Process Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Process EngineerJob Description

This role focuses on developing, improving, and supporting manufacturing processes within an electronics production environment. You will drive process improvements, support new product introduction (NPI), and ensure robust, efficient, and repeatable processes for SMT, PCBA, and circuit card assemblies. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance quality, throughput, and reliability while resolving production issues and implementing best practices in process engineering.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing process improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, and throughput.
• Assist with new product introduction (NPI) and process development activities from concept through production release.
• Develop, document, and maintain manufacturing processes for SMT, PCBA, circuit card, and electronics assembly operations.
• Create and update detailed work instructions and process documentation to ensure consistent, repeatable production.
• Support equipment implementation and validation activities, including installation, qualification, and process verification.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing and process issues on the production floor and implement effective corrective actions.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for process optimization.
• Conduct root cause investigations using structured problem-solving tools and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Support engineering projects from initiation through completion, ensuring deliverables meet technical and operational requirements.
• Partner closely with production, quality, facilities, and supply chain teams to coordinate process changes and improvements.
• Train operators and production staff on new or revised processes, work instructions, and equipment usage.
• Apply continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, and FMEA to strengthen process capability and robustness.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years of process engineering or manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing environments, preferably involving electronics, SMT, PCBA, or circuit card assemblies.
• Experience working with electronic assemblies, PCBAs, circuit cards, SMT lines, testing, or inspection activities.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for resolving manufacturing and process issues on the shop floor.
• Demonstrated process improvement experience within manufacturing or process engineering roles.
• Knowledge of SMT machines and micro-electronic assembly processes.
• Proficiency with SPC (Statistical Process Control) for monitoring and controlling process performance.
• Knowledge of FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) for assessing process risks and implementing mitigations.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles for waste reduction and efficiency improvement.
• Exposure to Six Sigma methodologies for data-driven process improvement.
• Experience using structured problem-solving tools such as 8D and 5 Why analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret production data and drive improvements.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and train production staff.
• Eligibility to work on ITAR-controlled projects, requiring ITAR eligibility.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred.
• Experience supporting NPI and process development activities in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience creating and maintaining work instructions and process documentation.
• Experience supporting equipment implementation and validation in a production environment.
• Background in electronics manufacturing, including SMT, PCBA, circuit card assembly, or related micro-electronic processes.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional project work.

Work Environment

You will work in a manufacturing environment focused on electronics production, including SMT lines, PCBAs, circuit cards, and micro-electronic assemblies. The role involves frequent interaction with production, quality, facilities, and supply chain teams, as well as time spent on the shop floor supporting processes, equipment, and operators. You will use tools and methodologies such as SPC, FMEA, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 8D, and 5 Why analysis to monitor and improve processes. The environment emphasizes collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to contribute to new product introduction and ongoing process optimization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72000.00 - $90000.00/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 San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 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.