Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, implementing, and optimizing end-to-end manufacturing processes for complex airframe integration and avionics assembly. You will lead quality system implementation on the shop floor, drive design-for-manufacturability efforts, and champion continuous improvement to enhance yield, reduce variability, and eliminate defects. The position requires close collaboration with R&D and Production teams, hands-on engagement with ERP/MES systems, and leadership in root cause analysis and corrective actions within a high-reliability manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize end-to-end manufacturing flows for airframe integration and avionics assembly, ensuring robust, repeatable, and efficient processes.

• Lead the deployment of AS9100 or ISO9001 quality standards on the shop floor and ensure consistent adherence across production operations.

• Establish and maintain First Article Inspection (FAI) protocols for complex electrical assemblies to validate new or revised processes and products.

• Act as the primary bridge between R&D and Production by reviewing new designs for manufacturability and assembly, with a strong focus on error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) and repeatability.

• Drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) initiatives to simplify builds, reduce defects, and shorten cycle times.

• Monitor production data and key performance indicators to identify trends, improve yield, and reduce variability in harness crimping, soldering, and structural bonding.

• Lead the Material Review Board (MRB) process to investigate nonconformances, determine root causes, and implement permanent corrective and preventive actions.

• Identify and implement opportunities for automation in testing and assembly to remove human error from critical flight-path components and improve process reliability.

• Develop, update, and maintain clear work instructions, process documentation, and tooling requirements to support consistent production.

• Apply lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to eliminate waste, streamline workflows, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in engineering, production, quality, and supply chain to ensure alignment on process changes and product launches.

• Validate new or modified processes and tooling, ensuring they meet design intent, quality requirements, and production rate targets.

Essential Skills

• 210 years of experience in a manufacturing environment such as aerospace, medical device, or automotive.

• Strong background in manufacturing engineering and manufacturing processes, including assembly and production support.

• Hands-on experience applying lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Proficiency in developing and improving work instructions, tooling strategies, and process documentation.

• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, with practical experience in Six Sigma tools and methods.

• Hands-on experience with ERP or MES implementation, such as SAP, Oracle, or Plex.

• Strong mastery of PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), including identification and mitigation of process risks.

• Experience developing and maintaining Control Plans to ensure stable and capable processes.

• Proficiency in Gauge R&R and measurement system analysis to ensure reliable data and inspection methods.

• Ability to interpret GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) for mechanical and structural components.

• Technical literacy in complex IPC-620 electrical standards for cable and harness assemblies.

• Demonstrated experience with tooling design, validation, and implementation in a production environment.

• Ability to analyze production data and drive yield improvement and variability reduction in processes such as crimping, soldering, and bonding.

• Strong problem-solving skills and experience leading root cause analysis and corrective action activities.

• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in the UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) or eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) industry.

• Experience with high-voltage battery integration in a manufacturing setting.

• background in mechanical design or validation within a production environment.

• Experience supporting quality system implementation such as AS9100 or ISO9001 on the shop floor.

• Familiarity with automation in testing and assembly, particularly for safety-critical or flight-path components.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively interface with R&D, production, and quality teams.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects or process improvements simultaneously.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Madison, Alabama

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/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 Madison,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 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 [email protected] 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.