The Manufacturing Engineer leads and supports the implementation, optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes within a high-volume production facility. This role provides hands-on technical engineering support on the shop floor, develops and maintains process methods and standards, evaluates and establishes appropriate manpower levels, and drives safety, quality, and productivity improvements. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to support new product launches, implement engineering changes, and ensure that manufacturing operations run efficiently and reliably in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Lead and support new manufacturing process trials and provide ongoing engineering support for current production to ensure stable, efficient, and reliable operations.
Establish, document, and maintain optimal production methods, standards, tooling, and equipment for assigned products and processes.
Drive improvements in manufacturing safety, ergonomics, and efficiency through thoughtful process design, modifications, and continuous safety initiatives.
Collaborate with Materials and other cross-functional teams to optimize material flow, organization, and placement using Lean principles.
Coordinate the implementation of new products and engineering changes, ensuring appropriate balance of work content, process timing, and manpower requirements.
Partner with Engineering and Materials teams to conduct manufacturing design reviews and support process development, proto@type builds, and launch readiness activities.
Identify, implement, and standardize process improvements using Lean and Lean Six Sigma methodologies to enhance quality, reduce cost, and improve delivery performance.
Analyze assembly operations using data-driven methods and drive continuous improvement through problem solving and application of lean manufacturing techniques.
Develop and maintain accurate production standards using predetermined time systems such as MOST and MTM to support labor balancing and manpower planning.
Ensure adherence to engineering standards, plant procedures, and compliance requirements across all assigned manufacturing processes.
Identify and execute opportunities for cost reduction and manpower optimization through improved process design and assembly configuration.
Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to other Manufacturing Engineers to support their development and performance.
Lead and execute engineering programs within the area of responsibility, managing timing, deliverables, and alignment with business and production objectives.
Interface and collaborate with plant personnel at all levels to achieve production targets, maintain manpower balance, and meet operational goals.
Support and improve production operations by developing and optimizing manufacturing processes, implementing engineering changes, and establishing robust production standards.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency within a high-volume assembly environment.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent engineering experience.
Minimum 4 years of manufacturing engineering experience, with flexibility to consider candidates with 1-2 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing facility.
Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing or assembly environment with a focus on engineering and production.
Hands-on manufacturing engineering skills, including process engineering, tooling and equipment specification, and production support.
Proven experience in process development and optimization, including establishing and refining production methods and standards.
Experience in Lean Manufacturing, including waste reduction, process flow improvements, and workplace organization and efficiency.
Experience with continuous improvement and Lean Six Sigma methodologies focused on quality, cost, and productivity improvements.
Industrial engineering experience with time studies, labor balancing, and manpower planning using predetermined time systems such as MOST and MTM.
Demonstrated ability to implement and validate manufacturing processes, including new product launches and engineering change implementation.
Competence in data analysis and structured problem solving to improve production performance and resolve manufacturing issues.
Experience in assembly manufacturing, including assembly line optimization, ergonomics improvements, and safety-focused process design.
Project management skills for coordinating cross-functional teams and managing timelines related to production readiness and process changes.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information and collaborate effectively across functions.
Effective decision-making and problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced production environment.
Proven teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with operations, engineering, and materials teams.
Leadership capability to provide guidance, coaching, and technical direction to other engineers and production personnel.
Customer-focused mindset, ensuring manufacturing processes support product quality, delivery, and overall operational performance.
Continuous improvement mindset, with a track record of identifying and implementing process enhancements.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Associate's degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology combined with a minimum of 8 years of manufacturing experience with a focus on engineering and production.
Experience in automotive, heavy equipment, aerospace, truck and bus manufacturing, or other high-volume assembly environments.
Experience in labor planning, line balancing, and detailed time study analysis within a production facility.
Experience leading Kaizen initiatives and other structured continuous improvement activities.
Familiarity with production performance measurement and implementation of standardized work.
Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams during new product introductions and engineering change projects.
Strong customer focus and ability to align manufacturing processes with business and operational objectives.
Demonstrated ability to optimize manpower, material flow, and assembly configuration to improve overall plant performance.
Work Environment
This role is based onsite at a production plant in a high-volume manufacturing environment. The engineer works closely with shop-floor operations, spending significant time in assembly areas, around tooling, equipment, and production lines. The work environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative, requiring frequent interaction with engineering, materials, and operations teams to support production readiness and daily performance. Safety, ergonomics, and organized workspaces are central to the facility culture, with continuous improvement and lean practices actively applied throughout the plant
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Dublin, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $47.50/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 Dublin,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 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.
