Principal Engineer

Job Title:

Principal Engineer Job Description We are seeking a Principal Engineer to serve as the site-level Subject Matter Expert (SME) for traditional aerospace machining at our Manchester facility. This position is a deep technical authority role, where you will provide expert guidance on the machinability of aerospace components, support turning and milling operations, and collaborate closely with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to ensure efficient and compliant production. Responsibilities Serve as the primary technical SME for traditional aerospace machining, including turning and milling. Provide expert guidance on the machinability of aerospace components, materials, and tolerances. Support and influence manufacturing decisions to improve producibility, quality, yield, and efficiency. Partner with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to resolve machining-related production issues. Support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to machining and manufacturability challenges. Review engineering requirements and drawings with a manufacturability lens. Provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineers and manufacturing stakeholders as needed. Support compliance with aerospace quality standards and customer requirements. Essential Skills 15+ years of aerospace machining manufacturing experience. Extensive hands-on and decision-level expertise in traditional aerospace machining. Ability to evaluate and influence machinability of aerospace components. Background working in regulated aerospace manufacturing environments. Strong experience partnering with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with AS9100 manufacturing environments. Exposure to ITAR-regulated facilities. Experience supporting CNC machining environments. History of resolving machining-related production issues, yield challenges, or quality escapes. Prior experience serving as a senior technical authority or escalation point. Ability to mentor engineers and support standard work or best practices. Work Environment This role is based at our Manchester manufacturing facility, operating in a hands-on aerospace machining environment. It offers a stable, mission-driven aerospace manufacturer with long-term programs, where engineering solutions directly affect outcomes. The leadership team values experience, technical credibility, and practical problem-solving, with clear expectations and respect for deep subject matter expertise. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Manchester, CT. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $115000.00 - $151000.00/yr. The organization offers a competitive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial security, and work‑life balance. Health & Wellness Medical, dental, and vision insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Financial & Retirement Competitive 401(k) retirement plan with company match Life insurance and short‑term/long‑term disability coverage Time Off & Work‑Life Balance Paid time off (PTO) Paid holidays First‑shift schedule Stable, long‑term manufacturing environment Additional Benefits Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development opportunities Company‑paid training where applicable Safety‑focused, team‑oriented work environment Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Manchester,CT. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.