Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
The Manufacturing Engineer supports both new and existing manufacturing processes as a key technical resource across production, quality, and design engineering. This hands-on, production-facing role focuses heavily on assembly processes, machining support, documentation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. The position was created to support growing production demands and to serve as a strong technical bridge between the manufacturing floor and design engineering teams, including daily collaboration with an Iowa-based engineering group. The ideal candidate is a mid-career engineer with several years of experience who is comfortable wearing multiple hats and spending the majority of their time on the manufacturing floor, driving improvements in manufacturability, efficiency, quality, and throughput in a dynamic environment.
Responsibilities
- Support new product development by providing Design for Manufacturing (DFM) input on assembly methods, materials, tooling, fixturing, inspection requirements, labor, and cost.
- Assist the production team with prototype builds, process setup, and smooth transition of new products into full production.
- Provide day-to-day technical support to production leadership, troubleshooting and resolving manufacturing issues related to slip ring and electromechanical assembly.
- Support machining and CNC-related processes, including mills and lathes, to ensure robust and efficient manufacturing operations.
- Create, update, and maintain clear and structured work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and assembly documentation.
- Support quality documentation activities by following established quality processes and ensuring that assigned actions and changes are properly documented.
- Assist in documenting incoming parts, new processes, and production changes to maintain accurate and current manufacturing records.
- Serve as the technical lead for assembly efficiency, ergonomics, and automation improvements on the production floor.
- Support Manufacturing 4.0 and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, productivity, safety, quality, and cost.
- Write technical justifications and submit capital requests for new equipment, machinery, and tooling to enhance production capabilities.
- Work closely with design engineering teams to support manufacturability, project planning, and implementation of new and updated products.
- Act as a day-to-day communication link between production, engineering, and operations, including regular coordination with an Iowa-based design team.
- Coordinate with vendors and suppliers regarding tooling, equipment, and production-related issues to ensure reliable and timely support.
- Prioritize and manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a professional, organized, and analytical work style.
Essential Skills
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or a similar engineering role.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement principles.
- Hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis capabilities in a production environment.
- Ability to create, update, and maintain clear, structured manufacturing documentation and SOPs.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the broader MS Office suite.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to collaborate effectively across teams.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
- Professional, organized, analytical, and adaptable work style suited to a dynamic production environment.
- Experience with CNC machines and machining operations, including mills and lathes.
- Experience with manufacturing processes, industrial engineering concepts, and time studies.
- Experience with product development processes and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) considerations.
- Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma.
- Experience working with quality processes and documentation in a manufacturing context.
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field (strongly preferred).
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- CAD experience with the ability to design and create tooling and fixtures.
- Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software for mechanical design and fixture development.
- expereince in machining and CNC operations, including setup and optimization.
- Exposure to Manufacturing 4.0 concepts and automation initiatives.
- Experience supporting electromechanical assemblies, particularly in precision or high-reliability applications.
- Familiarity with slip ring assemblies, rotary components, or similar precision rotating equipment is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design engineering, production, and operations.
- Experience writing technical justifications and capital equipment requests.
- Strong problem-solving mindset with a focus on improving manufacturability, efficiency, quality, and throughput.
Work Environment
This is a full-time, on-site role in a high-performance electromechanical component manufacturing environment specializing in precision slip ring assemblies and rotary components used in medical devices, industrial automation, laboratory equipment, and defense/aerospace applications. The regular schedule runs Tuesday through Friday from 5:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with paid overtime available when needed to meet production demands. The work is highly hands-on and production-facing, with the Manufacturing Engineer spending much of their time on the manufacturing floor alongside production and machining teams. The facility operates CNC machines, mills, lathes, and other machining and assembly equipment, and engineers work closely with production, design engineering, and operations in a collaborative, fast-paced setting. The culture combines the agility of a small, hands-on manufacturing team with the resources and stability of a larger organization, offering opportunities to drive continuous improvement, implement Manufacturing 4.0 initiatives, and influence new equipment and process investments.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of South El Monte, CA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $38.00 - $41.00/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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in South El Monte,CA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on May 9, 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.