Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

This Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on providing hands-on technical support to precision CNC machining operations within an aerospace-focused environment. You will drive process improvements on the shop floor, develop and optimize CNC programs, and support advanced machining technologies such as Multi-Axis, Lynx, and Swiss machining. The position also includes responsibility for laser marking processes, cross-functional collaboration, and training team members to ensure efficient, high-quality production.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support to manufacturing operations by identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving complex machining, tooling, and CNC programming challenges directly on the shop floor.
• Evaluate existing manufacturing methods and implement process improvements that reduce cycle times, lower costs, and consolidate multiple operations into efficient single-run processes.
• Lead training and onboarding activities for team members in the Multi-Axis and Lynx machining areas, ensuring they develop strong technical proficiency and follow best practices.
• Serve as the primary resource for laser marking equipment, including process development, equipment setup, parameter optimization, and workforce training on proper usage.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs using GibbsCAM, ensuring programs are efficient, accurate, and aligned with production and quality requirements.
• Create and update CAD models and related documentation to support new and existing products, ensuring all design and process information remains current and clearly communicated.
• Manage and maintain tooling information, including tool selection, setup documentation, and standardization of tooling practices to support consistent and reliable machining operations.
• Ensure process documentation is accurate, up to date, and easily accessible, including work instructions, setup sheets, and programming notes.
• Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities and participate in contract reviews to ensure manufacturing feasibility, quality, and compliance with aerospace requirements.
• Provide run-time estimates and technical input to support quoting efforts and capacity planning, helping to ensure accurate and competitive proposals.
• Facilitate effective technical communication between departments and across shifts, ensuring smooth handoffs, consistent processes, and alignment on priorities and expectations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the manufacturing engineering function, promoting best practices in precision CNC machining and aerospace manufacturing.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience within a precision CNC machining environment serving the aerospace industry.
• 2-5 years of experience in an engineering or programming role focused on CNC machining.
• Demonstrated experience setting up and supporting Multi-Axis CNC machines.
• Demonstrated experience setting up and supporting Lynx CNC machines.
• Hands-on experience with process improvement in a manufacturing engineering environment.
• Strong experience in tooling selection, setup, and optimization for CNC machining.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience supporting mechanical and aerospace-related components.
• Proficiency in developing and maintaining CNC programs using GibbsCAM (Virtual Gibbs).
• Experience using CAD/CAM platforms to support CNC programming and process development.
• Experience working with Epicor ERP systems or similar enterprise resource planning tools.
• Familiarity with AS9100 aerospace standards or experience in another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Ability to train and mentor shop floor personnel in machining, programming, and equipment usage.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve machining and programming issues directly on the shop floor.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to Swiss machining, with the ability to support setup, programming, or process optimization in this area strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting laser marking processes, including process development, equipment setup, and training.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing, with an understanding of precision, quality, and regulatory expectations.
• Experience participating in APQP activities and contract reviews for new and existing aerospace projects.
• Ability to generate accurate run-time estimates to support quoting and planning activities.
• Strong communication skills to facilitate effective coordination between departments and across shifts.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced production environment where priorities may shift based on customer and program needs.

Work Environment

The role is based in a precision CNC machining environment that supports aerospace manufacturing, with frequent work on the shop floor alongside machinists, programmers, and production personnel. You will regularly interact with Multi-Axis and Lynx CNC machines, and may support Swiss machining operations as needed. The position involves extensive use of GibbsCAM (Virtual Gibbs), CAD/CAM platforms, and Epicor ERP systems, as well as laser marking equipment used for part identification and traceability. The work environment emphasizes adherence to aerospace and regulated-industry standards, such as AS9100, with a strong focus on quality, process control, and continuous improvement. You can expect a collaborative atmosphere where engineering, production, and quality teams work closely together to meet demanding customer and regulatory requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Bloomington, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $110000.00/yr.

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bloomington,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.