Manufacturing Engineer - Contract

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:

As a Manufacturing Engineer (Contract) , you will play a critical role in the development and refinement of electro-mechanical manufacturing processes, assembly workflows, and custom tooling to support the assembly, test, and integration of next-generation products. You will work closely with Hardware Engineering, Prototype Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure that cutting-edge designs can be efficiently and reliably built in a prototype and low-volume production environment.

This role requires strong technical expertise in cradle to grave manufacturing process implementation, precision assembly techniques, and a collaborative mindset to bridge the gap between product design and manufacturing execution. You will own the development of process, specification of equipment, and design & bring-up of custom fixtures, jigs, and tools to ensure process repeatability and product quality.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, optimize, and implement manufacturing processes and assembly workflows for motors, actuators, and subassemblies, from prototype through low-volume production.
• Collaborate with Hardware Engineering to provide DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturing & Assembly) input throughout product development, ensuring manufacturability and serviceability.
• Design, fabricate, and validate custom fixtures, tools, and jigs to support mechanical assembly, precision alignment, and testing of electric motors and actuators, ensuring ergonomic and repeatable processes.
• Define assembly sequences, work instructions, and process documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), visual aids, and training materials for assembly technicians.
• Support prototype builds in a hands-on capacity, troubleshooting assembly issues, identifying root causes, and driving corrective actions to improve processes and product designs.
• Implement process controls to ensure build quality, dimensional accuracy, and alignment with product performance requirements.
• Develop and implement inspection and test processes, including first article inspections (FAI), in-process quality checks, and final acceptance criteria.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure external fabrication and supplier processes align with internal manufacturing requirements and quality standards.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve process efficiency, reduce cycle times, and increase yield.
• Drive tooling and equipment validation, ensuring custom fixtures and tools are fully qualified for use in production, including performing capability studies where necessary.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree a plus.
• At least 3-6 years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering, process development, or advanced manufacturing, preferably with complex electromechanical systems.
• Strong proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for tool/fixture design and review of engineering drawings.
• Proven track record of DFM/DFA collaboration with design teams to drive manufacturable and serviceable product designs.
• Hands-on experience developing and validating custom tooling, jigs, and fixtures to support precision mechanical assembly.
• Experience writing clear, concise, and detailed work instructions, SOPs, and training materials for assembly technicians.
• Familiarity with precision assembly techniques, including alignment, shimming, fastening, sealing, and torque control for complex assemblies.
• Experience working in prototype, low-volume, or high-mix production environments, with an ability to adapt processes for evolving product designs.
• Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and its application in both design and inspection processes.
• Demonstrated experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies to drive process improvement.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electromechanical assemblies.
• Comfortable working in cross-functional teams, balancing technical, schedule, and cost considerations in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts and influence stakeholders across engineering, operations, and leadership teams.
• Experience supporting on-site prototype builds and providing direct manufacturing floor support.
• Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, machining (e.g. Mill, Lathe) and fabrication (e.g. Welding, Grinding, Bending) techniques for fixture development.

BlackTree Technical Group is a full-service staffing and recruitment firm. Our team consists of an experienced group of Senior Technical Recruiters and Account Managers with over 40 years of industry experience. Our firm prides itself on our technical knowledge, innovative sourcing strategies, and most importantly, a long-standing record of proven results for both clients and job-seekers.

Company Description

BlackTree Technical Group is a full-service staffing and recruitment firm. Our team consists of an experienced group of Senior Technical Recruiters and Account Managers with over 40 years of industry experience. Our firm prides itself on our technical knowledge, innovative sourcing strategies, and most importantly, a long-standing record of proven results for both clients and job-seekers.