Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

This Manufacturing Engineer role leads end-to-end manufacturing projects, driving process improvements, capital equipment implementations, and documentation updates to enhance production efficiency, quality, and safety. The position focuses on optimizing manufacturing processes through Lean methodologies, supporting new equipment justification and deployment, and providing technical leadership to a small team of manufacturing engineering technicians.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing projects from initiation through completion, including developing detailed project plans, managing budgets, and ensuring all deadlines and milestones are met.

• Facilitate process improvements using Lean manufacturing tools such as 5S to optimize production layouts, improve material flow, and reduce waste.

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes and recommend changes that improve efficiency, throughput, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Support capital expenditure (CAPEX) requests by preparing technical and financial justifications for new equipment and overseeing implementation into production.

• Design and develop production fixtures and tooling that support manufacturing operations, improve product quality, and enhance operator safety and ergonomics.

• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues on the production floor, identify root causes using structured root cause analysis (RCCA), and implement effective, long-term corrective actions.

• Manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), ensuring changes are properly evaluated, documented, approved, and communicated across relevant teams.

• Review, create, and update manufacturing documentation, including work instructions and process specifications, to reflect current best practices and standards.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as production, quality, and supply chain to ensure smooth introduction of new products, processes, and equipment.

• Provide guidance, technical direction, and mentorship to a small team of manufacturing engineering technicians, supporting their development and ensuring alignment with project goals.

• Use CAD software, preferably SolidWorks, to model fixtures, tools, and equipment layouts that support efficient and safe manufacturing processes.

• Utilize MRP/ERP systems to support manufacturing planning, material requirements, and process control.

• Monitor key performance indicators related to manufacturing performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives based on data and analysis.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in manufacturing engineering, with a strong focus on production processes and continuous improvement.

• Demonstrated ability to lead manufacturing projects, including project planning, budgeting, and schedule management.

• Hands-on experience with process improvement and process engineering in a manufacturing environment.

• Solid understanding and practical application of Lean manufacturing principles and tools, including methodologies such as 5S.

• Proficiency with CAD software, with SolidWorks experience strongly preferred.

• Experience creating, reviewing, and maintaining manufacturing documentation, including detailed work instructions.

• Ability to support and manage capital equipment projects, including CAPEX justification and implementation.

• Experience working with MRP/ERP systems to support manufacturing operations and planning.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a closely related field.

• Approximately 5 or more years of experience in manufacturing is preferred, with a track record of delivering measurable improvements.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with root cause analysis (RCCA) and corrective action implementation.

• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and to mentor engineering technicians.

• Organized and detail-oriented approach to managing Engineering Change Orders and documentation updates.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience optimizing manufacturing layouts to improve material flow, reduce waste, and enhance operator efficiency.

• Experience in designing and developing production fixtures and tooling to support quality and productivity goals.

• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies beyond 5S, such as standard work and visual management.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications and translate them into practical manufacturing processes.

• Experience working in environments that emphasize safety, quality, and lean operations.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide technical staff, fostering a collaborative and improvement-focused culture.

Work Environment

The role operates in a manufacturing environment where the Manufacturing Engineer spends time both in an office setting for project planning, design work, and documentation, and on the production floor observing processes, troubleshooting issues, and supporting operators and technicians. Work typically involves using CAD tools such as SolidWorks, working within MRP/ERP systems, and collaborating closely with production, quality, and engineering teams. The environment emphasizes Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and safe, efficient operations, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and cross-functional teamwork.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Maple Grove, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $105000.00/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 plans along with flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability benefits, critical illness, accident insurance and life insurance. A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan both include a company match. Other supplemental benefits may include tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back-up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well-being program, and/or legal & identity theft protection.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Maple Grove,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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.