Job Title: Engineering Manager (Manufacturing & Process)
Job Description
The Engineering Manager (Manufacturing & Process) serves as the technical leader for defining and improving manufacturing processes, enhancing existing equipment, and driving product quality in a high-volume, single-piece flow environment. This role provides day-to-day engineering support closely aligned with the Maintenance and Quality teams, leads continuous improvement and automation initiatives, and supports New Product Introduction (NPI) to ensure smooth integration of new products and processes into production. The Engineering Manager also supervises and mentors Manufacturing Engineers, helping to build a strong, lean-focused engineering team in a fast-paced and evolving manufacturing setting.
Responsibilities
Provide day-to-day engineering support for single-piece flow manufacturing operations, ensuring stable, efficient, and reliable production.
Define, document, and improve manufacturing processes, including developing detailed work instructions, process definitions, and control plans.
Lead improvements to existing equipment to enhance product quality, consistency, and reliability while reducing scrap and waste.
Ensure production lines operate without interruptions by proactively addressing process weaknesses and equipment issues.
Partner closely with the Maintenance team to align on reliability improvement strategies and preventive maintenance actions.
Oversee the installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment for new products, ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) and internal standards.
Implement robust process controls to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to SQDIP priorities: Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Productivity.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including kaizen events and Lean activities, to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize cycle times.
Collaborate with Value Stream Managers to identify, prioritize, and execute process and equipment improvement opportunities.
Validate new processes and equipment to ensure readiness for production and successful ramp-up.
Work closely with design, quality, and operations teams to support New Product Introduction (NPI) and integrate new products into existing production lines.
Supervise, train, and mentor Manufacturing Engineers, providing guidance on technical issues, project execution, and professional development.
Work with Continuous Improvement specialists to ensure engineers receive training in Lean principles and continuous improvement tools.
Apply project management skills to plan, coordinate, and deliver equipment upgrades, process improvements, and automation initiatives on time and within scope.
Lead or support root cause analysis and structured problem-solving activities using methodologies such as 5 Whys (5Y) and 8D.
Ensure adherence to DoD security and compliance requirements in all process and equipment-related activities.
Support efforts to implement more automation within the facility, including identifying opportunities and participating in specification and deployment.
Effectively operate in an environment where processes are not yet fully defined, helping to create structure, clarify standards, and reduce ambiguity over time.
Spend approximately 50% of time on the production floor engaging with processes, equipment, and teams, and 50% at the desk handling analysis, documentation, and project management.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (Master's degree preferred).
8+ years of experience in process and manufacturing engineering within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and a continuous improvement culture.
Experience participating in or leading kaizen or similar continuous improvement events.
Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) compliance standards.
Demonstrated project management skills for equipment improvements and upgrades.
Previous leadership experience supervising or leading engineering teams or technical staff.
Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) launches and integrating new products into production lines.
Hands-on experience in manufacturing engineering, including process development and optimization.
Ability to collaborate effectively with maintenance, quality, design, and operations teams.
Strong communication skills to clearly convey technical information and expectations to cross-functional teams and direct reports.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Technical expertise in manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, and process control.
Experience in Lean Manufacturing, kaizen, and 5S implementation.
Ability to lead root cause analysis and structured problem-solving using methods such as 5Y and 8D.
Experience in process improvement across manufacturing processes, tooling, machining, and fabrication.
Experience with PLC programming or working with PLC-controlled equipment.
Comfort working in an environment where processes are still being defined, with a willingness to create structure and standardization.
Interest in automation and experience helping to implement automated solutions in a production environment.
Capability to train and develop Manufacturing Engineers in lean principles and continuous improvement tools.
Work Environment
The role is based in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment focused on producing advanced head protection systems that directly impact the safety and lives of end users. The facility has been recently remodeled and offers an extremely clean manufacturing floor, along with modern amenities such as a game room area that supports a positive and engaging workplace culture. The organization emphasizes thoughtful product design and reliable performance, allowing users to focus on their mission rather than their equipment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cleveland, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $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 Cleveland,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 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.
