Configuration Manager

Job Title: Configuration Manager / Configuration Management Specialist Job Description
The Configuration Manager / Configuration Management Specialist plays a key role in maintaining the integrity, traceability, and control of configuration data and documentation for complex aerospace and defense products. This position manages configuration baselines, product structures, bills of materials (BOMs), engineering changes, and configuration status accounting activities. The role requires strong analytical skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate closely with Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and other support teams to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely documentation and change control.
Responsibilities
- Manage configuration baselines, product structures, BOMs, and configuration status accounting activities for aerospace and defense programs.
- Assign unique identifiers for custom parts, assemblies, and support documentation to ensure clear and consistent configuration identification.
- Ensure all part numbers are accurately documented, easily retrievable, and maintained in established tracking systems.
- Maintain configuration status accounting records to provide accurate traceability of product and documentation changes throughout the lifecycle.
- Coordinate release activities for baseline design files, ensuring all required approvals are obtained prior to release.
- Track and manage the status of design files from creation through revision and final release, maintaining clear lifecycle visibility.
- Collaborate with engineering and program teams to ensure timely updates and releases of design files and supporting documentation.
- Administer Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) in accordance with established change management processes.
- Document and track change requests using defined workflows, ensuring review and approval by all relevant stakeholders.
- Communicate approved changes effectively to all affected teams and maintain updated records reflecting current configurations.
- Ensure all design files and documentation are up to date and comply with applicable industry and internal standards.
- Organize and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, CAD-related documentation, and user manuals.
- Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance teams to support product development, production, and release activities.
- Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss project updates, documentation needs, and opportunities for process improvement.
- Conduct regular audits of documentation and change control processes to ensure compliance with company standards and configuration management best practices.
- Identify, recommend, and help implement improvements to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and robustness of configuration management practices.
- Provide training and support to staff members on configuration identification, release management, and change control procedures.
- Serve as a point of contact for inquiries related to enterprise and program configuration data and documentation.
- Support adherence to aerospace and defense documentation requirements, including understanding how Department of Defense regulations differ from non-DoD regulations.
- Work effectively in a less automated PLM environment, using manual methods when necessary to locate, verify, and manage configuration data.
Essential Skills
- 3+ years of experience in Configuration Management, Data Management, Document Control, or a closely related discipline.
- 3+ years of relevant industry experience supporting engineering teams and technical documentation.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of configuration management standards and best practices, including familiarity with ANSI/EIA-649 as a plus.
- Experience using and working in a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tool or a Document Management System (DMS).
- Experience supporting engineering change management, including administration of ECRs and ECOs.
- Experience managing product structures and BOM control in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Ability and willingness to work in a less automated PLM environment and perform more manual activities to find, validate, and manage configuration information.
- Engineering-specific document experience, including understanding CAD files and associated technical documentation.
- Awareness of how Department of Defense (DoD) regulations differ from non-DoD regulations in the context of documentation and configuration management.
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, reporting, and presentations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and clear documentation.
- Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate issues and propose effective solutions.
- Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently, take initiative, and consistently meet deadlines.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with Creo or similar CAD software is preferred, particularly for understanding and managing engineering design files.
- Working knowledge of ANSI/EIA-649 configuration management standard is a plus.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Program Management.
- Ability to provide training and guidance to others on configuration management processes and tools.
- Comfort working in a dynamic, growing aerospace and defense environment with mission-critical programs.
- Ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives and support continuous enhancement of configuration and document management practices.
Work Environment
This role operates within a fast-growing aerospace and defense environment focused on advanced laser, lidar, optical communications, and electro-optical technologies that support mission-critical solutions for government and commercial customers. You will work as part of a busy, onsite Configuration & Document Management team, collaborating closely with engineering and program staff. The position involves daily use of PLM and document management systems, office productivity tools such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and interaction with CAD files, including Creo or similar software. The culture emphasizes professional growth, internal mobility, and supportive leadership, with frequent catered lunches and an energetic onsite atmosphere for those who enjoy a collaborative, in-person setting. Working hours follow a standard office schedule aligned with program needs, and the environment is professional, documentation-focused, and highly engaged around complex technical projects.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Herndon, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.84 - $48.07/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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 [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.