Fabrication Engineer

Job Title: Fabrication & Manufacturing EngineerJob Description

The Fabrication & Manufacturing Engineer serves as a hands-on bridge between design engineering and the fabrication shop floor. This role audits engineering drawings and CAD models for Design for Manufacturability (DFM), creates and manages CNC programs, and oversees production workflows to ensure custom switchgear and precision sheet metal projects move through the fabrication process on time and under budget. The engineer actively supports both technical file management and floor supervision, driving continuous process improvement in a high-growth manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Review 3D models from SolidWorks and 2D layouts from AutoCAD to perform thorough Design for Manufacturability (DFM) audits, ensuring parts can be fabricated within machine and material limitations.
• Identify and correct issues such as impossible bend radii, holes located too close to bend lines, and geometries that exceed machine physical limits before production begins.
• Use CAM software to write precise G-code programs and develop optimized nesting layouts for sheet metal and copper coil to minimize material scrap and maximize utilization.
• Manage revision and version control for CNC programs by ensuring obsolete files are removed from machine controllers and only current, engineering-approved file revisions are available to operators.
• Specify and calculate correct K-factors and bend deductions for press brake operations based on material type and thickness to achieve accurate dimensions on the first production run.
• Coordinate daily production scheduling by managing the flow of raw materials and ensuring machine operators have a continuous backlog of optimized files and materials to reduce machine idle time.
• Oversee automation scheduling and program accuracy for automated systems, ensuring complex panel bending operations run smoothly without mechanical jams or software conflicts.
• Develop and enforce first-piece setup inspection processes so operators measure and audit initial parts from lasers, punches, and brakes against master blueprints before releasing full production.
• Provide immediate, on-the-floor troubleshooting support when operators encounter machine errors, tooling collisions, or material issues, adjusting programs at the controller to minimize downtime.
• Design custom jigs, fixtures, clamps, and physical templates to streamline downstream manual operations such as welding and final switchgear assembly.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing engineering team to create clear, highly visual Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for machine setup and operation.
• Support scheduling and inventory maintenance activities to align material availability with production needs and maintain an efficient workflow.
• Adapt to changing production priorities and schedules, rebalancing workloads and resources as needed to meet delivery commitments.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional departments, including design, manufacturing, and operations, to resolve issues and keep projects on track.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance quality, reduce waste, and improve throughput across fabrication processes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
• 3-5+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience in a precision sheet metal or electrical switchgear facility.
• Proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD tools, including experience working with SolidWorks and AutoCAD models and drawings.
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and its application to fabrication and inspection.
• Practical, hands-on experience with laser cutting, copper punching, panel bending and folding, and press brake operation.
• Experience in fabrication and manufacturing engineering within a shop-floor environment.
• Ability to manage and optimize CNC programming, including G-code development and nesting strategies.
• Experience with ERP systems to support production scheduling, inventory maintenance, and workflow coordination.
• Strong scheduling and inventory maintenance skills to ensure material and resource availability.
• Ability to adapt quickly to production changes and shifting priorities while maintaining quality and throughput.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills for collaborating with multiple departments and shop-floor personnel.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience designing jigs, fixtures, and tooling to support welding, assembly, and other downstream operations.
• Background in switchgear manufacturing or related electrical equipment fabrication.
• Familiarity with writing or contributing to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and visual work instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage revision and version control for digital manufacturing files and CNC programs.
• Strong problem-solving skills for diagnosing and correcting machine errors, tooling issues, and material-related challenges in real time.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a high-growth manufacturing organization.

Work Environment

The role is based primarily on a manufacturing floor environment with direct exposure to fabrication equipment such as lasers, punches, panel benders, and press brakes. The engineer spends significant time on the shop floor working alongside operators, as well as in a newly renovated office space used for engineering tasks, CAD work, and planning. The environment combines hands-on interaction with machines and materials with desk-based activities such as programming, scheduling, and documentation. Standard safety practices and appropriate industrial attire are expected in the fabrication area, while the office space provides a modern, professional setting for engineering and coordination work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Hanover, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $115000.00/yr.

o Health & Welfare Benefits: You are eligible to participate in the company's health and welfare benefits program which includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, 401(k) with a company match, and additional voluntary benefits. Eligibility for health benefits begins on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment and eligibility for the 401 (k) begins on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment. A summary of the benefit program will be sent under separate cover. o Holidays client provides 10 paid holidays each calendar year. The 2026 holiday schedule includes: New Year's Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day & the day after, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. o Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) We believe in the importance of taking time to rest, recharge, and pursue personal interests. Therefore, we offer an unlimited PTO policy that allows you to take the time off without a fixed number of days. We trust our employees to request time off through the proper system with a minimum of two (2) weeks prior notice, manage their time responsibly, coordinate with their teams, and prioritize business needs. Maximum consecutive days an employee shall be out on PTO/holidays shall not exceed 10 or two calendar weeks (includes weekends).

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hanover,MD.

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.