Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
The Manufacturing Engineer designs, implements, and optimizes complex manufacturing processes, procedures, and equipment to support the production and assembly of new and existing products. This role focuses on developing advanced manufacturing techniques, testing new systems and methods for efficiency, and planning assembly layouts to improve production throughput, quality, cost, and safety. The engineer leads continuous improvement initiatives, drives process optimization, and ensures that all processes comply with applicable regulations while supporting a highly technical, automation-focused manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Plan and design complex manufacturing processes to improve existing products and support new product introductions.
Determine the equipment, tooling, and fixtures required to achieve manufacturing goals in accordance with product specifications.
Develop and implement process improvement projects that enhance manufacturing efficiency, material yield, safety, and cost performance.
Lead cross-functional teams in large-scope process improvement initiatives and capital projects.
Recommend design concepts and process solutions to engineering leadership to best utilize manufacturing equipment and automation.
Ensure complex manufacturing processes and procedures comply with relevant regulations, standards, and internal policies.
Apply technical standards, principles, theories, and engineering techniques frequently in daily work to solve complex manufacturing challenges.
Investigate product and process issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to ensure product quality and resolve quality problems.
Collaborate closely with other engineering departments, production leaders, and operations teams to support manufacturing goals and resolve issues.
Lead assigned projects and the associated project teams, providing guidance and informal leadership even without direct reports.
Contribute to the development and refinement of advanced manufacturing techniques, including automated assembly processes.
Use CAD/CAM tools to design and update manufacturing layouts, tooling, and process documentation.
Support the implementation and optimization of PLC-controlled equipment and pneumatic systems within automated assembly lines.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in engineering.
5+ years of experience in assembly manufacturing or process engineering, with a primary focus on automated assembly.
Proven experience designing and implementing new manufacturing processes and process improvements.
Demonstrated experience applying Continuous Improvement methodologies in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to work effectively with CAD/CAM systems for manufacturing and assembly applications.
Advanced knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Advanced knowledge of pneumatics used in manufacturing and automated assembly systems.
Advanced knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting, including experience with Siemens platforms.
Strong ability to lead process implementation projects and coordinate cross-functional teams.
Ability to investigate and resolve product quality issues using structured problem-solving methods.
Strong understanding of manufacturing safety, regulatory compliance, and process documentation.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting beyond basic operation is highly desirable.
Hands-on experience with pneumatic systems in an automated manufacturing environment is a strong plus.
Experience leading large-scale process improvement and capital projects.
Experience in continuous improvement initiatives within highly technical, automated environments.
Ability to mentor and provide guidance to other engineers and team members on process and automation topics.
Interest in ongoing professional development, including use of online learning platforms.
Work Environment
This role is fully on-site and requires daily presence at the manufacturing facility. The Manufacturing Engineer receives direction from the Manufacturing Engineering leadership team and collaborates closely with another Manufacturing Engineer in a similar role. The existing team member has lighter experience, so the incoming engineer is expected to help share the workload and provide guidance and informal leadership. The position involves leading projects and the associated teams without direct reporting responsibilities. The engineer works cross-functionally with other engineering departments, production managers, and operations staff in a highly technical environment focused on continuous improvement, automated assembly, and advanced motion and control systems. The facility manufactures fluid system components such as brass fittings and O-rings, supporting a wide range of industries. The role offers the opportunity to work on large-scale process improvements and capital projects, with a strong emphasis on technical growth and continuous improvement. The position includes eligibility for 10 days of paid time off, 6 paid holidays, and access to an online learning platform after six months, with the potential to convert to a direct role after approximately one year depending on business needs and performance.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Otsego, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $45.68/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 Otsego,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.