Temporary Optical Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

ATTALON in Traverse City, Michigan is a vertically integrated manufacturing and R&D campus specializing in high‑performance optical isolators, photodetectors, and laser solutions for industrial, medical, scientific, and research applications. The site encompasses 40,000 sq. ft., including 15,000 sq. ft. of ISO 7 and ISO 8 cleanrooms certified to ISO 14644‑1:2015, enabling both high‑volume production and rapid prototyping in a controlled environment.

At ATTALON inc. in Traverse City, MI we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our teams work in a state-of-the-art facility with advanced cleanrooms, precision manufacturing, and cutting-edge R&D labs, enabling us to deliver world-class optical solutions. We value continuous improvement, technical excellence, and teamwork, leveraging vertical integration to accelerate design cycles and meet challenging customer requirements. Employees thrive in an environment that combines high-tech engineering with hands-on problem solving, where ideas move quickly from concept to production. If you’re passionate about precision, creativity, and making an impact in photonics, you’ll fit right in.

Job Details

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a critical role in optimizing and enhancing manufacturing processes to ensure efficient production and high-quality output. You will be responsible for developing and implementing detailed work instructions and process plans that align with production goals and compliance standards. This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams to support new product introductions, ensuring seamless integration into existing manufacturing systems. You will analyze current manufacturing layouts and workflows to identify opportunities for improvement, cost reduction, and increased productivity. Ultimately, your expertise will drive continuous improvement initiatives that contribute to the overall success and competitiveness of the manufacturing operations within the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, document, and maintain detailed work instructions and manufacturing process documentation
• Design and optimize manufacturing process layouts to improve efficiency and reduce waste
• Collaborate with product development teams to support new product introduction and ensure manufacturability
• Conduct process capability studies and implement process improvements based on data analysis
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and provide technical support to production teams to maintain quality and throughput

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5-8 years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Relevant experience in lieu of degree is also acceptable
• Proven experience in manufacturing engineering within a production environment
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, work instructions, and process documentation
• Experience with new product introduction and process layout planning
• Familiarity with quality standards and continuous improvement methodologies

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies
• Knowledge of automation and robotics integration in manufacturing
• Previous experience in a low-volume high mix manufacturing environment
• Advanced problem-solving and project management skills

Skills:

In this role, your expertise in creating clear and comprehensive work instructions will ensure that production teams have precise guidance to maintain quality and consistency. Your deep understanding of manufacturing engineering principles will enable you to design and refine processes that maximize efficiency and reduce operational costs. You will apply your skills in planning layouts to optimize factory floor space and workflow, directly impacting productivity and safety. During new product introductions, your ability to collaborate with design and production teams will facilitate smooth transitions and minimize disruptions. Additionally, your analytical skills will be essential in identifying process bottlenecks and implementing data-driven improvements that support continuous manufacturing excellence.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.