Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer -> Value Stream Manager
Job Description:
We're seeking a hands-on Value Stream Manager to support daily operations, drive process improvements, and provide frontline leadership within a fast-paced assembly environment. This role is ideal for an early-career engineer who thrives on the shop floor, enjoys coaching teams, and wants a clear path toward higher-level leadership roles.
Responsibilities:
Daily Operations Leadership - Oversee all activities for an assigned production team, ensuring safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets are met.
Frontline Supervision - Directly supervise 35-40 associates; start early to review schedules, plan manpower, and prepare the shift.
Shop-Floor Engagement - Spend ~60% of time on the floor conducting audits, coaching, mentoring, and supporting associates.
Problem Solving - Lead root-cause investigations using 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and structured problem-solving tools.
Order & Production Planning - Manage daily orders, coordinate purchasing, machining, and assembly activities, and expedite materials as needed.
Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with Customer Care, Procurement, Production, Quality, and Outside Processing to meet delivery and inventory goals.
Continuous Improvement - Drive cost-reduction, lead-time improvements, and process optimization initiatives.
Reporting & KPIs - Track inventory, order volume, and performance metrics; develop action plans and standard work.
People Leadership - Participate in hiring, assign work, approve time off, and conduct performance evaluations.
Must-Have Skills
Manufacturing engineering experience ideally in assembly
Process improvement & Lean manufacturing fundamentals
Strong communication skills; ability to work with all levels of the organization
Experience with 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and structured problem solving
Self-driven and comfortable spending significant time on the shop floor
Spanish communication skills are a plus due to bilingual workforce
Nice-to-Have Skills
Value stream mapping
Kaizen facilitation
Lean Six Sigma exposure
Experience in production or assembly leadership
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related field
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision
Strong MS Office and MRP system proficiency
Interest in leadership and long-term career growth within operations
Employee Value Proposition
Annual bonus eligibility (target 5%)
Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life Insurance
Matching 401(k) + Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Up to 3 weeks starting vacation + 12 paid holidays
Health Savings Account
Educational reimbursement & matching gift program
Strong internal mobility and promotion opportunities
Fast-growing, sustainability-focused organization
Robust onboarding and annual performance evaluations
Work Environment
On-site role with typical M-F day shift hours
Fast-paced, high-change environment
Bilingual workforce (Spanish helpful but not required)
Highly collaborative culture with strong support from leadership
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Sanford, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $90000.00/yr.
Competitive Salary; Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance; Matching 401(k) Contribution; Health Savings Account; Up to 3 weeks starting Vacation (may increase with tenure); 12 Paid Holidays; Annual Bonus Eligibility; Educational Reimbursement; Matching Gift Program; Employee Stock Purchase Plan - purchase company stock at a discount; Target bonus of 5% of pay for all associates; Salary range of high $70,000s to $80,000s, with high end around $95,000 to $98,000 depending on experience; Significant opportunities for internal promotion and development, both within the facility and across other company locations and departments; Focus on sustainability and double-digit growth; Strong onboarding program to help new hires integrate quickly; Annual performance evaluations
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Sanford,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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.
