Engineering Technician

Actalent is seeking two Engineering Technicians to support the engineering and production teams by developing, optimizing, and maintaining CNC machining processes for precision-manufactured components. One role focuses on CNC milling using NX software, and the other on CNC Swiss machining using ES-PRIT. Both positions involve creating CNC programs, coordinating production and post-processing activities, and driving continuous improvement to ensure capable, repeatable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes.

About the role

This is a permanent, fully onsite position based in Big Lake, MN.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering to coordinate all production and post-processing activities for CNC milling or CNC Swiss machining centers.
• Interpret engineering prints and 3D models to create CNC programs and set up Swiss or milling machine centers to produce precision components.
• Develop machining processes that are capable, cost-effective, and sustainable, ensuring repeatable and reliable performance.
• Write clear work instructions and procedures that support the machining and secondary operational processes.
• Apply a full understanding of G-code to create, modify, and optimize CNC programs.
• Advocate for and implement high quality standards and LEAN principles throughout the manufacturing process.
• Assess, interpret, and communicate technical specifications to all relevant departments to ensure alignment and compliance.
• Identify, lead, and complete continuous improvement projects, including cycle time reduction and perishable tooling selection and cost reduction.
• Create and coordinate engineering tests to validate processes and tooling concepts.
• Perform quality assurance tests to verify that parts meet all specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in or lead the development of tool design and CNC programming for complex parts and fixturing.
• Modify bills of materials (BOM) and bills of operations (BOO) within the ERP system through established change control processes.
• Assist with costing and quoting activities related to tooling and process development.
• Resolve daily manufacturing issues following the established LEAP structure and escalate when necessary.
• Maintain machining and secondary operational processes, ensuring equipment, tooling, and documentation remain current and effective.
• Support the transition to more automated machining structures by optimizing programs and processes for advanced equipment.

Requirements

• 2–3 years of experience in a technical field, preferably in a precision manufacturing shop environment.
• At least 2 years of CNC programming experience, specifically with Swiss machining and/or CNC milling.
• Hands-on experience with CAD/CAM software, preferably SolidWorks, NX, and ES-PRIT.
• Proficiency in CNC programming and operation for Swiss and milling machine centers.
• Strong understanding of G-code and its application in CNC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience in the design and selection of fixturing and tooling for complex parts.
• Work history in precision manufacturing shop work, including machining, tooling, and process optimization.
• Demonstrated ability in engineering support, troubleshooting, and machinery maintenance within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience creating and maintaining work instructions and process documentation.
• Practical application of LEAN principles and Six Sigma methodologies in a production setting.
• Experience working within an ISO-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with BOM and BOO management and change control within an ERP system.

Skills

• Experience with CAD/CAM tools such as SolidWorks, NX, ES-PRIT, Mastercam, and GibbsCAM.
• Exposure to precision manufacturing shop operations, including CNC milling machines and CNC Swiss equipment.
• Ability to assess and improve cycle times and reduce tooling costs through data-driven analysis.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey technical specifications and process changes across departments.
• Understanding of LEAN manufacturing concepts and continuous improvement tools.
• Six Sigma training with demonstrated application in process improvement projects.
• Comfort working with ERP systems for BOM/BOO maintenance and change control.
• Ability to support costing and quoting activities for tooling and process development.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on quality, repeatability, and process reliability.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $70,000.00 - $92,000.00 per year.

Benefits

• Health & Insurance Benefits:
  • Medical plans with a generous employer contribution toward premiums.
  • Employer-supported dental plan.
  • Low-cost, voluntary vision plan.
  • Basic Life Insurance (100% employer-paid).
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) (100% employer-paid).
  • Short-term disability (100% employer-paid).
  • Long-term disability (100% employer-paid).
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (100% employer-paid).
• Retirement & Savings:
  • Retirement contributions (details available in plan documents).
• Spending Accounts:
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
  • Dependent Care FSA.