Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
The Manufacturing Engineer researches, designs, and develops manufacturing processes that improve production flow, assembly methods, and equipment performance. This role leads the launch of new and revised products into manufacturing, ensures accurate documentation in the ERP system, and drives cost, quality, and efficiency improvements across the production environment. The Manufacturing Engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, supports CNC programming and tooling decisions, and provides hands-on support on the shop floor when needed.
Responsibilities
Perform research, design, and development of manufacturing processes, including optimizing production flow, assembly methods, and production equipment.
Approve and create new work instructions to ensure clear, accurate, and up-to-date production documentation.
Create and modify routings and bills of materials (BOMs) in the ERP system to support accurate planning and manufacturing.
Update and maintain detailed CAD floor layouts of buildings, work cells, and equipment to reflect current and future-state manufacturing configurations.
Coordinate the manufacturing launch of new and revised products, including setting goals, planning and delivering training to team members, and evaluating launch results.
Design, develop, test, cost-justify, and source tools, machinery, and equipment to support recommended manufacturing methods.
Perform product and process analysis to drive cost reduction, quality improvement, and efficiency gains.
Take the lead in resolving quality problems in production when issues are not resolved at lower levels through the NCR (Non-Conformance Report) process.
Represent manufacturing on cross-functional teams to support new product introduction, process changes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Create and modify CAD models and drawings as required to support tooling, fixtures, and process design.
Create and modify CAM files as required to support CNC programming and machining operations.
Operate basic CNC equipment as needed to support shop floor activities, prove out processes, and validate programs.
Work with vendors, customers, and internal employees to resolve technical issues and support manufacturing objectives.
Prepare and deliver presentations, and effectively run meetings to communicate project status, proposals, and improvement plans.
Use structured problem-solving and analysis to identify root causes and implement robust corrective and preventive actions.
Handle multiple projects simultaneously, managing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall success of the manufacturing operation.
Essential Skills
Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
Strong knowledge of machining and assembly practices, including tools and fixturing.
Proficiency with CNC programming and operation of basic CNC equipment in a production environment.
Ability to create and modify CAD models and drawings using CAD software.
Ability to create and modify CAM files using CAM software such as Mastercam.
Experience with manufacturing engineering and process engineering in a production setting.
Demonstrated skills in process improvement and continuous improvement methodologies.
Understanding and practical application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
Ability to work effectively with vendors, customers, and internal employees.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to make clear presentations.
Proven ability to excel in a team environment and collaborate across functions.
Strategic thinking skills to support both short-term and long-term business goals.
Strong presentation skills and the ability to plan, lead, and run meetings.
Structured problem-solving and analytical skills to address quality and process issues.
General computer proficiency, including use of ERP systems for routings and BOMs.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with CAD software for facility and equipment layout design.
Experience with CAM software such as Mastercam for CNC programming.
Background in advanced product quality planning (APQP), control plans, and related quality tools.
Experience participating in or leading cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with NCR (Non-Conformance Report) processes and quality problem resolution.
Ability to represent manufacturing interests in new product introduction and engineering change activities.
Comfort working in a structured, documentation-driven environment with work instructions and standardized processes.
Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Work Environment
This role operates in a clean, professional manufacturing environment that supports precision machining and assembly operations. The typical schedule is approximately 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with some flexibility in start and finish times to accommodate business and personal needs. You will work with CNC machines, CAD and CAM software, ERP systems, and a variety of tools, fixtures, and production equipment. The environment encourages collaboration, continuous improvement, and cross-functional teamwork. A standard professional manufacturing dress code is expected, with appropriate safety gear as required by specific work areas.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elmhurst, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/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 Elmhurst,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 17, 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.
