Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
This Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on supporting and optimizing automated pharmaceutical production lines in a highly regulated, state-of-the-art manufacturing environment. You will analyze equipment and process capacity, lead the implementation of new manufacturing lines, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, yield, and reliability. The position offers the opportunity to become the subject matter expert for advanced automated equipment while collaborating closely with cross-functional stakeholders and vendors.
Responsibilities
Analyze equipment and process capacity constraints to identify bottlenecks and develop technical solutions that increase capacity, reduce equipment downtime, and improve efficiencies and yield.
Qualify and implement new manufacturing lines, including planning, coordination, and execution of equipment installation, startup, and validation activities.
Serve as the subject matter expert for automated manufacturing equipment once the new line is implemented, providing technical leadership and guidance.
Monitor production processes and collect, analyze, and interpret data from production equipment to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities.
Support and troubleshoot automated manufacturing and robotics equipment on the production floor, working hands-on with machinery and collaborating with technicians.
Manage projects from concept through qualification, purchase, implementation, and optimization, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
Collaborate with process engineers, technology managers, capital engineers, and other stakeholders to align equipment capabilities with production and business needs.
Oversee documentation review related to equipment, processes, and quality requirements, ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Participate in equipment maintenance planning and support efforts to maintain high levels of equipment reliability and performance.
Travel approximately once per month during the initial months of the role to vendor sites, primarily within the United States, to test and evaluate machinery prior to purchase and implementation.
Contribute to capital projects by supporting equipment selection, installation, startup, and optimization activities in a regulated manufacturing environment.
Engage with vendors and suppliers to evaluate equipment performance, negotiate technical requirements, and ensure successful integration into existing production processes.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
2-7+ years of experience supporting manufacturing equipment and production operations.
Experience with automated manufacturing equipment, robotics, or pick-and-place systems.
Experience troubleshooting production equipment in a manufacturing environment.
Experience leading projects from concept through implementation.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders at different levels of the organization.
Comfort working directly on the production floor and interacting with technicians.
Experience working in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing experience or experience in a similar regulated industry such as medical device, consumer products, or food manufacturing.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience in manufacturing engineering, including exposure to automation, robotics, and mechanical engineering applications.
Exp. in quality inspection and documentation review within a regulated environment.
Experience with equipment maintenance and support for production machinery.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes in pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer products, food, or other regulated industries.
Equipment qualification and validation experience, particularly in GMP environments.
Experience with packaging equipment in a regulated manufacturing setting.
Experience with equipment selection, installation, and startup activities.
Capital project experience, including coordination with project engineering and capital engineering teams.
Vendor and supplier management experience, including equipment evaluation and acceptance testing.
Exposure to production processes involving automated systems, robotics, and pick-and-place technologies.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate across engineering, operations, and quality functions.
Work Environment
The role is based in a clean, state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility that includes a mix of office space, laboratories, and production areas. You will spend significant time on the production floor working directly with automated manufacturing equipment and interacting with technicians and engineering staff. The environment operates under strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, with a strong focus on quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. The position offers flexibility around working hours, with a minimum of 40 hours per week and core hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; start and end times can be adjusted as long as core hours are covered. The organization offers an attractive package once you transition to direct employment, including an annual performance bonus, commission and share potential, a generous paid time off bank starting at 20 days, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, vision, mental health support, disability, life insurance, prescription drug coverage, and a variety of voluntary benefits.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.37 - $50.48/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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 Columbus,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 13, 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.
