Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer (Entry-Level)Job Description

This entry-level Manufacturing Engineer role supports continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced, high-volume food manufacturing environment. You will focus on enhancing production efficiency, improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing downtime, and optimizing processes across multiple production lines. This position is ideal for a hands-on engineer who enjoys being on the manufacturing floor, analyzing production data, solving problems, and collaborating closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production data, key performance indicators (KPIs), and OEE metrics to identify opportunities for improvement across multiple production lines.

• Support continuous improvement projects aimed at increasing throughput, reducing waste, and improving equipment reliability.

• Conduct root cause analysis for production issues, using methods such as 5 Why and Fishbone, and implement effective corrective actions.

• Partner with maintenance and operations teams to improve equipment performance, process stability, and overall line efficiency.

• Assist with line optimization, process standardization, and workflow improvements to support consistent and reliable production.

• Develop, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and other process documentation.

• Monitor production trends and recommend improvements related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

• Support and participate in lean manufacturing initiatives, including 5S, kaizen events, and waste reduction projects.

• Participate in capital improvement and equipment installation projects to support new or upgraded manufacturing capabilities.

• Work directly on the manufacturing floor to troubleshoot production challenges and implement practical, data-driven solutions.

• Assist in conducting time studies, capacity analysis, and process mapping activities to understand and improve manufacturing processes.

• Track, report, and communicate KPI performance and the impact of implemented improvements to stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Foundational knowledge of manufacturing engineering principles and manufacturing processes.

• Experience or coursework in process improvement and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Ability to perform OEE analysis and interpret manufacturing metrics to drive decisions.

• Hands-on experience or training in root cause analysis techniques such as 5 Why and Fishbone diagrams.

• Understanding of lean manufacturing concepts, including 5S, kaizen, and waste reduction.

• Ability to support process optimization efforts to improve throughput, quality, and reliability.

• Skill in KPI tracking and reporting to monitor performance and improvement results.

• Basic equipment troubleshooting skills within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience or ability to develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.

• Strong data analysis skills to evaluate production performance and identify trends.

• Interest or experience in manufacturing operations, including exposure to production floor activities.

• Suitability for recent engineering graduates or candidates with manufacturing engineering internship experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to continuous improvement projects in an academic, internship, or prior work setting.

• Familiarity with OEE, manufacturing metrics, and KPI dashboards.

• Experience supporting lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S and kaizen events.

• Background in root cause failure analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

• Interest in career growth toward Process Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Operations Leadership, or Project Engineering roles.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with operations, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams.

• Ability to work independently on the manufacturing floor while contributing to cross-functional project teams.

• Motivation to gain significant hands-on engineering experience in a production environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced, high-volume food manufacturing facility where engineers spend the majority of their time on the production floor rather than behind a desk. The position supports off-shift operations with 2nd shift hours from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and 3rd shift hours from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. You will work closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams in a collaborative environment that emphasizes continuous improvement and hands-on problem solving. The facility provides direct exposure to large-scale food manufacturing operations, significant floor presence, and strong mentorship from experienced engineering and operations leaders, along with a clear pathway for growth into advanced engineering and leadership roles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Burlington, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50000.00 - $65000.00/yr.

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.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance options Health Savings Account (HSA) eligible medical plans Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Burlington,NC.

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.