Job Description
This Manufacturing Engineer role supports the transfer and startup of an existing manufacturing cell into a new production site. You will design and implement the new manufacturing cell layout, establish process flows, develop fixtures and tooling, create standard work, and train operators to enable a safe, efficient, and repeatable production launch. Working closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams, you will stabilize the new cell, improve first pass yield, support on-time delivery, and ensure the cell consistently meets customer demand at standard production rates. This is an on-site position in a light manufacturing and assembly environment, initially contract/temporary with potential for full-time conversion.
Responsibilities
Lead the full transfer of an existing manufacturing cell and processes into a new production site, including layout planning, equipment placement, process flow definition, and startup readiness.
Develop and implement detailed manufacturing cell layouts that improve safety, ergonomics, material flow, quality, and production efficiency.
Create, document, and maintain standard work, work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), process controls, and visual management tools for the new cell.
Review existing SOPs and finished units to understand current processes, and reverse engineer and rebuild processes even when direct observation of the legacy line is not possible.
Recreate the manufacturing environment by setting up workstations, defining production flow, and establishing a facility layout aligned to production needs and output targets.
Map and document all processes for the new site to ensure clarity, repeatability, and compliance with quality and operational standards.
Develop fixtures, tooling, and process improvements for production lines to support reliable and efficient assembly and fabrication.
Train operators on newly implemented processes, including standard work, quality expectations, equipment usage, and safe work practices.
Verify that operators can meet standard production times to support startup output targets and ongoing customer demand.
Support startup and stabilization of the new cell by identifying risks, resolving issues, and improving first pass yield and throughput.
Drive continuous improvement activities focused on quality, delivery, safety, and productivity, and track key performance indicators such as first pass yield.
Collaborate with Quality and suppliers to identify root causes of component or process failures and implement effective corrective actions.
Support qualification of new and revised parts in partnership with engineering teams, ensuring processes meet technical and quality requirements.
Apply structured problem-solving and root cause analysis techniques to address production issues and enhance process robustness.
Interpret engineering drawings and design concepts to translate requirements into practical manufacturing and assembly processes.
Interpret SOPs and convert them into clear, actionable production processes and operator instructions.
Perform hands-on setup, adjustment, and troubleshooting of manufacturing workflows to ensure stable and efficient operations.
Participate in project planning and execution for the site consolidation, working to a defined timeline with a completion target by Q2 2027.
Maintain production performance to meet on-time delivery goals and ensure the cell consistently achieves standard production rates.
Handle some physical aspects of the role, including moving equipment and workstations and occasionally lifting items up to approximately 50 pounds.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Wood Dale, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $57.69/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 Wood Dale,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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.
