Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer II

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer II oversees the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of manufacturing methods, processes, and operations for new and existing products. This role ensures the effective use of materials, equipment, and personnel to produce high-quality products at minimum cost. The Manufacturing Engineer II develops, implements, and maintains operation sequences and processes for the manufacture and fabrication of parts, including estimating manufacturing costs, setting time standards, and recommending tooling and process requirements. The position serves as a liaison with internal and external customers for the release of new products, supports the selection, development, and evaluation of personnel to maintain efficient operations, and provides high-level technical expertise in project planning, task layout, technical calculations, design and analysis, technical report writing, presentations, and other engineering functions.

Responsibilities

• Provide significant manufacturing engineering expertise to develop solutions that improve the production of new and existing products.
• Improve current production processes using appropriate manufacturing methods and procedures to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop, implement, and maintain manufacturing methods, operation sequences, and processes for the manufacture and fabrication of composite and polymer parts.
• Estimate manufacturing costs and establish time standards for new and existing products, recommending appropriate tooling and process requirements.
• Transfer new products into production using a design-for-manufacturability approach to ensure robust, scalable processes.
• Act as a liaison with internal and external customers to support the release of new products and resolve manufacturing-related issues.
• Participate in the selection, development, and evaluation of personnel to support efficient manufacturing operations.
• Develop and maintain documentation for manufacturing processes and product designs in accordance with applicable quality and engineering standards.
• Perform project and program planning activities, including task layouts, technical calculations, design and analysis functions.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and other engineering documentation to communicate findings, recommendations, and project status.
• Use an understanding of key business drivers to prioritize work and make decisions that support operational and commercial objectives.
• Solve problems in straightforward situations by analyzing possible solutions using technical experience, sound judgment, and established precedents.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion on matters of significance related to manufacturing processes and product quality.
• Support marketing activities through technical meetings, presentations, customer interactions, and proposal development.
• Contribute to proposals by providing technical writing, cost estimating, and engineering input to support business development efforts.
• Collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams while also performing independently when required.
• Make technical, data-driven decisions and execute actions with limited management support when appropriate.
• Ensure regular, consistent, and punctual attendance, and work variable schedules and additional hours as needed to meet production and project demands.
• Perform other related engineering and manufacturing responsibilities as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with composite materials and processing techniques such as autoclave, resin transfer molding (RTM), and compression molding (2+ years preferred).
• Experience working within an AS9100 quality management system environment.
• Excellent working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Demonstrated ability to develop and improve manufacturing processes for composite and polymer products.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to establish objectives and define strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Experience providing marketing support, including technical meetings, presentations, and direct customer interface.
• Experience contributing to proposals, including technical writing and cost estimating.
• Ability to make technical, data-driven decisions and implement solutions with limited management oversight.
• Ability to work effectively in teams and also function independently as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in composite manufacturing and composite materials processing.
• Experience in aerospace and defense (A&D) applications, including aerospace engines, airframes, and related systems.
• Experience with tool design for composite and polymer manufacturing processes.
• Strong technical report writing and presentation skills.
• Comfort working with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, and commercial groups.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to take initiative and drive projects to completion.
• Familiarity with cost optimization and design-for-manufacturability principles.
• Ability to interface professionally with customers during technical discussions and program reviews.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing environment focused on complex, highly engineered composite and polymer solutions for demanding commercial and defense applications. The organization operates multiple centers of excellence across the USA and Mexico, each dedicated to specific markets such as aerospace engines and airframes, munitions, radomes, antennas, and fuel containment. Work involves close interaction with production operations, engineering teams, and quality functions under an AS9100 quality management system. The position requires regular, consistent, and punctual attendance, with the flexibility to work variable schedules and additional hours to meet production and project timelines. The environment is fast-paced and technically challenging, with access to advanced composite processing technologies such as autoclaves, RTM equipment, and compression molding systems. Appropriate professional and safety attire is expected, aligned with manufacturing and laboratory safety standards.

This is a Permanent position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

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.

Compensation includes: salary, bonus, 401K and health benefits

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.