Job Title: Manufacturing Process Engineer
This role supports manufacturing process engineering for axle carrier machining operations, with a strong focus on continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity. The Manufacturing Process Engineer applies engineering principles and analytical techniques to establish, optimize, and sustain robust manufacturing processes and products within an automotive machining environment. This position plays a key role in resolving machining-related issues, driving variability reduction, and implementing lean manufacturing best practices while ensuring compliance with plant, corporate, governmental, environmental, and ISO standards.
Responsibilities
Support manufacturing process engineering activities for axle carrier machining operations within an automotive manufacturing environment.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives in safety, quality, and productivity across the carrier machining area.
Apply engineering principles and analytical techniques to establish, validate, and continuously improve manufacturing processes and products.
Develop and execute action plans to investigate, prioritize, and address quality concerns on internal processes and supplier processes.
Verify the effectiveness of corrective actions on internal and supplier processes to ensure sustained quality improvements.
Lead and conduct process audits to ensure process discipline aligns with Powertrain Operations guidelines and plant standards.
Conduct job ergonomic evaluations and implement corrective actions to improve ergonomics and reduce risk for production personnel.
Analyze axle carrier inventory root causes and lead mapping and corrective actions to reduce carrier rejects and scrap.
Create clear and detailed process sheets and instruction sheets that support quality methods and standardized work processes.
Deliver capable processes and tooling for carrier machining operations, ensuring repeatable and stable production performance.
Take a lead role in resolving machining-related concerns, including troubleshooting issues with powertrain components such as gears, axles, and carriers.
Lead variability reduction initiatives to improve process capability and reduce defects and process variation.
Champion lean manufacturing initiatives and best practices, including the use of lean tools such as 5S, Kanban, Poka-yoke, and Value Stream Mapping.
Ensure compliance with plant policies, corporate standards, governmental regulations, and environmental requirements.
Support ISO compliance activities, including participation in internal ISO audits and ongoing adherence to ISO standards.
Support continuous improvement projects in the carrier machining area to enhance throughput, safety, and product quality.
Identify throughput constraints in machining and related processes, and drive root cause analysis and improvements to increase capacity and flow.
Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, 5Why, DMAIC, and DMADV (DFSS) to address process and quality issues.
Apply TQM principles, PPAP processes, and design of experiments (DOEs) to validate and optimize processes and new product introductions.
Use visual factory management techniques to improve communication, transparency, and performance tracking on the shop floor.
Collaborate with cross-functional launch team members to support successful product and process launches from start to finish.
Essential Skills
3+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing working in a facility that manufactures metal parts through machining, such as powertrain components, axles, differentials, and axle carriers.
Hands-on experience in manufacturing engineering and process engineering within a machining environment.
Demonstrated experience with machining operations for powertrain components, including gears, axles, and carriers.
Experience supporting or leading a product or process launch from start to finish in a manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, including process development, optimization, and control.
Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly document processes and present findings.
Proficiency in lean manufacturing concepts and tools, including 5S, Kanban, Poka-yoke, and Value Stream Mapping.
Experience applying Six Sigma methodologies and structured problem-solving techniques.
Proficiency with 8D and 5Why corrective action and problem-solving methods.
Experience using DMAIC and DMADV (Design for Six Sigma) project methodologies.
Knowledge and experience with Total Quality Management (TQM) principles.
Experience with Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) requirements and documentation.
Experience designing and executing Design of Experiments (DOEs) to optimize processes.
Familiarity with visual factory management practices to support performance tracking and communication.
Ergonomic analysis knowledge and experience, including conducting ergonomic evaluations and implementing improvements.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering is preferred.
Experience in powertrain manufacturing environments, particularly in axle carrier machining operations.
Experience working within ISO-compliant environments and supporting internal ISO audits.
Experience in variability reduction and capability improvement initiatives in machining processes.
Experience implementing and sustaining lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional launch team environment with multiple engineers.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail when investigating quality concerns and process issues.
Required skills:
Full launch experience
Manufacturing of parts through machining / CNC
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $42.30 - $46.53/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 Sterling Heights,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
