Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Ground Test Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description

This role supports a Ground Test Division that designs and manufactures test equipment for major engine programs, with a primary focus on composite part fabrication. The Ground Test Manufacturing Engineer develops and improves manufacturing processes and tooling, supports day-to-day production, and ensures that quality and efficiency targets are met within tight build schedules. The engineer creates detailed work instructions, bills of materials, and specifications, collaborates closely with design and production teams to ensure manufacturability, and assists with material selection for composite structures. The role also involves validating new processes and repairs, resolving production issues, and driving continuous improvement using data-driven problem-solving methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve manufacturing processes and tooling for composite part fabrication used in ground test equipment.
• Create clear and detailed work instructions, bills of materials, and manufacturing specifications to support consistent production.
• Collaborate with design and production teams to ensure parts and assemblies are manufacturable and meet engineering requirements.
• Support daily production activities by troubleshooting manufacturing issues and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Assist with material selection for composite components, including fiberglass, aramid, and carbon prepreg materials.
• Validate new manufacturing processes and repair methods to ensure they meet quality, reliability, and performance requirements.
• Train production staff on new or updated processes, tooling, and work instructions to ensure proper execution on the shop floor.
• Address nonconforming material by identifying root causes, defining rework or repair strategies, and ensuring proper documentation.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, drawings, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) requirements.
• Use data-driven problem-solving techniques to identify trends, reduce defects, and drive continuous improvement in quality and efficiency.
• Participate in or lead process improvement initiatives to optimize manufacturing cost, reproducibility, and throughput.
• Support the development and implementation of Process Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (PFMEAs) to mitigate risk in manufacturing processes.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams in engineering, quality, and operations to support major engine test programs and meet schedule commitments.

• Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) university degree or equivalent experience with a minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience.
• Proven experience with mechanical manufacturing processes such as machining, joints, fasteners, and welding in industries like aerospace, defense, automotive, or similar fields.
• Strong knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and the ability to interpret engineering drawings and prints.
• Hands-on experience working with composite materials, including fiberglass, aramid, and carbon prepreg.
• Demonstrated process improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Effective problem identification and solution skills, with a data-driven approach to troubleshooting.
• Strong sense of project ownership, with the ability to execute tasks proactively and drive work to completion.
• Experience with implementation and use of PFMEAs in manufacturing processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in design, production, and quality.

• Experience with Computer Aided Design software such as Creo and Windchill (preferred), or NX, FiberSIM, and TeamCenter.
• Familiarity with Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques, such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current, fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), camera-based inspection, X-ray, and other methods used in composite manufacturing.
• Experience with design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) principles.
• Understanding of manufacturing cost drivers and reproducibility, with the ability to influence designs and processes to improve cost-effectiveness and consistency.
• Prior experience in an aerospace-related environment or on major engine or test equipment programs.
• Interest in ongoing professional development, including leveraging online learning platforms.

The role is based within a large, global manufacturing organization that operates multiple facilities, including several plants in the Lansing area and an additional facility in Holt. The environment centers on the design and manufacture of ground test equipment for major engine programs, with significant exposure to composite fabrication and mechanical manufacturing processes. Typical work hours start between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., with 9-hour workdays from Monday through Friday, for a 45-hour work week. The facility environment is a production and engineering setting that requires collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality teams on the shop floor and in office or engineering spaces. Employees have access to professional development resources, including online learning platforms, and receive a paid time off allocation that includes 12 days of leave. The culture emphasizes safety, quality, continuous improvement, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment driven by tight build schedules and complex technical programs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lansing, MI.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $59.00/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 Lansing,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 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 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 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.