Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer will play a key role in driving continuous improvement across production operations, including board-level test, module assembly and test, and full radio integration into a variety of enclosures. This individual will leverage a strong mechanical and industrial engineering experience to optimize manufacturing processes, enhance product quality, and support efficient, reliable builds of advanced radio systems.

Responsibilities

• Define, refine, and document manufacturing processes for board-level, module-level, and radio-level assembly and test operations.

• Create clear, detailed work instructions and travelers to guide production teams in compliance with quality standards and customer requirements.

• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and technical support for challenging assembly and test issues, collaborating with technicians and design engineering as needed.

• Evaluate and improve assembly line layout, test benches, and fixturing to maximize efficiency, repeatability, and operator ergonomics.

• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce cycle time, improve yield, and support low-volume, high-mix production of radios.

• Support the introduction of new products into manufacturing by developing assembly sequences, tooling, and test methods.

• Collaborate with design engineering to ensure manufacturability of new designs (DFM/DFT).

• Lead root cause investigations for build and test failures; implement corrective and preventive actions.

• Participate in material review boards and support supplier quality efforts.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related field.

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in defense electronics or other high-reliability electronic assemblies.

• Strong knowledge of mechanical assembly processes, test operations, and manufacturing process control.

• Familiarity with board-level and system-level electronic test processes.

• Experience developing work instructions, travelers, and process documentation in a regulated environment.

• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) and manufacturing process analysis techniques.

• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills in both mechanical and electrical assembly contexts.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with technicians, engineers, and quality teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in low-volume, high-mix production environments.

• Familiarity with Deltek Costpoint or similar ERP/MRP systems.

• Knowledge of IPC standards (e.g., J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/7721).

• Prior defense or aerospace manufacturing experience.

Work Environment

The work environment involves a combination of research and development (R&D) and manufacturing settings in Germantown. It includes a defense electronics production floor environment with frequent handling of precision RF/microwave components and connectors. The role may require occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. and the use of mechanical and hand tools.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Germantown, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $65.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Germantown,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 26, 2025.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.