manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles, including 5S and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis tools such as Fishbone Diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis, and DMAIC.
• Experience creating and updating work instructions and standard operating procedures for production.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control principles, and production systems.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing engineering, including testing and troubleshooting of production systems.
• Ability to support and troubleshoot both mechanical systems and electronic systems in a production environment.
• Experience in process improvement, process control, and direct manufacturing activities.
• Strong skills in root cause analysis, handling nonconformances, and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Experience in data analysis, process optimization, and the development of new production processes.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma techniques for continuous improvement.
• Technical writing skills sufficient to produce clear work instructions, SOPs, and troubleshooting documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, NX, or Unigraphics for supporting manufacturing and test activities.
• Experience in design for manufacturing (DFM) and design failure mode and effects analysis (DFMEA).
• Experience in mature manufacturing organizations, ideally in industries such as medical devices, automotive, or aerospace.
• Experience with automated manufacturing processes and automated test methods at component, subsystem, and system levels.
• Knowledge of qualification test procedures (QTP), acceptance test procedures (ATP), and functional testing.
• Familiarity with environmental testing such as thermal, acoustic, and vibration testing.
• Experience in assembly operations within a production environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work on the ground floor of production, helping to stand up and refine new manufacturing lines.
• Experience in technical writing for documentation such as test plans, standard operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Interest in or experience with spacecraft, satellite constellations, or other high-reliability aerospace systems.

Work Environment

You work in a production and test environment focused on building a satellite constellation and other next-generation spacecraft hardware. The role operates on a back-half night schedule, supporting ongoing manufacturing, integration, and test activities. You collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering and production teams, using tools such as CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, Unigraphics), Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, and structured problem-solving techniques. The environment emphasizes precision, quality, and continuous improvement, with exposure to mechanical and electronic systems, automated manufacturing processes, and functional and environmental testing.

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

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Redmond,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 4, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.