Job Description: Manufacturing Engineer
The Manufacturing Engineer develops and optimizes manufacturing processes, creating clear instructions and documentation that support efficient production on the shop floor. This role splits time between office-based engineering work and hands-on activities in the manufacturing area, focusing on process design, routing creation, and continuous improvement to reduce cost and improve quality.
Responsibilities
Create detailed manufacturing and assembly instructions, including MIS work instructions, to guide production personnel through each step of the process.
Develop routings that define how each part is manufactured, specifying the sequence of operations and documenting the process flow from start to finish.
Produce process drawings for each operation in the routing, using Creo Parametric to model parts and create accurate, clear engineering drawings.
Design and model parts and generate new drawings, then translate these into robust process plans that can be executed on the shop floor.
Work approximately half the time in the office and half on the shop floor, collaborating directly with manufacturing personnel to solve problems and improve processes.
Observe and document production processes on the shop floor, including taking photos and writing step-by-step instructions to ensure repeatable and consistent manufacturing methods.
Identify and implement new or alternative manufacturing methods, such as using EDM processes to reduce cost compared to traditional lathes and machining centers.
Determine fixture and tooling requirements for each operation, including tool selection, to support efficient machining and assembly.
Apply GD&T principles to drawings and inspection documentation to ensure parts meet dimensional and tolerance requirements.
Support machining operations involving lathes, mills, grinders, EDM, and CNC equipment by providing accurate routings, drawings, and technical guidance.
Collaborate with production and quality teams to address manufacturing issues, refine processes, and enhance overall product quality and throughput.
Essential Skills
Experience as a manufacturing engineer or in a closely related manufacturing engineering role.
Hands-on experience creating routings and process drawings for manufacturing operations.
Proficiency with CAD tools for 2D and 3D modeling and drafting, with Creo Parametric experience strongly preferred.
Understanding of machining processes, including lathes, mills, grinders, EDM, and CNC equipment.
Ability to determine fixture and tooling requirements and make appropriate tool selection for various machining operations.
Working knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and its application to drawings and inspection.
BS in Engineering with approximately 15 years of relevant experience, or at least 3+ years of manufacturing experience without a degree.
Previous manufacturing experience in a production environment, with exposure to running machines and supporting shop floor operations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Creo, Pro/E (Pro-Engineer), or SolidWorks for part modeling and drawing creation.
Experience in process engineering, including documenting and optimizing manufacturing processes.
Experience with inspection equipment and applying GD&T in quality control @contexts.
Comfort working in both office and shop floor environments, adapting communication style to engineers, machinists, and other production personnel.
Ability to capture process steps visually and in writing, including taking photos and creating clear, user-friendly instructions.
Interest in cost reduction and process improvement, including evaluating alternative manufacturing methods such as EDM versus traditional machining.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Rockford, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $47.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Rockford, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Rockford,IL.
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.
