Solutions Engineer

Actalent; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Solutions Engineer in Carlsbad, CA to bridge engineering, sales, and operations. You will review RFQs and drawings, assess manufacturability, and craft consultative manufacturing proposals for additive, injection molding, and machining.

The role emphasizes DFAM, cross-functional teamwork, and delivering precise quotes to convert into production orders in a fast-paced environment. Growth toward Senior Solutions Engineer is expected.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (preferred, not required).
• Experience in design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) and design optimization for production.
• Background in manufacturing engineering, applications engineering, estimating, quoting, technical sales support, project engineering, or similar technical manufacturing roles.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs, technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements to understand project scope.
• Evaluate designs for manufacturability (DFAM) and identify manufacturing concerns and optimization opportunities.
• Analyze part drawings, tolerances, materials, processes, and production requirements for feasible approaches.
• Collaborate with engineering, sales, and operations to develop accurate proposals.
• Prepare and deliver detailed quotes to convert into production orders.
• Communicate customer requirements clearly throughout quoting and proposal processes.

Skills

DFAM

Read drawings

Manufacturing knowledge

Additive manufacturing

Machining

Excel

ERP systems

Communication

Team player

Multitasking

Self-starter

Adaptable

Quoting experience

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Solutions EngineerJob Description

The Solutions Engineer evaluates customer designs and manufacturing requirements to develop accurate, manufacturable proposals and quotes. This role bridges engineering, sales, and operations by reviewing technical documentation, assessing manufacturability, and providing consultative guidance on manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing and injection molding. The Solutions Engineer ensures customer requirements are clearly understood, translated into practical manufacturing solutions, and successfully converted into production orders in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Review customer RFQs, technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements to fully understand project scope and objectives.
• Evaluate designs for manufacturability (DFAM) and identify potential manufacturing concerns, risks, and optimization opportunities before quoting.
• Analyze part drawings, tolerances, materials, manufacturing processes, and production requirements to determine feasible manufacturing approaches.
• Work closely with engineering, sales, and operations teams to develop accurate, competitive, and comprehensive customer proposals.
• Prepare and deliver detailed quotes that can be successfully converted into production orders and support long-term customer relationships.
• Ensure customer requirements are accurately captured, documented, and communicated throughout the quoting and proposal process.
• Provide technical consultation and recommendations to customers, focusing on design and process improvements rather than only generating pricing.
• Support additive manufacturing, injection molding, machining, and other manufacturing programs with technical insight and process knowledge.
• Collaborate with internal teams in a fast-paced environment where quote turnaround time, responsiveness, and attention to detail are critical.
• Maintain ownership of assigned opportunities from initial review through quote completion, ensuring timely follow-up and high-quality deliverables.
• Use intermediate Excel skills, including formulas and data analysis, to support estimating, costing, and quote development activities.
• Leverage ERP, quoting, estimating, or business systems to manage data, track opportunities, and improve quoting accuracy and efficiency.
• Manage multiple priorities simultaneously and adapt to changing quote demands, customer timelines, and internal resource constraints.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with cross-functional teams to resolve questions, clarify requirements, and drive alignment on proposals.
• Demonstrate a proactive, self-starting approach by taking ownership of opportunities and seeking continuous improvement in processes and outcomes.
• Grow technical and commercial knowledge with the goal of progressing into a Senior Solutions Engineer position over time.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, tolerances, and technical documentation.
• Strong manufacturing knowledge with a clear understanding of how parts are produced across different processes.
• Experience reviewing designs and identifying manufacturability concerns, including DFAM considerations.
• Background in manufacturing engineering, applications engineering, estimating, quoting, technical sales support, project engineering, or similar technical manufacturing roles.
• Exposure to additive manufacturing, injection molding, machining, or other manufacturing processes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to understand customer requirements from technical documentation.
• Intermediate Excel skills, including use of formulas and data analysis for estimating and quoting.
• Experience working with ERP, quoting, estimating, or business systems (preferred but highly beneficial).
• Detail-oriented approach with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, sales, and operations.
• Team-player mentality with flexibility to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to changing quote demands.
• Self-starter attitude with a strong sense of ownership and drive to grow into a Senior Solutions Engineer role.
• High level of adaptability and coachability, with a positive and professional attitude.
• Manufacturing experience prioritized over pure quoting experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred but not required.
• Experience in design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) and familiarity with design optimization for production.
• Comfort working with cross-functional teams and aligning technical solutions with commercial objectives.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accuracy while handling multiple opportunities.
• Interest in continuous learning and staying current with manufacturing technologies and best practices.

Work Environment

This role operates in a fast-paced, highly collaborative manufacturing and engineering environment where quick quote turnaround and responsiveness are essential. The Solutions Engineer works closely with engineering, sales, and operations teams, using tools such as Excel and ERP or quoting systems to analyze data and develop proposals. The work involves regular interaction with technical documentation, part drawings, and manufacturing process information related to additive manufacturing, injection molding, machining, and other production methods. The environment values a team-oriented mindset, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, with opportunities for professional growth into more Senior engineering roles.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $36.00/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 Carlsbad,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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 [e-mail] 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.