Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Senior Manufacturing Engineer CNC Programmer Job Description
Join a well-established precision machining and manufacturing organization that supports customers across aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and other advanced industries. As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer CNC Programmer, you develop CNC programs, optimize machining processes, create clear work instructions, and support complex, high-precision manufacturing operations. You work closely with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot machining challenges, drive process improvements, and ensure products meet strict quality and customer requirements. This role is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing professional who enjoys solving technical problems and making a direct impact on production performance and success.
Responsibilities
- Develop, validate, and maintain CNC programs for complex machining operations, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis mills and multi-axis machining centers.
- Optimize machining processes to improve efficiency, reduce cycle times, and enhance tool life while maintaining tight tolerances and high-quality standards.
- Create detailed, accurate work instructions and setup documentation to guide machinists and production staff through each operation.
- Collaborate closely with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot machining challenges and resolve technical issues on the shop floor.
- Apply GD&T principles to ensure parts meet strict dimensional, geometric, and customer specification requirements.
- Use CAD software such as SolidWorks or Siemens NX to interpret and modify part models and drawings for manufacturability.
- Leverage Mastercam or NX CAM software to generate efficient toolpaths for complex, high-precision components.
- Support advanced manufacturing operations across aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and other precision industries by ensuring robust and repeatable processes.
- Continuously identify and implement process improvements that enhance productivity, quality, and overall manufacturing performance.
- Work within cross-functional teams to align engineering designs, manufacturing capabilities, and customer expectations.
Essential Skills
- Minimum 8+ years of process engineering experience in advanced manufacturing operations with a focus on machining, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis mills.
- 5+ years of Mastercam or Siemens NX programming experience, including generating toolpaths for multi-axis and 5-axis machining operations.
- Strong proficiency with SolidWorks or Siemens NX CAD software (targeting high competency levels).
- Hands-on experience with CNC machining and CNC programming in a high-precision manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to optimize manufacturing processes and drive process improvement initiatives.
- Solid understanding and practical application of GD&T in manufacturing and inspection.
- Experience supporting complex, high-precision manufacturing operations for advanced industries.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and production teams to solve technical challenges.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in both programming and process development.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Aerospace industry experience is preferred, particularly in precision machining for aerospace components.
- Experience with multi-axis and 5-axis machining of complex geometries.
- Background in manufacturing process development and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Familiarity with semiconductor or defense manufacturing environments is beneficial.
- Ability to translate customer requirements and engineering drawings into practical, efficient manufacturing plans.
- Strong communication skills for documenting work instructions and collaborating across departments.
- Comfort working in a hands-on role on the production floor, supporting machinists and technicians.
Work Environment
This is an onsite role, working Monday through Friday in a precision machining and advanced manufacturing facility. You operate in a collaborative environment where engineering and production teams work closely together to support complex, high-precision operations for aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and other advanced industries. The workplace focuses on technical excellence, process improvement, and delivering high-quality products that meet demanding customer and industry standards.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Phoenix, AZ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Phoenix, AZ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Phoenix,AZ. 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.