Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer leads and supports the implementation, optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes within a high-volume production facility. This role evaluates and establishes manpower levels and workforce placement, develops and maintains process methods and standards, and delivers hands-on technical engineering support on the shop floor. The engineer ensures effective implementation of process changes to achieve daily manufacturing goals, enhance operational efficiency, and improve overall production performance while driving a strong focus on safety, ergonomics, and quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support new process trials to validate manufacturability, capability, and stability of production processes.

• Provide day-to-day engineering support for current production to maintain stable, efficient manufacturing operations and resolve technical issues.

• Establish and maintain optimal production methods, standards, tooling, and equipment for assigned products and processes.

• Drive manufacturing safety and ergonomics improvements through thoughtful process design, equipment changes, and continuous safety initiatives.

• Collaborate with Materials and cross-functional teams to optimize material flow, organization, and placement using Lean principles.

• Coordinate the implementation of new products and engineering changes, ensuring balanced work content, accurate timing, and appropriate manpower requirements.

• Partner with Engineering and Materials teams to conduct manufacturing design reviews and support process development, prototype builds, and launch readiness activities.

• Identify, implement, and standardize process improvements using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve quality, cost, and delivery performance.

• Analyze assembly operations using data-driven methods, time studies, and line balancing to drive continuous improvement and eliminate waste.

• Develop and maintain accurate production standards using predetermined time systems such as MOST or equivalent methods.

• Ensure adherence to engineering standards, plant procedures, and compliance requirements across all assigned 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 Manufacturing Engineers and other team members to support their development.

• Lead and execute engineering programs within the assigned area to meet production timing, launch milestones, and business objectives.

• Interface and collaborate closely with plant personnel, including operators and supervisors, to achieve production targets, manpower balance, and operational goals.

• Work directly on the production floor with operators to understand current processes, gather feedback, and implement practical process improvements.

• Conduct detailed time studies and line balancing activities to ensure efficient utilization of resources and smooth workflow.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, quality, safety, and cost, and document resulting process changes and standards.

Essential Skills

• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical information to cross-functional teams and shop-floor personnel.

• Proven decision-making ability to evaluate options, assess risks, and implement effective process solutions.

• Advanced problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and structured troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrated customer focus, ensuring that process improvements support internal and external customer requirements.

• Effective teamwork skills with experience collaborating across Engineering, Materials, Production, and other functional areas.

• Hands-on experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and tools applied in a production setting.

• Practical experience in manufacturing engineering or industrial engineering, including process design and optimization.

• Experience conducting time studies to establish and refine production standards.

• Experience with line balancing to distribute work content efficiently across workstations.

• Proven ability to work directly with operators on the floor to understand processes and implement improvements.

• Demonstrated track record of driving process improvements that enhance safety, quality, cost, and delivery.

• Ability to develop, document, and maintain process methods and standards in a structured manner.

• Minimum of 4 years of manufacturing experience with a focus on engineering and production with a bachelors degree, or a minimum of 8 years with an associate degree, as outlined in the qualification pathways.

• Bachelors Degree in Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Mechanical Engineering (Path A) or Associates Degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology (Path B).

• Minimum of 2 years of Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering experience with direct involvement in process improvement, time studies, and line balancing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Mechanical) is strongly preferred.

• Associates Degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology is acceptable with extended manufacturing experience.

• Minimum 4 years of manufacturing experience with a focus on engineering and production for candidates with a bachelors degree (Path A).

• Minimum 8 years of manufacturing experience with a focus on engineering and production for candidates with an associate degree (Path B).

• Experience in industrial engineering and manufacturing engineering, including workflow analysis and layout optimization.

• Experience with continuous improvement initiatives in a production environment.

• Familiarity with predetermined time systems such as MOST or similar methods for setting production standards.

• Applied knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and process improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma.

• Experience supporting new product introductions and engineering changes in a manufacturing setting.

• Ability to lead and mentor other engineers, sharing best practices and supporting skill development.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and multiple concurrent projects.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret production data and translate findings into actionable improvements.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily within a manufacturing plant environment that includes active production lines, assembly operations, and material handling areas. The position requires frequent presence on the shop floor, close collaboration with operators, and hands-on engagement with equipment, tooling, and production processes. The engineer works closely with cross-functional teams in both office and production areas, using standard engineering tools, data analysis methods, and Lean manufacturing techniques to support process development and continuous improvement. The work involves balancing desk-based analysis and documentation with floor-based observation, time studies, and direct problem-solving in real time. Standard full-time hours are expected, with flexibility to support production schedules, program launches, and critical process changes as needed. The environment emphasizes safety, ergonomics, and teamwork, with a culture focused on continuous improvement, operational excellence, and collaborative achievement of production goals.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Dublin, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Dublin,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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 [email protected] 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.