Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob Description
We are seeking a dedicated Manufacturing Project Engineer to contribute to our facility expansion, equipment implementation, and process improvements within a dynamic manufacturing environment. This position is perfect for individuals who thrive in hands-on roles and enjoy being actively involved in production floor operations. The engineer will play a pivotal role in supporting major facility build-out projects, upgrading equipment, and driving automation initiatives. Ideal candidates are technically adept, self-directed, and comfortable managing project responsibilities while engaging in hands-on troubleshooting.
Responsibilities
Lead equipment selection, specification, and implementation activities for manufacturing operations.
Develop equipment requirements and evaluate supplier proposals for technical and operational fit.
Support equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and performance verification.
Coordinate capital equipment projects from planning through production launch.
Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT) and equipment validation activities.
Serve as the engineering point of contact for facility expansion and renovation projects.
Coordinate with contractors, equipment suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure project milestones are achieved.
Review facility layouts, equipment placement, and utility requirements.
Support vendor selection and procurement efforts related to manufacturing operations and facility infrastructure.
Troubleshoot equipment, process, and production issues in a hands-on environment.
Work directly with operators and production personnel to resolve technical problems.
Support automation systems, PLCs, HMIs, and manufacturing controls.
Drive corrective actions and root cause investigations for recurring equipment or process issues.
Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
Lead process improvement initiatives and implement sustainable solutions.
Partner with production teams to optimize manufacturing workflows.
Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement efforts while maintaining engineering documentation, SOPs, work instructions, and technical reports.
Support equipment qualification, validation, and process documentation activities.
Assist with engineering change requests and implementation activities.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent combination of technical education and manufacturing experience.
5+ years of manufacturing engineering, project engineering, or production engineering experience.
Experience leading equipment installation, process improvement, or capital projects within a manufacturing environment.
Strong troubleshooting skills with manufacturing equipment and production processes.
Experience working directly on the production floor with operations personnel.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with PLCs, HMIs, automation systems, or industrial controls.
Experience in regulated manufacturing environments such as medical device, pharmaceutical, food, consumer products, or related industries.
Exposure to qualification and validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ).
Familiarity with FMEA, risk assessments, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
Experience supporting facility expansions, plant startups, or manufacturing build-outs.
Work Environment
The work environment is dynamic and hands-on, requiring frequent interaction with the production floor. Engineers will engage with operators, contractors, and leadership to drive project success and operational improvements. The role involves troubleshooting equipment and processes, supporting automation systems, and implementing process improvements. The position demands a proactive, self-starting individual who enjoys problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Morton Grove, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $70.00/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 to Hire position based out of Morton Grove, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Morton Grove,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.
