Manufacturing Specialist

Job Title: Manufacturing Specialist

Job Description

The Manufacturing Specialist supports metal cutting machine shop operations by providing technical expertise in machining processes, CNC programming, tooling, and metrology. This role designs and optimizes manufacturing processes, analyzes workflow and equipment layout, and leads continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The position requires strong communication, advanced mathematical and reasoning abilities, and proficiency with analytical tools and Microsoft applications to solve complex manufacturing challenges and support production from concept through full-scale operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to the machine shop on machines, processes, tooling, work holding fixtures, programming, metrology, and overall troubleshooting.
• Develop and optimize CNC programs and associated tooling for machine tools with Fanuc, Fadal, Haas, and Mazatrol controllers, supporting routing changes, new products, new processes, and process improvements.
• Analyze space requirements, equipment layout, and workflow to improve operational performance and overall efficiency.
• Ensure tooling capability and support product startups, tooling standardization, and work cell integration to achieve stable and repeatable production.
• Plan and manage projects from inception through production, including initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing project activities.
• Assist in the specification, selection, and procurement of machinery and equipment required for manufacturing processes, ranging from specialized tooling to full CNC work centers.
• Support the introduction of new machinery and equipment into the machine shop and help bring new equipment to full production capability.
• Design and develop manufacturing processes, equipment, fixtures, and tooling to reduce cost, lead time, changeover time, and processing variation.
• Interpret complex mechanical, electrical, and technical drawings to guide manufacturing methods and ensure conformance to specifications.
• Apply metrology principles and geometric tolerances to verify part conformance and support process capability.
• Use analytical tools and techniques to analyze data, identify root causes, and lead problem resolution efforts to implement effective solutions.
• Apply Continuous Improvement tools and Lean manufacturing principles to drive process enhancements and waste reduction.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively through strong time management and organizational skills.
• Communicate clearly and collaborate with cross-functional teams to coordinate manufacturing activities and resolve production issues.
• Interpret and follow technical instructions, diagrams, and mathematical documentation to support manufacturing decisions and corrective actions.

Essential Skills

• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively within a machine shop environment.
• Knowledge of metal cutting machine shop manufacturing operations and techniques.
• Ability to interpret complex mechanical, electrical, and technical drawings.
• Understanding and utilization of metrology and geometric tolerances in manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement tools and Lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Project management skills, including initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing projects.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in the use of analytical tools and techniques to analyze data, identify root causes, and lead problem resolution efforts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft software applications.
• Hands-on experience with machining operations, including CNC machines, CNC lathes, and milling.
• Ability to develop and optimize CNC programs for machine tools with Fanuc, Fadal, Haas, and Mazatrol controllers.
• Advanced mathematical abilities to examine 3D models, dimensional prints, CAM software, CNC programs, and part measurements.
• Ability to work with plane and solid geometry and trigonometry in practical manufacturing applications.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to real-world manufacturing situations.
• Strong reasoning ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and implement corrective actions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in designing and developing manufacturing processes, fixtures, and tooling to improve cost, lead time, and changeover efficiency.
• Experience analyzing equipment layout, space requirements, and workflow to optimize operational performance.
• Specifying, selecting, and procuring machinery and equipment for manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with CAM software for CNC programming and process development.
• Experience supporting product startups, tooling standardization, and work cell integration.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or participate in continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Comfort working with technical documentation, diagrams, and detailed engineering instructions.

Work Environment

The role operates within a metal cutting machine shop environment that utilizes CNC machines, CNC lathes, milling centers, and full CNC work centers equipped with controllers such as Fanuc, Fadal, Haas, and Mazatrol. The position involves close interaction with production equipment, specialized tooling, work holding fixtures, metrology tools, and related manufacturing technology. Work typically requires time both on the shop floor, supporting equipment and processes directly, and in an office or engineering setting, where the specialist uses Microsoft software applications, analytical tools, CAM software, and technical drawings to plan and optimize operations. The environment emphasizes continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance quality, efficiency, and throughput.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Damascus, VA.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/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 Damascus,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 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 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.

Salary : $35 - $40