Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob Description
The Manufacturing Engineer applies strong technical skills and a solid understanding of manufacturing operations to lead and execute complex engineering tasks. This role focuses on proactive problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and driving continuous improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. The position offers significant exposure to the manufacturing floor, frequent interaction with operators, and the opportunity to contribute directly to operational performance in a dynamic environment.
Responsibilities
Lead and take ownership of complex manufacturing engineering tasks that may involve multiple interrelated elements, ensuring timely and effective completion.
Anticipate and identify key technical issues, and develop well-supported recommendations and solutions even when no clear precedent exists.
Apply creative thinking to introduce new methods or approaches that resolve problems and improve manufacturing performance.
Evaluate and consider the impact of changes on related systems, equipment, and processes before implementation to maintain overall operational integrity.
Collaborate closely with peers, technicians, and mentors through reviews of technical rationale, verification activities, and validation activities.
Support manufacturing operations by troubleshooting issues on the floor, improving processes, and optimizing equipment performance for reliability and efficiency.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S, A3 problem solving, standard work development, waste reduction, and efficiency projects.
Ensure alignment of engineering activities with broader business objectives and maintain a strong understanding of overall company operations and the manufacturing environment.
Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams and operators, actively listen to feedback from the floor, and incorporate practical input into engineering solutions.
Demonstrate individual accountability by managing tasks independently while coordinating with multiple teams to achieve shared goals.
Adapt to a dynamic work setting where new issues arise daily, prioritizing work effectively and responding quickly to urgent technical needs.
Essential Skills
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, such as Mechanical, Electrical, Software, or a related discipline.
0-5 years of experience in an engineering role or equivalent advanced education.
Strong engineering fundamentals with solid technical and analytical capabilities.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills, including the ability to diagnose issues and develop practical solutions.
Ability to lead tasks independently, take ownership of outcomes, and drive results with minimal supervision.
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to collaborate across teams and interact with people at all levels.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work closely with operators, peers, and cross-functional partners.
Coachability and openness to feedback, with a willingness to learn quickly and put in the work required to grow.
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment with frequently changing priorities.
Capability to meet core technical expectations without heavy ramp-up due to the urgency of the role.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Internships or prior exposure to manufacturing environments are a strong plus.
Recent graduates are welcome and preferred when they demonstrate a strong technical foundation and high potential.
Experience with continuous improvement tools and methodologies such as 5S, A3 problem solving, standard work, and waste reduction.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across multiple teams while maintaining individual accountability.
Comfort interacting with people at all organizational levels, including frequent engagement with operators on the floor.
Strong listening skills and the ability to incorporate feedback from the manufacturing floor into engineering decisions.
A track record that reflects commitment and stability, without excessive short job stints.
High motivation, strong work ethic, and a willingness to take initiative in identifying and implementing improvements.
Alignment with a quality-over-quantity mindset and a professional approach consistent with being trusted in a family-business-like environment.
Work Environment
This role is based in a manufacturing environment with a strong emphasis on floor presence and hands-on engagement. The position requires spending a significant amount of time on the manufacturing floor, including frequent interaction with operators and production staff. Approximately 60% of the time, the engineer will be gowned in accordance with personal protective equipment (PPE) standards, following established safety and cleanliness requirements. The work is dynamic, with new technical and operational issues arising daily, requiring adaptability and a responsive approach. The role involves collaboration with multiple teams and departments, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and open communication. First and second shift opportunities are available, and the organization places high urgency on filling these roles, valuing candidates who can start as soon as possible. The overall culture emphasizes selectivity, high standards, and a focus on developing high-potential engineers in a supportive yet performance-driven environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Minnetonka, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $42.00/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 Minnetonka,MN.
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.
