Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob Description
The Manufacturing Engineer designs and develops manufacturing processes and systems that consistently exceed quality, cost, and schedule requirements to support business growth. This role focuses on defining and implementing concepts and processes for new products and product enhancements, while integrating specialized techniques into a lean manufacturing environment. The engineer will work closely with advanced manufacturing engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure robust, efficient, and scalable production solutions.
Responsibilities
Evaluate and implement innovative, cost-effective, and safe manufacturing processes and techniques that improve the effectiveness of manufacturing operations and business systems.
Develop manufacturing plans, including initial tooling requirements and costs, capability requirements, control plans, and assessments to clearly define manufacturing processes.
Design and implement manufacturing flows, workstation layouts, and station controls to optimize value-added operations, reduce operating costs, and enhance product and process quality.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional team members to improve design for manufacturability and ensure smooth integration into the manufacturing facility.
Provide regular updates to stakeholders on process development, implementation progress, and performance results.
Work alongside advanced manufacturing engineers to lead the setup of new manufacturing processes and equipment.
Participate in the run-off of equipment at supplier sites to verify performance and compliance with requirements.
Coordinate the return of equipment from suppliers and oversee its installation in the manufacturing facility.
Set up production areas, including equipment placement, workstation organization, and supporting infrastructure.
Create and optimize material flow within the manufacturing area to support efficient and lean operations.
Develop clear, detailed standard work instructions to ensure consistent execution of manufacturing processes.
Identify problems on manufacturing lines, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
Use data analysis to monitor process performance and drive continuous improvement within a lean manufacturing framework.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
5-10 years of relevant manufacturing work experience.
Proven experience in manufacturing engineering, including process engineering and process development.
Demonstrated problem-solving ability with clear examples of identifying issues on manufacturing lines and implementing effective solutions.
Hands-on experience setting up manufacturing processes, including creating material flow and setting up equipment.
Strong understanding and practical application of lean manufacturing principles.
Proficiency with MS Office for documentation, analysis, and communication.
Experience using CAD software to support manufacturing layouts, tooling, or process design.
Ability to perform data analysis to evaluate process performance and support decision-making.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working closely with advanced manufacturing engineers or similar technical teams.
Background in developing control plans and capability assessments for manufacturing processes.
Experience creating workstation layouts and station controls in a production environment.
Strong communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide clear updates to stakeholders.
Ability to write clear, concise standard work instructions and process documentation.
Work Environment
This is an on-site role on a first-shift schedule within a lean manufacturing environment. The position involves frequent interaction with production areas, equipment installation zones, and supplier-runoff locations. The engineer will work with a variety of manufacturing technologies, CAD tools, MS Office applications, and data analysis tools to design and refine processes. The environment emphasizes safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration with advanced manufacturing engineers and other functional teams. The role offers benefits including paid holidays, accrued paid time off, and sick leave.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $48.00/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 Grand Rapids,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 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.