3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Bridge Building, Business Development, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systems, Calendar Management, Candidate Screening, Capacity Management, Communication Skills, Composite Materials, Computer Programming, Continuous Improvement, Contract Manufacturing, Cost Analysis, Cost Control, Cost Estimates, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Design Services, Feasibility Analysis, Genetics, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Geometry, Hospital, Industry/Trade Analysis, Machining Operations, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Design, Manufacturing Management, Manufacturing Methods, Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Materials Testing, Metal Manufacturing, Multitasking, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Printing, Process Improvement, Process Management, Process Sheet, Production Planning, Project Evaluation, Project/Program Coordination, Project/Program Management, Quality Engineering, Resource Management, Software Engineering, SolidWorks, Technical Analysis, Technical Drawing, Technical/Engineering Design, Tool and Die Manufacturing, Welding, Writing Skills
Job Title: CNC/Production Planning/Application Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking an Application Engineer to act as the technical bridge between customers and manufacturing operations across various manufacturing capabilities. This role involves managing the customer quoting process, production planning, and design for manufacturability (DFM) consultation. The position requires a broad technical understanding of multiple manufacturing processes and the ability to translate customer requirements into executable production plans.
Responsibilities
- Review customer requirements and technical drawings to assess project feasibility across all manufacturing modalities.
- Generate accurate quotes including material costs, labor estimates, and lead times for complex multi-process projects.
- Provide design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback to optimize parts for various manufacturing processes.
- Recommend optimal manufacturing processes based on part geometry, tolerances, materials, cost, and lead time requirements.
- Collaborate with customers to refine designs and specifications.
- Support the Customer Success team with technical expertise during customer interactions.
- Prepare manufacturing files including 3D printing build prep, CNC programming coordination, and sheet metal nesting.
- Plan and schedule jobs across multiple manufacturing processes to optimize throughput and meet delivery commitments.
- Conduct capacity planning to balance customer demand with available manufacturing resources.
- Estimate labor requirements for various operations including machining, printing, welding, and assembly.
- Coordinate with CNC programming team to manage programming capacity and lead times.
- Work with manufacturing managers on production priorities and resource allocation.
- Analyze part geometry to determine optimal manufacturing approach.
- Evaluate material selection across metals, plastics, and composites for different manufacturing processes.
- Identify potential manufacturing challenges and recommend design modifications.
- Assess trade-offs between cost, quality, lead time, and manufacturing complexity.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Partner with various managers to ensure smooth transition from quote to production.
- Work with quality engineers on inspection requirements and first article approvals.
- Coordinate multi-process workflows for hybrid projects requiring various manufacturing techniques.
- Support Business Development with technical assessments for new capabilities and technologies.
- Collaborate with CNC programmers on manufacturability and programming feasibility.
Essential Skills
- 3+ years of manufacturing experience with exposure to multiple processes.
- Strong knowledge of at least two manufacturing modalities such as additive manufacturing, CNC machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, or assembly.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software and manufacturing preparation tools.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T.
- Strong analytical skills for cost estimation and capacity planning.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- 5+ years of manufacturing experience across multiple modalities.
- Experience in contract manufacturing or customer-facing technical roles.
- Familiarity with design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) principles.
- Knowledge of CNC programming and CAM software like Mastercam or ESPRIT.
- Understanding of welding processes, sheet metal fabrication techniques, and surface finishing.
- Project management experience with multiple concurrent projects.
- Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for customer interactions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $53.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Seattle,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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 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.