Job Description
The Engineering Manager (Manufacturing & Process) serves as the technical leader for defining manufacturing processes, improving existing equipment, and driving product quality in a high-volume, single-piece flow environment. This role provides day-to-day engineering support to production, works closely with Maintenance and Quality teams, and leads continuous improvement and automation initiatives. This role supports New Product Introduction (NPI) launches, mentors manufacturing engineers, and ensures compliance with applicable defense and internal standards while helping build a strong lean and continuous improvement culture.
Responsibilities
Provide day-to-day engineering support for single-piece flow manufacturing lines to ensure stable, efficient, and reliable operations.
Define, document, and optimize manufacturing processes in collaboration with Quality, Maintenance, and Operations teams.
Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, process definitions, and control plans that support consistent, repeatable production.
Lead improvements to existing equipment to enhance product quality, improve consistency, reduce scrap, and increase equipment reliability.
Ensure production lines operate without interruptions by identifying and addressing process weaknesses, bottlenecks, 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.
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by integrating new products and processes into existing production lines and ensuring smooth ramp-up to full production.
Validate new processes and equipment to confirm they meet quality, performance, and reliability requirements before full deployment.
Implement robust process controls to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to SQDIP priorities (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Productivity).
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including structured events and Lean activities, to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize cycle times.
Collaborate with Value Stream Managers to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities across the production value stream.
Lead or support automation initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce manual intervention, and improve process robustness.
Supervise, mentor, and develop Manufacturing Engineers, including providing coaching on technical skills, lean principles, and continuous improvement tools.
Train manufacturing engineers in lean manufacturing concepts, structured problem-solving, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Apply structured problem-solving techniques, including root cause analysis, to resolve quality and process issues and prevent recurrence.
Manage and support engineering projects related to equipment improvements, upgrades, and process changes, ensuring they are delivered on time and within scope.
Ensure adherence to DoD security and compliance requirements in all engineering and process activities.
Effectively operate in an environment with evolving processes and limited structure, helping to define and standardize processes over time.
Spend approximately half of the time on the production floor and half at the desk, balancing hands-on support with documentation, analysis, and project work.
Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (Master's preferred).
8+ years of experience in process and manufacturing engineering within a high-volume environment.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles, Kaizen events, and continuous improvement culture
Familiarity with DoD compliance standards
Project management skills for equipment improvements and upgrades
Previous leadership experience
Experience supporting NPI launches and integrating new products
Nice to Have
Master Degree preferred
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 (5Y, 8D).
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 - $65.00/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 Jun 3, 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.
