Job Title: Industrial EngineerJob Description
This Industrial Engineer role focuses on providing on-site production and launch support within an automotive final assembly environment. You will develop and optimize processes and time studies across all launch phases, lead line balancing and workforce efficiency initiatives, and apply lean manufacturing and MODAPTS principles to improve productivity, quality, ergonomics, and safety. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including both hourly and salaried employees, and active participation in union relations to support a high-performing, continuous improvement culture.
Responsibilities
Provide on-site production support for day-to-day operations in an automotive final assembly plant.
Support all launch build activities in every launch phase, including process and time study development, pilot build process confirmation, and post-launch optimization.
Develop, conduct, and maintain detailed time studies for all operations in assigned areas.
Apply lean manufacturing principles and techniques to continuously improve workforce efficiency and jobs per hour (JPH).
Apply Modular Arrangement Predetermined Time Standards (MODAPTS) and lean principles to develop and install direct and indirect labor standards and methods.
Conduct job ergonomics evaluations to identify and address ergonomic and safety concerns in all assigned operations.
Create, update, and maintain operator instruction sheets and work element sheets (IS/WES) for all operations in assigned areas.
Lead line rebalance and workforce reduction activities to achieve budgeted manning targets while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity.
Participate in and drive cycle line layout development for all forward models.
Support production in workforce-related tracking, analysis, and reporting activities.
Identify and resolve process, quality, and ergonomic/safety issues in collaboration with production and cross-functional teams.
Work effectively in multi-functional teams that include both union-represented (UAW) and salaried employees.
Take a participatory, collaborative approach to union relations and contribute as a supportive team member.
Serve as a strong and confident technical mentor to the production organization, including both hourly and salaried team members.
Communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats with all levels of the organization.
Flexibly support off shifts, alternative work schedules, and weekend work as needed to meet production and launch requirements.
Essential Skills
Industrial engineering experience in an automotive final assembly plant as an industrial or process engineer.
Proven experience supporting an automotive launch.
Demonstrated experience in accomplishing tasks and achieving objectives in a manufacturing environment.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze processes and implement effective improvements.
Hands-on experience with time studies and establishing labor standards.
Experience in ergonomics assessment and job ergonomics evaluations.
Proficiency in applying lean manufacturing principles and techniques to improve efficiency and throughput.
Working knowledge and application of Modular Arrangement Predetermined Time Standards (MODAPTS) or competing predetermined time systems.
Ability to perform line balancing and lead rebalance activities to meet manning and productivity targets.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in multi-functional teams with both union and salaried employees.
Willingness and ability to work off shifts, alternative schedules, and weekends as needed.
Completed engineering degree.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
MODAPTS certification or equivalent predetermined time system certification, with MODAPTS certification preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
AutoCAD proficiency preferred for supporting line layout and process design activities.
Demonstrated leadership behaviors in a manufacturing environment.
Strong interpersonal and team-building skills with the ability to collaborate across functions and levels.
Effective organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to serve as a technical mentor to both hourly and salaried production team members.
Work Environment
The role is based on-site in an automotive final assembly plant, working closely with production operations, engineering, and cross-functional teams. You will work in a high-paced manufacturing environment that requires frequent presence on the shop floor, interaction with union-represented and salaried employees, and hands-on engagement with production processes. The position may involve exposure to typical plant conditions such as noise, moving equipment, and frequent walking or standing. Standard office tools such as Microsoft Office are used for analysis and documentation, and AutoCAD may be used for line layout and process design. Work hours can include off shifts, alternative work schedules, and weekends, depending on production and launch needs, requiring flexibility and a strong commitment to supporting operations during critical periods.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of WAYNE, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $44.00/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 WAYNE,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 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.
