Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing / Programming EngineerJob Description The Manufacturing / Programming Engineer defines, programs, and supports machining processes for precision components in a hands-on, shop-floor environment. This role combines CNC programming, process engineering, quality support, and troubleshooting, and is ideal for someone who thrives in a small machine shop, enjoys practical problem-solving, and is comfortable taking ownership across multiple areas of production. Responsibilities Generate CNC programs for mills and lathes, with a focus on 2-axis and 3-axis machining and strong hand-coding capabilities.Program and support milling and turning operations, including deburr and polish operations, with an emphasis on precision and repeatability.Allocate time across core functions, including approximately 25% CNC coding, 25% process engineering, 25% quality support, and 25% troubleshooting and shop-floor support.Plan and document manufacturing processes for new and repeat jobs, ensuring efficient workflows and consistent outcomes.Support new product introduction (NPI) and first-article lots, including first-article execution and alignment with customer and regulatory requirements.Troubleshoot machining and process issues directly on the shop floor, diagnosing root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.Assist with shop scheduling and workflow to balance capacity, prioritize jobs, and maintain on-time delivery.Select and order cutting tools, holders, jaws, and fixtures to support production needs and optimize machining performance.Support DNC systems and Mill Pad usage to ensure reliable program transfer and efficient machine setup.Create and edit inspection sheets to align with customer specifications and internal quality standards.Ensure machining processes meet quality, regulatory, and customer requirements, supporting problem-solving and corrective actions when nonconformances arise.Collaborate closely with machinists and leadership to improve processes, standardize programming and tooling strategies, and implement lean manufacturing and CAM optimization ideas.Provide technical leadership on the shop floor, acting as a key resource for CNC programming, process planning, tooling decisions, and quality alignment.Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at modernizing systems, enhancing workflows, and increasing productivity in a small-team environment. Essential Skills Proven experience in manufacturing engineering with a focus on CNC programming for mills and lathes.Strong hand-coding capability for CNC programs, with limited dependence on CAM systems.Experience with 2-axis and 3-axis machining, including both milling and turning operations.Solid background in milling without complex contouring and in turning operations, including deburr and polish work.Ability to independently troubleshoot machining and process issues on the shop floor.Experience working in small to mid-sized machine shop environments.Comfort working with job movement and varied daily responsibilities in a dynamic production setting.Willingness to work hands-on on the shop floor, including programming, milling, and lathe work.Familiarity with quality requirements and the creation and editing of inspection sheets.Capability to ensure processes meet quality and customer specifications and to support corrective actions. Additional Skills & Qualifications Exposure to Mastercam and/or Vericut.Experience with CAD/CAM and DNC systems.Knowledge of outsourced processes such as non-destructive testing (NDT), heat treat, and coating.Experience machining stainless steel and aluminum materials.Exposure to lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.background in aerospace manufacturing or other regulated industries such as defense and medical.Interest in modernizing and improving systems, including CAM optimization and standardized workflows.Comfort operating in a high trust, high accountability environment with direct access to leadership. Work Environment The role is based in a small, family-owned CNC job shop with a close-knit, collaborative culture and a New England manufacturing environment. The facility houses 17 total machines and approximately 20 machining assets, with 7–8 machines typically running at a time, including 5 milling machines and multiple lathes. Special processes such as NDT, heat treat, and coating are outsourced, allowing the shop to focus on precision CNC milling and turning. Engineers and machinists work side-by-side on the shop floor, and decisions are made quickly with direct access to leadership. The environment emphasizes high trust, high accountability, and practical problem-solving, offering a first-shift schedule that supports work-life balance along with competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical coverage, 401(k) match, paid vacation, holidays, and sick time. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Milford, CT. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $50.00/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 Milford,CT. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.