Manufacturing Engineer

ACTalent; Windsor Locks (CT); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Disability coverage

HSA

Transit benefits

PTO

Job summary

Actalent in Windsor Locks, CT, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support high-reliability space and defense hardware manufacturing, including life support and thermal control assemblies. The role focuses on manufacturability, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver robust hardware.

Responsibilities include developing methods, documenting operations, guiding internal teams and suppliers, and leading root-cause investigations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or related manufacturing roles.
• Hands-on experience developing and optimizing manufacturing processes and work instructions.
• Strong background in continuous improvement and process optimization within manufacturing.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and their practical application.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement mechanical manufacturing methods for hardware, ensuring production readiness.
• Author comprehensive manufacturing assembly documentation and tooling to support high-quality assembly.
• Provide technical guidance to internal teams and suppliers to ensure conformance with specs and quality standards.
• Lead and support root-cause investigations and corrective actions for non-conforming hardware.
• Develop and document detailed sequences for complex manufacturing operations, including assembly, disassembly, and repair.
• Define equipment requirements and optimize processes for prototype, low-volume, and production builds.
• Ensure EH&S compliance and adherence to quality standards across processes.
• Identify and implement changes to enhance quality, reduce costs, and improve productivity using fabrication/assembly know-how.
• Prepare cost estimates, manage schedules, and draft procedures and work instructions.
• Review designs for producibility and recommend use of advanced technologies and manufacturing methods.
• Collaborate within an IPD team across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations.
• Deliver technical updates to senior leadership on status, risks, and process improvements.
• Support CORE, Process Certification, Lean programs, and Manufacturing Process Reviews.
• Lead EH&S compliance and sustainability initiatives in manufacturing.
• Participate in prototype builds, troubleshooting, and transition to production.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

Process optimization

Project management

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo CAD

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Hiring for a Manufacturing Engineer in Windsor Locks!

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer will support the production of highly sophisticated assemblies for space and sea applications, including heat exchangers, pumps, fans, and pressurized accumulators. This role focuses on driving innovation, ensuring manufacturability, and applying advanced engineering solutions to support life support and thermal control systems. You will develop and implement robust mechanical manufacturing methods, optimize complex assembly processes, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-reliability aerospace and defense hardware.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement mechanical manufacturing methods for hardware, ensuring readiness for production and alignment with overall production goals.
• Author comprehensive manufacturing assembly documentation and design conceptual tooling to support high-quality hardware assembly for life support and thermal control applications.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to internal teams and external suppliers to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and quality standards.
• Lead and support failure investigations by identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and managing non-conforming hardware to drive continuous improvement.
• Develop and document detailed sequences for complex manufacturing operations, including assembly, disassembly, and repair, to maximize efficiency, performance, and repeatability.
• Define equipment requirements and optimize manufacturing processes to support prototype, low-volume, and production builds.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes and procedures adhere to applicable Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) requirements and quality standards.
• Identify, propose, and implement changes that enhance product quality, reduce costs, and improve productivity using advanced knowledge of fabrication, tooling, assembly, and quality control standards.
• Prepare cost estimates, manage project schedules, and draft procedures, policies, and work instructions to support manufacturing operations.
• Review design drawings and concepts, identify potential producibility concerns, and provide recommendations for the use of advanced technologies, materials, and manufacturing methods.
• Collaborate effectively within an Integrated Product Development (IPD) team and contribute in a cross-functional environment involving engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations.
• Deliver clear technical updates and presentations to senior leadership and stakeholders on project status, risks, and process improvements.
• Contribute to and support initiatives such as Customer Oriented Results and Excellence (CORE), Process Certification, Lean Manufacturing, and Manufacturing Process Reviews.
• Promote, support, and lead projects related to EH&S compliance and sustainability within the manufacturing environment.
• Participate actively in prototype builds, troubleshooting, process development, testing, and transition of products into production, maintaining a strong presence on the manufacturing floor.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or a Bachelors degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics).
• Minimum of 3+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or related manufacturing process roles.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing engineering, including development and optimization of manufacturing processes and work instructions.
• Strong background in continuous improvement and process optimization within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in project management, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating activities across cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for documentation, analysis, reporting, and presentations.
• Proficiency or familiarity with CAD modeling and design software such as Creo.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and their practical application in a production environment.
• Knowledge of machining, welding, and brazing processes as they apply to complex mechanical assemblies.
• Experience using continuous improvement methodologies and tools such as DMAIC, Taguchi Design of Experiments, Ishikawa (fishbone) diagrams, and Fault Tree Analysis.
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) systems and their use in supporting production activities.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex issues, develop solutions, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ability to adapt in a dynamic environment and work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team setting.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with team members, suppliers, and senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure strict adherence to engineering requirements, quality standards, and documentation practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience with life support and/or thermal control hardware, particularly in aerospace or defense applications, is highly desirable.
• Experience working in a prototype and low-volume manufacturing environment supporting highly engineered products.
• Exposure to integrated product development (IPD) teams and cross-functional collaboration involving engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations.
• Experience participating in or supporting initiatives such as CORE (Customer Oriented Results and Excellence), Process Certification, Lean Manufacturing programs, and Manufacturing Process Reviews.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting EH&S compliance and sustainability projects within a manufacturing setting.
• Comfort working on complex, high-reliability hardware where requirements are stringent and the consequences of quality or process issues are significant.

Work Environment

This role operates in a prototype and low-volume manufacturing environment that supports highly engineered aerospace and defense products. Work takes place within a union manufacturing shop and requires strong collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, quality, technicians, and represented production employees. The position supports critical space life-support systems, where safety, quality, precision, thorough documentation, and strict adherence to engineering requirements are essential. The environment is hands-on, with significant interaction on the manufacturing floor, especially during prototype builds, troubleshooting, process development, testing, and transition into production. This opportunity is best suited for individuals who are comfortable working on complex, high-reliability hardware under stringent requirements and who thrive in a setting where the impact of quality or process issues can be significant.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Windsor Locks, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Windsor Locks, CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Windsor Locks,CT.

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 [e-mail] 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.