Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
The Manufacturing Engineer plays a key role in developing and integrating trailer products into production while driving continuous improvement across fabrication, assembly, and machining operations. This position combines hands-on work on the shop floor with technical engineering responsibilities, ensuring that designs are manufacturable, processes are efficient, and communication flows effectively between engineering, operations, and supply chain partners.
Responsibilities
Collaborate closely with production operators, supervisors, and engineering staff to integrate new and existing products into manufacturing, spending approximately 60-70% of time on the shop floor.
Conduct time studies and workflow analyses to understand current processes, identify bottlenecks, and recommend improvements in productivity, cost, and responsiveness.
Develop and refine manufacturing processes for metal fabrication, including structural tubing, plate cutting and forming, and welding operations, with a focus on large weldments and assemblies.
Create and maintain 3D CAD models and detailed 2D drawings for large weldments, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with manufacturing capabilities.
Apply engineering principles such as Design for Assembly (DFA), GD&T per ASME standards, Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and Engineering Change (EC) processes to support robust product and process design.
Manage and support engineering deviations and change documentation to ensure controlled and traceable updates to products and processes.
Work with ERP systems to develop and maintain accurate bills of materials (BOMs) and routings that reflect real-world manufacturing steps and resource requirements.
Support and improve large assembly processes, ensuring efficient sequencing, tooling, and material flow through the production environment.
Collaborate with CNC machining operations to align part designs, tolerances, and fixtures with machining capabilities and productivity targets.
Engage in simultaneous engineering efforts with strategic supply chain partners to ensure manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and quality throughout the product lifecycle.
Incorporate regulatory considerations into the engineering and design process, including transportation-related requirements such as DOT and NTSB guidelines where applicable.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across fabrication and assembly, focusing on process optimization, waste reduction, and quality enhancement.
Provide operations support by troubleshooting manufacturing issues, resolving technical problems, and implementing corrective actions on the shop floor.
Communicate effectively with both engineers and non-engineers, translating technical concepts into clear, practical guidance for operators and stakeholders.
Demonstrate self-directed work habits by proactively identifying opportunities for improvement, proposing solutions, and following through to implementation.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from an ABET-accredited institution.
Minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in manufacturing engineering or a closely related field.
Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D CAD modeling and 2D drawing creation.
Strong understanding of Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME standards.
Experience with Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) in a manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with Engineering Change (EC) processes and engineering deviations.
Fundamental understanding of manufacturing operations, including ERP systems, BOM structure, and routing.
Hands-on experience with metal fabrication processes, including structural tubing and plate metal cutting and forming.
Understanding of welding jigs, fixtures, and large assembly processes.
Exposure to CNC machining operations and their integration with product design.
Experience working directly with operators on the shop floor, including conducting time studies and process observations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated self-starter mindset and disciplined work ethic.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
SolidWorks Simulation (FEA) experience is preferred but not required.
SolidWorks PDM experience is preferred but not required.
Experience in simultaneous engineering with strategic supply chain partners.
Understanding of regulatory considerations as they relate to engineering and design, including exposure to NTSB and DOT requirements (preferred but not required).
Experience in continuous improvement, process improvement, and operations support within a manufacturing environment.
Experience with welding processes, including TIG welding, is beneficial.
Manufacturing engineering experience specifically related to trailer or large vehicle production is a plus.
Leadership potential and the ability to contribute to building and shaping a growing manufacturing engineering department.
Work Environment
This role is based in a manufacturing environment focused on producing high-quality trailers, with strong emphasis on product development and production integration. The Manufacturing Engineer spends a majority of their time-approximately 60-70%-on the shop floor working directly with operators and observing real-time processes. The facility includes metal fabrication operations such as structural tubing, plate cutting and forming, welding jigs and fixtures, large assembly areas, and CNC machining equipment. Engineering and production teams collaborate closely, using technologies such as SolidWorks CAD tools and ERP systems for BOM and routing management. The work culture values open minds, diverse experiences, disciplined work ethic, and strong interpersonal communication. The environment supports continuous improvement and growth, with increasing sales and expanding product development activities. Attire is typically appropriate for a manufacturing floor setting, with practical and safety-conscious clothing suitable for regular presence in fabrication and assembly areas.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kewanee, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/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 Kewanee,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 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.
