Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
This Manufacturing Engineer role supports a rapidly growing metal fabrication operation that serves industrial and data center applications. The position focuses on developing, documenting, and continuously improving processes across fabrication, welding, powder coating, and assembly. You will spend most of your time on the production floor, working directly with welders and operators to create robust standard work, enhance quality and efficiency, and reduce reliance on tribal knowledge.
Responsibilities
Spend approximately 90% of time on the production floor, working closely with welders and operators to observe processes and gather accurate data.
Develop and implement robust standard work for all production processes, ensuring clarity, consistency, and ease of use for production teams.
Collaborate with production teams across all shifts to align with the production schedule and avoid delays in completing standard work documentation.
Monitor, prioritize, and adjust tasks to meet deadlines and prevent gaps caused by product availability or schedule changes.
Understand and clearly communicate the business impact of standard work on quality, efficiency, and safety to stakeholders at all levels.
Identify process gaps on the shop floor and recommend practical improvements to enhance workflow and reduce reliance on undocumented tribal knowledge.
Maintain organized, up-to-date documentation, including work instructions and process standards, and ensure timely revisions when processes change.
Partner with production, quality, and engineering teams to support process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.
Support efforts to strengthen standard work creation, process optimization, and collaboration with skilled trades such as welders and machinists.
Contribute to impactful improvements that directly influence product quality, production efficiency, and workplace safety.
Essential Skills
Minimum of 1+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering.
Demonstrated ability to develop and write clear, detailed production work instructions.
Strong collaboration skills with production teams and a proven ability to identify process gaps on the shop floor.
Proficiency in blueprint reading to understand and translate design requirements into effective work instructions.
Familiarity with AutoCAD for reviewing and working with engineering drawings.
Familiarity with SAP systems or similar enterprise resource planning tools.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word for communication, data analysis, and documentation.
Comfort working in a hands-on, production-floor environment and engaging directly with welders, operators, and other skilled trades.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field with 3-5 years of hands-on manufacturing experience is preferred.
An associate degree with 8-10 years of hands-on manufacturing experience is also considered a strong experience.
Experience with Kaizen, 5S, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
Understanding of Lean principles such as lead time reduction and SMED.
Interest in growing into design and new product introduction responsibilities over time.
Desire to develop leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills by working closely with production, quality, and engineering teams.
Motivation to build a long-term career in manufacturing engineering in a high-demand, growth-oriented industry.
Work Environment
This role is based in a new manufacturing facility specializing in custom metal fabrication for industrial and data center applications. You will work primarily on the production floor in close contact with welders, machinists, and operators, using technologies such as AutoCAD, SAP, and Microsoft Office tools. The standard schedule consists of four 10-hour shifts from Monday to Thursday, with flexible start and end times, provided you are present from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM to overlap with the second shift team. The environment offers significant opportunities for hands-on experience, exposure to multiple aspects of the business, and collaboration with production, quality, and engineering. The company is growing rapidly, providing strong potential for career growth, skill development, and long-term job stability in a high-demand field.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vandalia, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $60.10/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 Vandalia,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 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.
