Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineer to support the build, test, qualification, and production of next-generation spacecraft. In this role, you apply innovative solutions and advanced technologies to solve complex manufacturing and engineering challenges at both system and component levels. You work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure a smooth transition from development to production, with a strong focus on quality, efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement in a low-rate, high-complexity manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
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Serve as the primary technical contact for production-related issues, ensuring rapid resolution and implementing robust long-term corrective actions.
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Manage non-conforming materials and lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving techniques such as Fishbone diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis, and DMAIC.
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Review, disposition, and approve nonconforming material (NCs/MRBs) within the production environment.
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Create, update, and maintain shop orders, work instructions, and standard operating procedures to support continuous and efficient production flow.
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Develop and maintain troubleshooting documentation for production test hardware to enable effective diagnosis and repair of issues.
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Collaborate closely with design, quality, and test engineering teams to support both development and production programs and ensure manufacturability and product quality.
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Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, and other Operational Excellence methodologies to optimize processes and reduce waste.
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Support integration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical and electronic systems at component, subsystem, and system levels.
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Contribute to the definition and refinement of manufacturing processes, quality control practices, and production systems to support a satellite constellation and mixed-model assembly operations.
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Participate in or lead troubleshooting and triage of production issues, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication of status and findings.
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Support the creation and maintenance of technical documentation, including test plans, standard operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
Essential Skills
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Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
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Demonstrated experience reviewing, dispositioning, and approving nonconforming material (NCs/MRBs) within a production environment.
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Experience working in low-rate, high-complexity manufacturing environments, preferably involving complex assemblies or mixed-model production.
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Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles, including 5S and Six Sigma methodologies, and their application to continuous improvement.
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Proficiency in root cause analysis tools such as Fishbone Diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis, and DMAIC for structured problem solving.
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Experience creating and updating work instructions, shop orders, and standard operating procedures to support manufacturing operations.
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Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control, and production systems, including bill of materials and assembly workflows.
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Hands-on experience with manufacturing engineering, testing, troubleshooting, and triage of production issues.
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Ability to manage non-conformance in a production environment and drive effective corrective action plans.
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Strong data analysis skills to support root cause analysis, process improvement, and production decision-making.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Experience with automated manufacturing processes and test methods at component, subsystem, and system levels.
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Knowledge of QTP/ATP, functional testing, and environmental testing, including thermal, acoustic, and vibration testing.
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Background in electrical system design, metrology, and mechanical failure analysis.
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Demonstrated technical writing skills for documentation such as test plans, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and troubleshooting guides.
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Experience working with PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) in a production environment or exposure to PCBA processes.
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Experience with continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives in a production setting.
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Familiarity with assembly operations, bill of material structures, and technical documentation for complex products.
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Interest in or experience with building satellite constellations or working on mixed-model assembly teams.
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Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with design, quality, test, and operations teams in a fast-paced environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/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)
This is a fully onsite position in Redmond,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 4, 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.
